Image credit: Airbnb
Chesky has committed $100 million of his personal funds to build and improve parks across San Francisco, where Airbnb began in 2007. The exchange followed Chesky’s announcement with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie at Golden Gate Park, linking the donation to the city Airbnb continues to call home. An initial $39 million will help advance five projects covering 24 acres across San Francisco. These include new public spaces and improvements to existing parks and recreation facilities. In SoMa West, Rachele Sullivan Park is expected to be ready in late 2028, rather than 2031. Upgrades to Garfield Square Park and Recreation Center in the Mission are scheduled for completion in mid-2028, while India Basin Waterfront Park in Bayview is expected to be completed in early 2028. A full renovation of Jackson Playground in Potrero Hill is scheduled to begin in late 2027. A five-acre waterfront park at Embarcadero Park is also expected to be ready in late 2027. The remaining $61 million will support projects that the Recreation and Park Department identifies over the next year. I’m grateful to Mayor Lurie for his leadership, and proud to support the city we call home.” Airbnb said the projects would give more than one in 10 San Francisco residents, including 20,000 children and seniors, an improved park within half a mile of their homes.
The funding will cover construction and improvement costs, alongside five years of maintenance and programming, giving the city time to establish ongoing funding sources. Chesky connected the contribution to his belief that shared public spaces help bring residents together, according to Airbnb. He said, “Since Mayor Lurie took office, we’ve talked about how we can make a meaningful difference for the people who live here. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky’s latest parks donation has drawn Jack Dorsey’s praise. In a recent announcement, the company described the contribution as the largest single-donor gift to the city. The funding will accelerate five park projects, with more to be selected over the coming year. Airbnb’s announcement. Responding on X, Block CEO Jack Dorsey wrote: “The investment in San Francisco parks by @bchesky is pure excellence. Thank you, Brian! Chesky replied: “Thanks, Jack! I’ve always believed in the power of bringing people together, and parks are where a city meets. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.