GrowSF Talent: Why we’re doing it, and why it matters

On March 15, 2025 we quietly launched what will become one of our most important initiatives: GrowSF Talent.

San Francisco has a big influence on national politics: think Nancy Pelosi, Dianne Feinstein, Gavin Newsom, and Kamala Harris to name a few (and who could forget the boogeyman of “San Francisco values”?) But despite this importance, there aren’t any programs to identify and cultivate the next generation of elected talent in San Francisco.

GrowSF started as just a useful, well-researched voter guide. But over the last four years we realized that a great voter guide doesn’t mean much if we don’t have great candidates for every position. Now we’ll find the very best people to run for elected office, and give them the tools they need to be successful - including first and foremost, talented campaign staff.

If you want to run for office - next year or even 10 years from now, talk to us.

With the recent change in San Francisco’s Mayoral Administration, we realized the opportunity - rather, the imperative - is even larger.

For the first time in decades, a self-described “outsider” was voted into City Hall. Mayor Lurie ran on a platform of accountability, service, and change that resonated with voters. We can’t blame them for feeling like these values have been missing from City Hall for some time.

Look a few miles south and you’ll see more seeds of change - Mayor Mahan is leading San Jose with a refreshing orientation towards outcomes.

Nationally, the focus is on government reform. You don’t have to be from any specific party to realize that our government, from federal to state to local, isn’t working the way voters want it to. There’s simply too much red tape to do anything.

Democrats in particular are clambering to build back trust with voters by showing they can govern their cities. This requires a change in culture from “trust the process” to a focus on outcomes, and that requires changes in local leadership, like the one in ours.

But we don’t just need fresh blood in City Halls. Our city, in particular, is full of smart, diverse, engaged citizens who all want to get better results. We need to dramatically lower the barriers for them to make an impact. And that’s why GrowSF Talent matters.

Over the next 5, 10, and even 30 years, GrowSF Talent will identify, recruit, train, staff, and support the next generation of leaders. From part-time work on Commissions or Task Forces, to full time roles running campaigns or working for an elected official, and even running for office - we will find the right people for the job.

But we can’t do that without you. A great way to get started is to join a Commission, Board, or Task Force. We built the city’s only searchable list of every Commission, so if you find one you are interested in, apply to join GrowSF Talent! Most commissions, boards, or task forces only require a few hours per month.

GrowSF Talent will work to find and support the next generation of political leaders. And we’ll find ways to make it easier for San Franciscans to have an impact. Because we all can be part of changing San Francisco for the better. Join us.