San Francisco's new mayor, Daniel Lurie, is a wealthy philanthropist and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune. His rise to power has inspired optimism but also raised questions about whether a political neophyte with immense wealth can effectively run the city. Lurie's approach to his new job, which involves tapping benefactors and hiring aides from the business world, has skeptics concerned that the rich will have too much influence. However, Lurie and his supporters argue that his wealth means he owes no favors and can focus on serving the taxpayers and residents. The families behind the Levi Strauss fortune have long been pillars of Bay Area philanthropy, funding various institutions and projects in the region.