🧵 With many of the Valley’s richest companies fleeing the Bay mid-pandemic, I feel compelled to speak out. There’s no question that California is imperfect. The cost of living, taxes and policies, among other things, make it difficult for lots of people to succeed here. (1/9)
I fully understand, respect & support the desire to seek out more affordable locations when the opportunity presents itself. People need to do what’s best for them, their family and well-being & I respect those decisions. (2/9)
What I take issue with is our leaders—people of means— abandoning our community when it needs us most. Reaping the benefits of Silicon Valley’s talent, tech incubators, mentors, professional network, and culture until they no longer need it. (3/9)
This community has bred and cultivated some of the most successful and innovative companies in the world. And to be frank, it made a lot of business leaders extraordinarily wealthy. If you reaped the benefit, pay your taxes! (4/9)
(By the way, Austin is awesome. I just hope you don’t abandon them too when its convenient.)
What San Francisco needs now as small businesses are desperate for a lifeline, average Americans are food insecure, workers are losing their jobs, homes and loved ones to this nasty virus and shelters and hospitals are overrun is for tech leaders to step up and give back. (5/9)
To commit to helping our community not only get through this pandemic but to emerge stronger, more equitable, and more sustainable for all. Give more than you take from this community. (6/9)
I’m asking my colleagues, friends and fellow CEOs to #committothebay. Pledge to stay and rebuild what has given so much to us. This is what it means to be a part of a community. @twilio isn’t going anywhere. (7/9)
I’m investing in San Francisco. My wife & I were among the first to support Give2SF, the city's COVID relief fund. We have committed $8M this year for Help Kitchen (helpkitchen.org) to connect the food insecure with meals from local restaurants. (8/9)
We have the opportunity to build a better, more equitable place to live and work. To become stronger as a result. #committothebay #webuild (9/9)
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