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

A San Francisco tax official improperly influenced a $10 million contract award to Mechanical Orchard, a company with which the official had personal relationships, according to a June 2026 audit. Standard conflict-of-interest rules should have removed the official from the decision. The audit followed reporting by the SF Standard. Whether the city will pursue disciplinary action, contract review, or law enforcement referral remains unclear.