Tech CEO Garry Tan Alleges 48 Hills is "Dishonest Media" Supporting "NIMBY Graft" in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA – Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator and a prominent figure in San Francisco's tech and political landscape, has publicly accused the local progressive news outlet 48 Hills of being "dishonest media" that supports "illegal NIMBY graft." In a recent tweet, Tan asserted that the publication's agenda aims "to ruin San Francisco by making it utterly ineffective, never build housing, totally unsafe and have zero state capacity." He further claimed that 48 Hills is "hardly independent and are deeply biased," specifically citing funding from Tides and TODCO.

Tan's strong remarks are part of an ongoing and often contentious debate over San Francisco's urban development, housing policies, and political direction. His previous public statements have drawn significant attention, including a controversial "die slow" tweet directed at several city supervisors in early 2024, which he later apologized for. Tan, who describes himself as a moderate Democrat, has actively supported political candidates and causes aligned with increasing housing, public safety, and educational reform in the city.

48 Hills, founded by veteran journalist Tim Redmond, positions itself as a progressive voice in Bay Area news, focusing on local politics, social justice, and environmental issues. The publication has frequently criticized what it views as the undue influence of tech money in San Francisco politics and has often taken stances that align with stricter regulations on development and protections for existing communities. Their editorial line often contrasts sharply with the pro-growth and pro-development views espoused by figures like Tan.

The funding sources mentioned in Tan's tweet, Tides Foundation and TODCO (Tenants and Owners Development Corporation), are indeed connected to 48 Hills. Tides Foundation is described as a "left-leaning donor-advised fund" that supports various progressive causes and organizations through grants and fiscal sponsorships. TODCO is a non-profit community development corporation in San Francisco, actively involved in building and advocating for affordable housing and community stabilization in the South of Market neighborhood. Their advocacy efforts often involve pushing for policies that prioritize community needs and affordability, which can sometimes place them in opposition to market-rate development initiatives.

This public exchange between a leading tech investor and a prominent progressive media outlet underscores the deep ideological divides shaping San Francisco's future. The accusations of "dishonest media" and "illegal graft" highlight the intensity of the political discourse surrounding housing, urban planning, and the influence of money in local governance. The ongoing conflict reflects broader tensions between different visions for the city's development and character.