San Francisco Sun

The Controller’s recently completed audit of an Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII) grant agreement with The Mexican Museum has raised serious concerns about the museum's ability to open its new space at 706 Mission Street in SoMa to the public by its target date of 2025.

The audit highlighted various issues, including financial challenges and mismanagement of funds. According to Controller Greg Wagner, the Museum lacks a significant portion of the funds required for the project, with only 2% of the necessary capital raised by December 2022. Additionally, the Museum has failed to meet renovation deadlines and has spent grant money on ineligible or questionable expenses, as noted by the audit.

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin emphasized the importance of addressing the project's stagnation, stating, "it’s time for this project to move forward or for the City to find another steward." Peskin highlighted the cultural significance of the Museum and its impact on the community, calling for decisive action to ensure it benefits San Francisco taxpayers and the arts community.

In response to the audit findings, the Controller's Office has recommended that the Museum establish achievable fundraising goals and develop a detailed plan outlining how it will complete the build-out of the premises. The plan should include a realistic schedule with specific milestones to indicate when the space will be ready for public access.

If the City determines that the project is no longer feasible, the City's Real Estate Division, as the Museum's landlord, will need to explore alternative uses for the space. The audit results underscore the need for effective management and financial stewardship to bring the Museum's expansion project to fruition and uphold its commitment to promoting Mexican, Chicano, Hispanic, Mexican-American, and Latino experiences.