The head of a prominent San Francisco parks nonprofit has quietly resigned amid growing concerns over financial mismanagement and ethical lapses. The San Francisco Parks Alliance, a key partner to the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, has faced increasing scrutiny following a series of investigative reports and audits.
In 2021, a city audit revealed that the Parks Alliance had managed a $1 million off-the-books fund, which federal prosecutors later identified as a “slush fund” used by former Public Works director Mohammed Nuru. The fund was allegedly used to pay for employee parties, gift bags, and other personal expenses, raising serious questions about the nonprofit’s financial practices citeturn0search3.
Further investigations uncovered that charitable donations, intended for scholarships, were diverted to cover costs for staff retreats and events. Documents showed that thousands of dollars raised by the Parks Alliance scholarship fund were used for city Recreation and Parks staff retreats, rather than the intended educational purposes citeturn0search6.
These revelations have led to a broader examination of the nonprofit’s operations and its relationship with city departments. City officials have expressed concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in the management of public and charitable funds.
The resignation of the nonprofit’s head comes at a time when public trust in city-affiliated organizations is at a low point. The Parks Alliance’s involvement in the corruption scandal has prompted calls for stricter oversight and reform of nonprofit partnerships with city agencies.
As investigations continue, the future of the San Francisco Parks Alliance remains uncertain. The city is considering measures to ensure that such financial mismanagement does not recur, including potential changes to how nonprofit partnerships are structured and monitored.
The resignation serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and integrity in the stewardship of public and charitable resources. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust and ensuring that funds are used for their intended purposes.