Airbnb’s Brian Chesky is giving $100 million to San Francisco—its largest single-donor gift ever—and the mayor wants others to follow

Detailed summary

The Airbnb cofounder’s gift will speed up five park projects across the city as Mayor Daniel Lurie increasingly turns to private wealth to fund civic priorities.

Airbnb cofounder and CEO Brian Chesky is giving $100 million to San Francisco’s parks, a gift the city says is its largest it has ever received from a single donor.

And Mayor Daniel Lurie is hoping it won’t be the last it sees from wealthy private donors.

“To every leader who sees what Brian has done today: Our city is coming back, and you also have an opportunity not to watch from the sidelines but to be part of it,” Lurie said in a statement after announcing the donation Monday at a press event in Golden Gate Park.

Chesky cofounded Airbnb in San Francisco nearly two decades ago, and he told the San Francisco Chronicle that the company’s success is what drove him to give back.

“A lot of my success I feel like I could attribute to the magic that is San Francisco—the community, the incredible people here,” Chesky said. Airbnb has grown to have a $110 billion market cap, employ more than 8,000 people, and have more than 9 million active listings worldwide. Chesky’s net worth is currently estimated at $13.4 billion.

His gift will be delivered in two phases, according to the city. The first $39 million will go toward five projects in SoMa, the Mission, Bayview-Hunters Point, Potrero Hill, and the downtown waterfront. The Recreation and Park Department (RPD) will spend the next year deciding how to use the remaining $61 million.

“This is a game-changing investment in San Francisco’s parks and people,” RPD General Manager Sarah Madland said in a statement. “It means long-awaited park projects move forward, more spaces for children and families to play, and stronger, more connected neighborhoods.”

Some major changes will come in western SoMa, an area the city describes as broadly lacking open space. Rachele Sullivan Park, a half-acre site on 11th Street, will now open in late 2028 instead of 2031, with a half-basketball court, a fitness area, a children’s play area, and shaded seating.

“Parks are where a city meets,” Chesky said in a statement.

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