Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, has significantly increased its lobbying efforts in San Francisco over the past five years. In 2025, Waymo registered more lobbyist contacts than any other firm in the city, with a total of 678 contacts—a 79 percent increase from the previous year.
The company’s expanded lobbying activity is notable as it now accounts for about one-sixth of all such contacts with city officials. Registered lobbyists in San Francisco are required to disclose communications with public officials and file reports detailing those activities and related payments.
While earlier lobbying focused on general mapping permits and operations, Waymo’s efforts in 2025 were primarily directed at gaining access to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Out of the total contacts that year, more than 70 percent involved airport officials or concerned the company’s mapping permit request for SFO. More than 410 contacts were reported with Mike Nakornkhet, the airport director. Additional contacts included meetings with San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Director Julie Kirschbaum, City Attorney David Chiu, and Mayor Daniel Lurie.
These efforts resulted in approval for Waymo to begin operating paid passenger service at SFO starting in January. Currently, only select customers can use this service; however, Waymo said it plans to expand access to all riders soon. The company also recorded 43 contacts regarding Market Street operations after being allowed onto part of the downtown corridor last year.
Despite increased activity, Waymo spent less on lobbying in San Francisco—$90,605 in 2025 compared to $129,659 in 2024—by relying more on in-house advisors rather than outside lobbyists. Other entities such as Teamsters Joint Council 7 and Recology spent more on lobbying during this period. A spokesperson for Waymo declined to comment on its increased lobbying activity.
