San Francisco Tax Official Steered $10 Million Contract to Vendor with Personal Ties

A San Francisco tax official improperly participated in contracting decisions directing a $10 million contract to Mechanical Orchard, a company with which the official had personal relationships, according to an audit released in June 2026. The official should have been recused under standard conflict-of-interest rules. The audit was partly triggered by reporting from the SF Standard. What remains unclear: whether the city will pursue disciplinary action, contract review, or referral to law enforcement.