Google co-founder Sergey Brin donated $500,000 to a group opposing San Francisco's Measure D, a proposed tax targeting companies with executives paid over 100 times the median employee salary [1, 2]. The donation was publicly disclosed in California political filings on May 20, 2026 [2].
Measure D would increase the city's gross receipts and payroll-related tax rates on businesses whose top executive salaries exceed this pay ratio. It is expected to raise San Francisco revenues by $250 million to $300 million annually after implementation in 2027 [2].
Brin, with an estimated net worth of $304.5 billion, has spent more than $60 million this year opposing progressive tax policies in California, including a billionaire wealth tax and Measure D [1, 2]. He formed the nonprofit Compass4 to manage some of his political contributions, which includes funding efforts against the measure [2].
Opponents of Measure D, including Brin and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, warn it could drive large employers and startups away. Lurie said the proposal "will cause large employers to leave San Francisco and prevent new businesses from moving in" [2].
Supporters such as unions and progressive politicians, including Bernie Sanders and Nancy Pelosi, argue the tax will reduce wealth inequality. Sanders described Measure D as a policy that will "force large companies to pay their fair share and help address growing wealth inequality" [2].
San Francisco voters will decide on Measure D in a public election on June 2, 2026 [2]. The vote will determine whether the city moves forward with the tax aimed at curbing executive pay disparities.
The coming weeks will see a final push from both supporters and opponents ahead of the vote that could reshape tax policy for businesses in San Francisco.
