Airbnb CEO pledges $100M donation for San Francisco parks

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has committed to donating $100 million to San Francisco’s parks, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced Monday. According to the mayor’s office, the funding “constitutes the largest-ever single-donor gift to the city.”

An initial $39 million of Chesky’s gift will be used to complete, renovate or expand services at five designated parks:

• Funds will allow for Rachele Sullivan Park in the western South of Market neighborhood to begin construction, with an opening date moving up to 2028 rather than 2031.
• Garfield Square Park and Recreation Center in the Mission District will expand pool hours and add Sunday service. The playground will be resurfaced.
• India Basin Waterfront Park in Bayview-Hunters Point will have a funding gap closed to complete a gravel beach, boathouse, playground and basketball courts.
• Jackson Playground in Potrero Hill will be completely renovated, with the historic clubhouse moved, restored and expanded.
• Funds will also support building the new waterfront park along the Embarcadero, at the site of the former Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park.

The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department will spend the next year identifying additional projects to use the remaining $61 million, city officials said.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky speaks at a news conference on Nov. 9, 2026, announcing his $100 million commitment to the city's parks. (San Francisco Mayor's Office)

At a news conference Monday announcing the nine-figure commitment, Chesky said, “I think with the rise of social media and the rise of us spending more time on devices, one of my concerns is people not spending enough time in the real world, with real people.”

“Of course, they need places to do that. And a free place that’s accessible to all are parks,” continued the CEO, who moved to San Francisco in 2007 and cofounded Airbnb in SoMa.

Sarah Madland, the city parks department general manager, called the investment “game changing” in being able to move long-awaited park projects forward.

“I do think a lot of other leaders in the city have a great admiration for the mayor, for what’s happening, and I do expect others to follow this lead,” said Chesky.