How Tech Wields Its Power in San Francisco w/ Dean Preston
Sep 7, 2023
59:29
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Dean Preston, a tenant attorney and District 5 Supervisor in San Francisco, discusses the havoc robotaxis are wreaking, the impact of the tech industry on SF, skepticism among residents, democratic concerns, tech's influence on politics, success of lefty programs, and challenges posed by tech billionaires and disinformation.
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Quick takeaways
The testing and implementation of autonomous vehicles in San Francisco was undemocratically decided, raising concerns about safety and the power of the tech industry.
The tech industry's influence in San Francisco has contributed to social problems and inequalities, hindering effective solutions for housing, transit, and crime.
The tech industry engages in political activism and disinformation campaigns to shape policies and public opinion, but grassroots activism can challenge their power.
Deep dives
Undemocratic decision-making and the influence of tech industry in San Francisco
The testing and implementation of autonomous vehicles in San Francisco was not democratically decided, as there was no vote from the city or its elected representatives. Instead, the tech industry exerted its power and influence by lobbying state authorities, who pre-empted local regulations and allowed the expansion of autonomous vehicles on the city's streets. This undemocratic process has raised concerns among residents and local leaders, who question the safety and impact of these vehicles. Despite the limitations imposed by state law, local leaders have voiced opposition and called for stronger regulations. Activists have also taken direct action, such as placing cones on the vehicles to draw attention to the issue and challenge the power of the tech industry.
The wider impact of the tech industry in San Francisco
The podcast episode delves into the broader impact of the tech industry in San Francisco, highlighting the growing social problems and inequalities resulting from the industry's immense power and wealth. Despite being perceived as one of the wealthiest cities, San Francisco struggles with high housing costs, housing shortages, an ineffective public transit system, and rising crime rates. The tech industry's influence, coupled with the interests of property developers, has hindered the city's ability to address these issues effectively. The episode raises questions about the intentions of tech companies and whether their policies genuinely benefit the people of San Francisco or primarily serve corporate interests and the expansion of wealth and power.
Tech industry engagement in politics and disinformation tactics
The tech industry has become increasingly politically active and engaged in influencing policies and elections, both locally and nationally. Through substantial campaign funding, lobbying efforts, and the control of narratives through media outlets, they shape public opinion and try to advance their interests. The episode highlights how these efforts often involve disinformation campaigns and spin, where the tech industry advocates for policies that may contradict their actual intentions. It is argued that their focus on disinformation stems from a lack of confidence that their ideas and policies would resonate with the public. However, the episode emphasizes that despite their influence, there is still room for grassroots activism and challenging the power dynamics imposed by the tech industry.
Tech Industry's Strategy of Operating Outside Regulations
The tech industry, particularly companies like Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb, has a strategy of operating outside regulations and seeking forgiveness rather than permission. This approach allowed them to enter markets and disrupt existing industries without complying with regulations. For example, Uber and Lyft initially operated as ride-sharing services without adhering to the regulations imposed on traditional taxi companies. Similarly, Airbnb operated illegally by allowing individuals to rent out their residential units as tourist accommodations. These companies exploited the inefficiencies and problems in existing industries and sought to change laws to accommodate their business models.
Influence of Tech Industry in San Francisco Politics
The tech industry, with its immense wealth and power, has had a significant influence on the politics of San Francisco. Many tech billionaires and companies have aligned themselves with big financial interests, including real estate speculators and other long-standing corporations. They use their political connections, funding campaigns, and exerting influence to shape policies that benefit their own interests. These interests often prioritize their own profits over the needs of the general residents of the city. They resist progressive policies, taxation on the wealthy, and regulations that may impact their profits, while promoting narratives that blame left-leaning politicians and progressive solutions for the city's problems. However, during the pandemic, some progressive policies, such as socialized health care, banning evictions, investing in homeless solutions, and taxing the rich, showed positive effects, challenging the narratives propagated by the tech industry.
Paris Marx is joined by Dean Preston to discuss the havoc robotaxis are wreaking in San Francisco and the wider impacts the tech industry has had on the city.
Dean Preston is the District 5 Supervisor in San Francisco and the first democratic socialist elected in the city in 40 years. He’s also a tenant attorney and founder of Tenants Together. You can follow Dean on Twitter at @DeanPreston.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.
Paris interviewed one of the activists placing cones driverless cars to disable them and draw attention to the California Public Utilities Commission’s pro-corporate regulatory decisions.
In 2011, Twitter got a massive tax break to stay in San Francisco instead of moving its offices elsewhere in the Valley.
A ballot measure to increase the transfer tax on properties over $10 million won in 2020, despite industry opposition.
The campaign against progressive district attorney Chesa Boudin was bankrolled by tech and real estate money. Jacob Silverman put this into wider context in a piece about the rise in the political influence of David Sacks.
