City to Subpoena Developer Nick Podell Over $500K Pledge

Podell allegedly failed to fulfill an economic commitment made in 2016 to secure permits for a market-rate project.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The city attorney's office will issue a subpoena to developer Nick Podell to attend a city hearing and respond to allegations that he failed to fulfill a $500,000 economic commitment made in 2016 while securing permits to build the Madelon, a luxury apartment complex at 2000 Bryant St. The subpoena follows a request from District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder to the Government Audit and Oversight Committee.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between developers and community groups in San Francisco over economic commitments and the use of public land. The dispute raises questions about developer accountability and the city's ability to enforce such pledges.

The details

In 2016, Podell's lawyer committed $500,000 for a community art space as part of the development deal for the Madelon project. The art space is now occupied by Cultura y Arte Nativa de las Americas (CANA), but the work was not completed until October 2024. The city and community groups have been trying to collect the $500,000 from Podell since 2021, but he has not fulfilled the pledge.

  • In September 2016, Podell's lawyer committed $500,000 for a community art space.
  • The art space was completed in October 2024.
  • In 2021, community groups began attempting to collect the $500,000 from Podell.
  • On February 19, 2026, Podell is expected to appear before the Government Audit and Oversight Committee.

The players

Nick Podell

A local developer who allegedly failed to fulfill a $500,000 economic commitment made in 2016 to secure permits for a market-rate project.

Jackie Fielder

The District 9 Supervisor who requested the subpoena for Podell to appear before the Government Audit and Oversight Committee.

Cultura y Arte Nativa de las Americas (CANA)

The community art space that now occupies the 10,000-square-foot space that Podell's $500,000 pledge was intended to fund.

Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA)

A nonprofit housing developer that has been trying to collect the $500,000 pledge from Podell since 2021.

Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC)

A nonprofit housing developer that has been working with MEDA to collect the $500,000 pledge from Podell.

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What they’re saying

“We're just a small family business. Why are the small businesses funding this big developer? It just doesn't seem fair.”

— Susan Heller, Owner, H.Y. Floor & Gameline Painting, Inc. (missionlocal.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 19, 2026 whether or not to compel Nick Podell to appear before the Government Audit and Oversight Committee.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between developers and community groups in San Francisco over economic commitments and the use of public land. It raises questions about developer accountability and the city's ability to enforce such pledges, as well as the impact on small businesses that may be left footing the bill for unmet developer promises.