Adam Lashinsky

After nearly five months of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/02/21/daniel-lurie-sly-mayor-moves/">executive-directive promulgating</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/04/daniel-lurie-fentanyl-emergency-san-francisco-2/">collaborative legislating</a>, elaborate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/28/exclusive-inside-luries-100m-plan-to-get-private-donors-to-pay-for-homeless-beds/">policymaking</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJsWivKydRn/">all-around good-vibe generating</a>, Daniel Lurie arrives Friday at the most important day of his young mayoralty: the budget reaping.&nbsp;

Damn, Daniel: Lurie is getting the hang of being mayor, one sly move at a time

Daniel Lurie takes control of the fentanyl crisis. Now what?

Exclusive: Inside Lurie’s $100M plan to get private donors to pay for homeless beds

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After nearly five months of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/02/21/daniel-lurie-sly-mayor-moves/">executive-directive promulgating</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/04/daniel-lurie-fentanyl-emergency-san-francisco-2/">collaborative legislating</a>, elaborate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/28/exclusive-inside-luries-100m-plan-to-get-private-donors-to-pay-for-homeless-beds/">policymaking</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJsWivKydRn/">all-around good-vibe generating</a>, Daniel Lurie arrives Friday at the most important day of his young mayoralty: the budget reaping.&nbsp;

For his first budget for the city and county of San Francisco — the current one is just shy of $16 billion — Lurie may be forced to spend his considerable political capital by pissing off a number of important constituencies. Either that, or he’ll thread the needle of pleasing as many people as possible. A tough job, sure. It&#8217;s the one he asked for.

For his first budget for the city and county of San Francisco — the current one is just shy of $16 billion — Lurie may be forced to spend his considerable political capital by pissing off a number of important constituencies. Either that, or he’ll thread the needle of pleasing as many people as possible. A tough job, sure. It's the one he asked for.

For his first budget for the city and county of San Francisco — the current one is just shy of $16 billion — Lurie may be forced to spend his considerable political capital by pissing off a number of important constituencies. Either that, or he’ll thread the needle of pleasing as many people as possible. A tough job, sure. It&#8217;s the one he asked for.

That the budget will be balanced is not a subject of suspense — the city charter requires it. It’s how it gets balanced that matters. Past mayors have used all manner of accounting gimmicks to make the massive municipal ledger pencil out: liberal borrowing from reserve accounts, rosy assumptions about revenues yet to come, pushing out spending to future years, and so on.&nbsp;

That the budget will be balanced is not a subject of suspense — the city charter requires it. It’s how it gets balanced that matters. Past mayors have used all manner of accounting gimmicks to make the massive municipal ledger pencil out: liberal borrowing from reserve accounts, rosy assumptions about revenues yet to come, pushing out spending to future years, and so on.&nbsp;

Lurie has promised repeatedly he’ll avoid these cosmetic fixes that delay, rather than eliminate, a day of reckoning. Yet despite a passel of reports this week about services he is not chopping — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/27/san-francisco-budget-cuts-district-attorney-public-defender/">cops, firefighters, DAs, public defenders</a> — Lurie’s team has been mum about where he’ll slash.&nbsp;

Public safety agencies spared from major cuts after budget blowback

Lurie has promised repeatedly he’ll avoid these cosmetic fixes that delay, rather than eliminate, a day of reckoning. Yet despite a passel of reports this week about services he is not chopping — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/27/san-francisco-budget-cuts-district-attorney-public-defender/">cops, firefighters, DAs, public defenders</a> — Lurie’s team has been mum about where he’ll slash.&nbsp;

Opinion: Damn, Daniel: Lurie is getting the hang of being mayor, one sly move at a time

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As of early Wednesday, even well-connected city department pooh-bahs and elected officials told me they were still in the dark about the mayor’s budget determinations. Several hours later, The Standard reported <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/28/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-budget-layoffs/">there will be layoffs</a>, perhaps around 150 in total. But the mayor will look to slim down city rolls not by cutting large numbers of people but by eliminating vacant positions. The whacking of nonexistent people could be in the neighborhood of 1,000 jobs, my colleagues reported.&nbsp;

Lurie&#8217;s budget axes 1,000 city jobs, sources say

As of early Wednesday, even well-connected city department pooh-bahs and elected officials told me they were still in the dark about the mayor’s budget determinations. Several hours later, The Standard reported <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/28/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-budget-layoffs/">there will be layoffs</a>, perhaps around 150 in total. But the mayor will look to slim down city rolls not by cutting large numbers of people but by eliminating vacant positions. The whacking of nonexistent people could be in the neighborhood of 1,000 jobs, my colleagues reported.&nbsp;

Lurie is about to enter the lion&#8217;s den. The mayor’s budget is due June 1, kicking off a multiweek haggling process with the Board of Supervisors over passing it into law. Because the deadline falls on a Sunday, the mayor’s office says it will reveal the budget on Friday.

Lurie is about to enter the lion's den. The mayor’s budget is due June 1, kicking off a multiweek haggling process with the Board of Supervisors over passing it into law. Because the deadline falls on a Sunday, the mayor’s office says it will reveal the budget on Friday.

Lurie is about to enter the lion&#8217;s den. The mayor’s budget is due June 1, kicking off a multiweek haggling process with the Board of Supervisors over passing it into law. Because the deadline falls on a Sunday, the mayor’s office says it will reveal the budget on Friday.

Lurie has only a few levers at his disposal to plug the two-year budget deficit, estimated by the controller’s office at $782 million. One is to lay off city employees, a tool that hasn’t been used in over a decade. (The last two waves came in 2010, after the repercussions of the financial crisis, and in the early 2000s, post-dot-com bust and 9/11.)&nbsp;

Lurie has only a few levers at his disposal to plug the two-year budget deficit, estimated by the controller’s office at $782 million. One is to lay off city employees, a tool that hasn’t been used in over a decade. (The last two waves came in 2010, after the repercussions of the financial crisis, and in the early 2000s, post-dot-com bust and 9/11.)&nbsp;

If Lurie does eliminate 1,000 positions, he&#8217;ll still be a long way from closing the yawning budget deficit. Given that unfilled positions typically represent anywhere from 5% to 10% of the city’s workforce of 33,000, slashing only 1,000 seats would be insufficient.

If Lurie does eliminate 1,000 positions, he'll still be a long way from closing the yawning budget deficit. Given that unfilled positions typically represent anywhere from 5% to 10% of the city’s workforce of 33,000, slashing only 1,000 seats would be insufficient.

If Lurie does eliminate 1,000 positions, he&#8217;ll still be a long way from closing the yawning budget deficit. Given that unfilled positions typically represent anywhere from 5% to 10% of the city’s workforce of 33,000, slashing only 1,000 seats would be insufficient.

The problem is that cutting city employees, most of whom are covered by labor agreements and municipal employment codes, is not only politically dangerous but procedurally difficult. An elaborate process known as civil service “bumping” allows an employee whose job is eliminated to bump someone with less seniority from their position, even if that job is in a different part of the city. Such moves have a cascading effect, with one bumper bumping another, then another. And it takes a maddeningly long time to pull this off, with 60-day review periods the norm.&nbsp;

The problem is that cutting city employees, most of whom are covered by labor agreements and municipal employment codes, is not only politically dangerous but procedurally difficult. An elaborate process known as civil service “bumping” allows an employee whose job is eliminated to bump someone with less seniority from their position, even if that job is in a different part of the city. Such moves have a cascading effect, with one bumper bumping another, then another. And it takes a maddeningly long time to pull this off, with 60-day review periods the norm.&nbsp;

Opinion: Exclusive: Inside Lurie’s $100M plan to get private donors to pay for homeless beds

In other words, firing a city worker isn’t like laying off a corporate one.

In other words, firing a city worker isn’t like laying off a corporate one.

But just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen. There is little question that San Francisco’s budget is out-of-control for a city of its size. A <a href="https://growsf.org/research/2025-04-28-sf-city-budget/">recent report</a> from the political organization Grow SF illustrates the point well. Between 2012 and 2024, the city’s budget grew by $5.5 billion, and staffing grew by 27% — even though the population flatlined overall in the same period. San Francisco spends far more on staffing its core functions — $3,200 per resident — than any major city in California, typically by a factor of three. And that’s after factoring in San Francisco’s city-county status. All told, our city budget is larger than those of 17 U.S. states.

But just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen. There is little question that San Francisco’s budget is out-of-control for a city of its size. A <a href="https://growsf.org/research/2025-04-28-sf-city-budget/">recent report</a> from the political organization Grow SF illustrates the point well. Between 2012 and 2024, the city’s budget grew by $5.5 billion, and staffing grew by 27% — even though the population flatlined overall in the same period. San Francisco spends far more on staffing its core functions — $3,200 per resident — than any major city in California, typically by a factor of three. And that’s after factoring in San Francisco’s city-county status. All told, our city budget is larger than those of 17 U.S. states.

The other thing to watch in the mayor’s budget is how he handles two entities: the outsize nonprofit industrial complex and the for-profit contractor economy the city has built up over the years. A whopping one-third — $5 billion — of the general fund is not money the city spends on its own services and workforce but money it doles out to others. In effect, the city of San Francisco is a giant grantmaking organization, not unlike the anti-poverty outfit Tipping Point Community that Lurie founded — but far bigger. (<a href="https://www.spur.org/news/2025-05-20/balancing-san-franciscos-budget-part-2-revenues-and-expenditures">According to a report by the think tank SPUR</a>, 10% of the city’s budget is grantmaking; 23% is for outside contracts.)

The other thing to watch in the mayor’s budget is how he handles two entities: the outsize nonprofit industrial complex and the for-profit contractor economy the city has built up over the years. A whopping one-third — $5 billion — of the general fund is not money the city spends on its own services and workforce but money it doles out to others. In effect, the city of San Francisco is a giant grantmaking organization, not unlike the anti-poverty outfit Tipping Point Community that Lurie founded — but far bigger. (<a href="https://www.spur.org/news/2025-05-20/balancing-san-franciscos-budget-part-2-revenues-and-expenditures">According to a report by the think tank SPUR</a>, 10% of the city’s budget is grantmaking; 23% is for outside contracts.)

Entire departments — Children, Youth, and Their Families; the Mayor’s Office on Housing and Community and Development; the Human Rights Commission — effectively exist to hand out money to third-party organizations, rather than functioning as city agencies as citizens might assume.

Entire departments — Children, Youth, and Their Families; the Mayor’s Office on Housing and Community and Development; the Human Rights Commission — effectively exist to hand out money to third-party organizations, rather than functioning as city agencies as citizens might assume.

How Lurie handles the challenge of dispensing this cash — which nonprofits get dinged, which get destroyed, which grants get extended, which departments get wrist-slapped — will determine not just the fiscal responsibility of his budget but also his success as mayor.

How Lurie handles the challenge of dispensing this cash — which nonprofits get dinged, which get destroyed, which grants get extended, which departments get wrist-slapped — will determine not just the fiscal responsibility of his budget but also his success as mayor.

It’s a veritable “Sophie’s Choice” for Lurie. There’s no way he pleases everyone. But least pleasing of all will be if he punts on the tough calls the times require.&nbsp;

It’s a veritable “Sophie’s Choice” for Lurie. There’s no way he pleases everyone. But least pleasing of all will be if he punts on the tough calls the times require.&nbsp;

Daniel Lurie’s wrong-answers-only budget

Opinion: Daniel Lurie’s wrong-answers-only budget

Gabe Greschler

Newly inaugurated Mayor Daniel Lurie said Thursday he wants to freeze city hiring and new programs — though there are major exemptions and scant details on exactly what departments will be affected.&nbsp;

Newly inaugurated Mayor Daniel Lurie said Thursday he wants to freeze city hiring and new programs — though there are major exemptions and scant details on exactly what departments will be affected.&nbsp;

In light of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/03/san-francisco-budget-deficit-trump-funding-deportations/">a historic budget deficit</a> reaching nearly $900 million, Lurie said the city would pause hiring for new positions, except those that are “historically challenging to staff and that directly support public safety and health.”

SF’s budget deficit could grow to $1B if Trump withholds federal funds, report finds

In light of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/03/san-francisco-budget-deficit-trump-funding-deportations/">a historic budget deficit</a> reaching nearly $900 million, Lurie said the city would pause hiring for new positions, except those that are “historically challenging to staff and that directly support public safety and health.”

Additionally, Lurie told department heads to “realign programming and spending” with core priorities, according to a press release, including freezing new contracts and programs. 

Additionally, Lurie told department heads to “realign programming and spending” with core priorities, according to a press release, including freezing new contracts and programs.

The mayor’s office did not respond to a list of questions from The Standard about which departments would be exempted from the hiring freeze or the criteria for halting programs and contracts.&nbsp;

The mayor’s office did not respond to a list of questions from The Standard about which departments would be exempted from the hiring freeze or the criteria for halting programs and contracts.&nbsp;

In first address as mayor, Lurie promises safer, shinier city

Lurie’s decision closely follows directives from former Mayor London Breed, who in December called for 15% spending reductions.

Lurie’s decision closely follows directives from former Mayor London Breed, who in December called for 15% spending reductions.

Breed also proposed hiring freezes and the approval of contracts only for organizations that “demonstrate strong outcomes and cost-effectiveness, focused on direct services to clients,” a city presentation <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/Budget%20Instructions%20Final%2012.03.24_1.pdf">said</a>.

Breed also proposed hiring freezes and the approval of contracts only for organizations that “demonstrate strong outcomes and cost-effectiveness, focused on direct services to clients,” a city presentation <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/Budget%20Instructions%20Final%2012.03.24_1.pdf">said</a>.

Lurie announced the freeze at a crowded meeting Thursday at City Hall, according to a video posted on X that showed dozens of officials in a conference room.&nbsp;

Lurie announced the freeze at a crowded meeting Thursday at City Hall, according to a video posted on X that showed dozens of officials in a conference room.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">San Francisco is making a comeback, and I intend to put us in the best possible position to drive that growth. Our city is facing a major budget deficit, and today, the era of band-aid solutions is over. We are committed to fiscal discipline, giving San Franciscans the… <a href="https://t.co/FwcPSTN34K">pic.twitter.com/FwcPSTN34K</a>&mdash; Daniel Lurie 丹尼爾·羅偉 (@DanielLurie) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielLurie/status/1877477008227381645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The city has approximately 35,000 employees, and salaries and benefits are the biggest line item in the budget. An August <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/AAO%20FY2024-25%20%26%20FY2025-26%20-%20FINAL%207.31.24.pdf">estimate</a> of the city’s current $15.9 billion budget shows wages amounting to $6.8 billion, or 43%.&nbsp;

The city has approximately 35,000 employees, and salaries and benefits are the biggest line item in the budget. An August <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/AAO%20FY2024-25%20%26%20FY2025-26%20-%20FINAL%207.31.24.pdf">estimate</a> of the city’s current $15.9 billion budget shows wages amounting to $6.8 billion, or 43%.&nbsp;

Department heads have until March to draft their budgets for the following year. Lurie will release a finalized city budget in June, and the Board of Supervisors will vote on it in July. 

Department heads have until March to draft their budgets for the following year. Lurie will release a finalized city budget in June, and the Board of Supervisors will vote on it in July.

Budget officials have warned that the city’s deficit could grow significantly if federal funds, including hundreds of millions of dollars from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are cut under the Trump administration. Questions have been swirling about whether the president-elect <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/02/san-francisco-politics-mayor-daniel-lurie-donald-trump/">will withhold federal funding from liberal cities like San Francisco</a> that may not comply with his stricter immigration proposals. Meanwhile, changes to Medicare and Medicaid could challenge the city’s health budgets.&nbsp;

5 political fights that will define SF this year

Budget officials have warned that the city’s deficit could grow significantly if federal funds, including hundreds of millions of dollars from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are cut under the Trump administration. Questions have been swirling about whether the president-elect <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/02/san-francisco-politics-mayor-daniel-lurie-donald-trump/">will withhold federal funding from liberal cities like San Francisco</a> that may not comply with his stricter immigration proposals. Meanwhile, changes to Medicare and Medicaid could challenge the city’s health budgets.&nbsp;

Officials said in December that San Francisco’s total deficit could reach $1.4 billion by 2029.&nbsp;

Officials said in December that San Francisco’s total deficit could reach $1.4 billion by 2029.&nbsp;

Daniel Lurie wants to (kind of) pause city hiring

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

If San Franciscans could collectively make new year’s resolutions, there’s little doubt what issues they’d hope to improve.&nbsp;

If San Franciscans could collectively make new year’s resolutions, there’s little doubt what issues they’d hope to improve.&nbsp;

During last year’s hard-fought election, denizens repeatedly told pollsters they want to feel safe in their communities, they want the fentanyl crisis to stop, they want affordable places to live, and they want a government that just plain works.&nbsp;

During last year’s hard-fought election, denizens repeatedly told pollsters they want to feel safe in their communities, they want the fentanyl crisis to stop, they want affordable places to live, and they want a government that just plain works.&nbsp;

Today, a new mayor assumes responsibility for those dreams.&nbsp;

Today, a new mayor assumes responsibility for those dreams.&nbsp;

Daniel Lurie took office Wednesday morning in an inauguration rife with pageantry. Everyone from the connected elite to the hoi polloi packed the ceremony at Civic Center, just outside City Hall, eager to hear Lurie’s vision for the City of Saint Francis.

Daniel Lurie took office Wednesday morning in an inauguration rife with pageantry. Everyone from the connected elite to the hoi polloi packed the ceremony at Civic Center, just outside City Hall, eager to hear Lurie’s vision for the City of Saint Francis.

The event drew roughly 2,600 attendees, according to Lurie&#8217;s team. Luminaries with prime seating included former mayors Willie Brown and Frank Jordan, outgoing mayor London Breed, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, local and state officials, and members of the Board of Supervisors. Gov. Gavin Newsom was expected to attend, but stayed in Los Angeles area due to the major fires in the area, Lurie&#8217;s spokesperson said.

The event drew roughly 2,600 attendees, according to Lurie's team. Luminaries with prime seating included former mayors Willie Brown and Frank Jordan, outgoing mayor London Breed, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, local and state officials, and members of the Board of Supervisors. Gov. Gavin Newsom was expected to attend, but stayed in Los Angeles area due to the major fires in the area, Lurie's spokesperson said.

The event drew roughly 2,600 attendees, according to Lurie&#8217;s team. Luminaries with prime seating included former mayors Willie Brown and Frank Jordan, outgoing mayor London Breed, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, local and state officials, and members of the Board of Supervisors. Gov. Gavin Newsom was expected to attend, but stayed in Los Angeles area due to the major fires in the area, Lurie&#8217;s spokesperson said.

8055988759:Becca Prowda, the wife of Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie, takes their seats for the swearing-in of Daniel Lurie as the new Mayor of San Francisco on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Daniel Lurie, a member of the Democratic Party and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, has been officially inaugurated as the 46th mayor of San Francisco. With a strong background in philanthropy and public service, he steps into this important role ready to make significant contributions to the city's vibrant community. His administration will focus on addressing major issues facing the city, including drug-relate.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/nbg_6345.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people sit outdoors on a sunny day, some looking upward. A man in a suit in the center seems to be smiling with his eyes closed. A woman is sitting beside him." class="wp-image-352273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor Daniel Lurie and wife Becca Prowda take their seats at Lurie&#8217;s swearing-in ceremony, which drew roughly 2,600 registered attendees to Civic Center. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/nbg_6345.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people sit outdoors on a sunny day, some looking upward. A man in a suit in the center seems to be smiling with his eyes closed. A woman is sitting beside him." class="wp-image-352273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor Daniel Lurie and wife Becca Prowda take their seats at Lurie's swearing-in ceremony, which drew roughly 2,600 registered attendees to Civic Center. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/nbg_6345.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people sit outdoors on a sunny day, some looking upward. A man in a suit in the center seems to be smiling with his eyes closed. A woman is sitting beside him." class="wp-image-352273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor Daniel Lurie and wife Becca Prowda take their seats at Lurie&#8217;s swearing-in ceremony, which drew roughly 2,600 registered attendees to Civic Center. </figcaption></figure>

Dr. Nadine Burke, the former surgeon general of California and a Lurie campaign supporter; Lurie&#8217;s wife, Becca Prowda; and Warriors coach Steve Kerr each gave remarks praising Lurie&#8217;s vision. In his own speech, Lurie described ambitious plans to solve the fentanyl and homelessness crises, improve City Hall governance, and revive the city&#8217;s downtown economy. “Together, we can all get better, do better, and return San Francisco to its rightful place as the greatest city in the world,” Lurie told the crowd. The road ahead won&#8217;t be easy. Lurie will need to move beyond campaign platitudes to garner goodwill, said Jim Ross, a political consultant who led Gavin Newsom’s successful 2003 race for San Francisco mayor.&nbsp;In other words, the infamously <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/06/daniel-lurie-mayoral-campaign-poll-win/">vague mayoral candidate</a> will need to offer up more specifics.

Can Daniel Lurie finish first by coming in second? A new mayoral poll shows the way

Dr. Nadine Burke, the former surgeon general of California and a Lurie campaign supporter; Lurie's wife, Becca Prowda; and Warriors coach Steve Kerr each gave remarks praising Lurie's vision. In his own speech, Lurie described ambitious plans to solve the fentanyl and homelessness crises, improve City Hall governance, and revive the city's downtown economy. “Together, we can all get better, do better, and return San Francisco to its rightful place as the greatest city in the world,” Lurie told the crowd. The road ahead won't be easy. Lurie will need to move beyond campaign platitudes to garner goodwill, said Jim Ross, a political consultant who led Gavin Newsom’s successful 2003 race for San Francisco mayor.&nbsp;In other words, the infamously <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/06/daniel-lurie-mayoral-campaign-poll-win/">vague mayoral candidate</a> will need to offer up more specifics.

Dr. Nadine Burke, the former surgeon general of California and a Lurie campaign supporter; Lurie&#8217;s wife, Becca Prowda; and Warriors coach Steve Kerr each gave remarks praising Lurie&#8217;s vision. In his own speech, Lurie described ambitious plans to solve the fentanyl and homelessness crises, improve City Hall governance, and revive the city&#8217;s downtown economy. “Together, we can all get better, do better, and return San Francisco to its rightful place as the greatest city in the world,” Lurie told the crowd. The road ahead won&#8217;t be easy. Lurie will need to move beyond campaign platitudes to garner goodwill, said Jim Ross, a political consultant who led Gavin Newsom’s successful 2003 race for San Francisco mayor.&nbsp;In other words, the infamously <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/06/daniel-lurie-mayoral-campaign-poll-win/">vague mayoral candidate</a> will need to offer up more specifics.

“Governing as mayor of San Francisco is all about the details: nuts and bolts, making things happen for residents,” Ross said.&nbsp;

“Governing as mayor of San Francisco is all about the details: nuts and bolts, making things happen for residents,” Ross said.&nbsp;

Opinion: Lurie’s four czars will have vast power — but will they know how to wield it?

What Lurie’s first City Hall hires reveal  about his priorities

Photos: The charmed life of Daniel Lurie, San Francisco’s new mayor

It’s not like Lurie’s been sitting on his hands since he won office. Already the mayor-elect has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/01/07/the-fresh-faces-in-luries-cabinet-will-have-vast-power-but-will-they-know-how-to-wield-it/">announced four policy chiefs</a>, new positions suggested by the policy think tank SPUR to wrangle the city’s sprawling departmental bureaucracy. He even hired the head of that think tank as chief of transportation and climate.&nbsp;

Lurie&#8217;s four czars will have vast power — but will they know how to wield it?

It’s not like Lurie’s been sitting on his hands since he won office. Already the mayor-elect has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/01/07/the-fresh-faces-in-luries-cabinet-will-have-vast-power-but-will-they-know-how-to-wield-it/">announced four policy chiefs</a>, new positions suggested by the policy think tank SPUR to wrangle the city’s sprawling departmental bureaucracy. He even hired the head of that think tank as chief of transportation and climate.&nbsp;

Rodney Fong, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, was feeling hopeful for the city’s economy. “We&#8217;re feeling, already every single week, an increase in business in San Francisco,&#8221; Fong said at the inauguration ceremony.

Rodney Fong, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, was feeling hopeful for the city’s economy. “We're feeling, already every single week, an increase in business in San Francisco," Fong said at the inauguration ceremony.

Rodney Fong, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, was feeling hopeful for the city’s economy. “We&#8217;re feeling, already every single week, an increase in business in San Francisco,&#8221; Fong said at the inauguration ceremony.

Districty Attorney Brooke Jenkins said she supports Lurie&#8217;s push for more drug treatment beds, an effort he advocated for during his campaign. “We have to have a system in a place where we can take them to detox and to be prepared to accept the offers of treatment,” Jenkins said.

Districty Attorney Brooke Jenkins said she supports Lurie's push for more drug treatment beds, an effort he advocated for during his campaign. “We have to have a system in a place where we can take them to detox and to be prepared to accept the offers of treatment,” Jenkins said.

Districty Attorney Brooke Jenkins said she supports Lurie&#8217;s push for more drug treatment beds, an effort he advocated for during his campaign. “We have to have a system in a place where we can take them to detox and to be prepared to accept the offers of treatment,” Jenkins said.

Lurie will need the help. As much as he wants to build a new San Francisco, the world may end up <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/daniel-lurie-wins-san-francisco-mayor/">bashing in his plans with a baseball bat</a>.

Congrats, Daniel Lurie. Your new job is going to suck

Lurie will need the help. As much as he wants to build a new San Francisco, the world may end up <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/daniel-lurie-wins-san-francisco-mayor/">bashing in his plans with a baseball bat</a>.

His success as mayor very well may be judged on issues far outside his control.

His success as mayor very well may be judged on issues far outside his control.

Imagine a world where President Trump makes good on his promise to deport millions of noncitizen Americans. When thousands of San Franciscans are carried out of Mission district homes by armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, will Lurie be marked as a limp mayor for a failure to defend them?&nbsp;

Imagine a world where President Trump makes good on his promise to deport millions of noncitizen Americans. When thousands of San Franciscans are carried out of Mission district homes by armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, will Lurie be marked as a limp mayor for a failure to defend them?&nbsp;

MONTEZUMA PASS, AZ, AUGUST 22: 

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks to journalists at the U.S. - Mexico border in Montezuma Pass, Arizona, on August 22, 2024. Trump is touring the border ahead of campaign events in Las Vegas, Nevada and Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1666" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gettyimages-2167189095.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue suit and red tie speaks at a podium with &quot;The Southern Border&quot; written on it, in front of a tall metal border fence." class="wp-image-343069"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to deport undocumented immigrants and may target sanctuary cities like San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gettyimages-2167189095.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue suit and red tie speaks at a podium with &quot;The Southern Border&quot; written on it, in front of a tall metal border fence." class="wp-image-343069"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to deport undocumented immigrants and may target sanctuary cities like San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

At a Tuesday-night event at the Congregation Emanu-El synagogue on Lake Street, Lurie praised San Francisco&#8217;s liberal values but suggested that the city needs to look inward.

At a Tuesday-night event at the Congregation Emanu-El synagogue on Lake Street, Lurie praised San Francisco's liberal values but suggested that the city needs to look inward.

At a Tuesday-night event at the Congregation Emanu-El synagogue on Lake Street, Lurie praised San Francisco&#8217;s liberal values but suggested that the city needs to look inward.

&#8220;San Francisco is known all over the world as a place where people are allowed to love who they want to love and practice any faith that they choose without fear of persecution, a place where people seek safe harbor and shelter, and that will remain true under my administration,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But &#8230; to truly be a safe harbor, we have to get our house in order.&#8221;

"San Francisco is known all over the world as a place where people are allowed to love who they want to love and practice any faith that they choose without fear of persecution, a place where people seek safe harbor and shelter, and that will remain true under my administration," he said. "But ... to truly be a safe harbor, we have to get our house in order."

&#8220;San Francisco is known all over the world as a place where people are allowed to love who they want to love and practice any faith that they choose without fear of persecution, a place where people seek safe harbor and shelter, and that will remain true under my administration,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But &#8230; to truly be a safe harbor, we have to get our house in order.&#8221;

Lurie has pledged to hasten San Francisco’s revival. However, even a small dent in the immigrant population could deflate that promise by devastating our culinary industry, already <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/30/sf-restaurant-bar-closings-2024/">teetering on the edge</a>.

Here are SF’s saddest restaurant and bar closures of 2024

Lurie has pledged to hasten San Francisco’s revival. However, even a small dent in the immigrant population could deflate that promise by devastating our culinary industry, already <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/30/sf-restaurant-bar-closings-2024/">teetering on the edge</a>.

8055988734—Opening of the mayoral inauguration of Daniel Lurie, a member of the Democratic Party and heir to the Levi Strauss on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, SF, CA. With a strong background in philanthropy and public service, he steps into this important role ready to make
significant contributions to the city's vibrant community. His administration will focus on addressing major issues facing the city, including drug-related challenges, homelessness, and housing.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dsc6490.jpeg?w=1616" alt="A large crowd sits facing a grand building with a dome under a clear blue sky. Flags line the pathway, and a camera is visible on the left side." class="wp-image-352272"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Speakers at Lurie&#8217;s inauguration, who included Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Lure&#8217;s wife Becca Prowda, emphasized hope and a new era of service at City Hall. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dsc6490.jpeg?w=1616" alt="A large crowd sits facing a grand building with a dome under a clear blue sky. Flags line the pathway, and a camera is visible on the left side." class="wp-image-352272"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Speakers at Lurie's inauguration, who included Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Lure's wife Becca Prowda, emphasized hope and a new era of service at City Hall. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dsc6490.jpeg?w=1616" alt="A large crowd sits facing a grand building with a dome under a clear blue sky. Flags line the pathway, and a camera is visible on the left side." class="wp-image-352272"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Speakers at Lurie&#8217;s inauguration, who included Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Lure&#8217;s wife Becca Prowda, emphasized hope and a new era of service at City Hall. </figcaption></figure>

We saw this come to pass with outgoing Mayor London Breed. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/15/why-london-breed-lost-san-francisco-mayor/">While her own decisions</a> played into her failure, in some ways, failure was thrust upon her. It began with the pandemic that arrived two months into her term and emptied out downtown, perhaps permanently.&nbsp;

Breed lost after burning bridges, leaving Daniel Lurie to put out flames

We saw this come to pass with outgoing Mayor London Breed. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/15/why-london-breed-lost-san-francisco-mayor/">While her own decisions</a> played into her failure, in some ways, failure was thrust upon her. It began with the pandemic that arrived two months into her term and emptied out downtown, perhaps permanently.&nbsp;

Then there’s the deus ex machina of the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision. It isn’t a stretch to say that decision, and Breed’s subsequent encampment sweeps, played a role in alleviating voters’ frustrations about street conditions.&nbsp;

Then there’s the deus ex machina of the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision. It isn’t a stretch to say that decision, and Breed’s subsequent encampment sweeps, played a role in alleviating voters’ frustrations about street conditions.&nbsp;

To be sure, pushing people without homes from neighborhood to neighborhood doesn’t solve the crisis, but sweeps —&nbsp;viewed in cold, cynical political terms — alleviate short-term pain for housed voters.

To be sure, pushing people without homes from neighborhood to neighborhood doesn’t solve the crisis, but sweeps —&nbsp;viewed in cold, cynical political terms — alleviate short-term pain for housed voters.

By the time the courts uncuffed Breed to act, it was far too late for her campaign. Numerous such traps are laid in front of the Lurie administration.&nbsp;

By the time the courts uncuffed Breed to act, it was far too late for her campaign. Numerous such traps are laid in front of the Lurie administration.&nbsp;

Allies of Trump have told California leaders <a href="https://laist.com/news/trump-allies-warn-california-leaders-they-could-go-to-prison-over-sanctuary-city-laws">they could be jailed</a> for upholding laws pertaining to sanctuary cities. And Trump’s administration could withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in funding from San Francisco during a five-alarm budget crisis.

Allies of Trump have told California leaders <a href="https://laist.com/news/trump-allies-warn-california-leaders-they-could-go-to-prison-over-sanctuary-city-laws">they could be jailed</a> for upholding laws pertaining to sanctuary cities. And Trump’s administration could withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in funding from San Francisco during a five-alarm budget crisis.

San Francisco’s immigration policies will face the Trump test. Here’s what to expect

The city’s $876 million, two-year budget hole was partially plugged last year by Breed. The city’s top financial officers acknowledged, in writing, that she closed most of those holes with one-time sources of funding, ensuring that our budget is held together with all the strength of bubble gum and shoe strings.&nbsp;

The city’s $876 million, two-year budget hole was partially plugged last year by Breed. The city’s top financial officers acknowledged, in writing, that she closed most of those holes with one-time sources of funding, ensuring that our budget is held together with all the strength of bubble gum and shoe strings.&nbsp;

Vague campaign slogans were enough to secure election for Lurie in a year when San Franciscans hungered for change, but they won’t fix the underlying problems driving that impulse. The plans and personnel Lurie deploys in coming days may begin to address the city’s ills.

Vague campaign slogans were enough to secure election for Lurie in a year when San Franciscans hungered for change, but they won’t fix the underlying problems driving that impulse. The plans and personnel Lurie deploys in coming days may begin to address the city’s ills.

Lurie’s legacy&nbsp; — and the hopes of San Franciscans — may be defined by how he responds to the challenges and opportunities no one sees coming.&nbsp;

Lurie’s legacy&nbsp; — and the hopes of San Franciscans — may be defined by how he responds to the challenges and opportunities no one sees coming.&nbsp;

Gabriel Greschler, Han Li and Annie Gaus contributed to this report.

Gabriel Greschler, Han Li and Annie Gaus contributed to this report.

Today is the day: London Breed is out. Daniel Lurie is in

Josh Koehn

Uber is threatening to sue San Francisco after Mayor Daniel Lurie announced that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/10/waymo-sf-market-street-service/">Waymo robotaxis</a> would be given near-exclusive access to Market Street, according to records obtained by The Standard.

Waymo to operate on car-free Market Street

Uber is threatening to sue San Francisco after Mayor Daniel Lurie announced that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/10/waymo-sf-market-street-service/">Waymo robotaxis</a> would be given near-exclusive access to Market Street, according to records obtained by The Standard.

The mayor’s April 10 announcement of the Waymo deal was framed as a way to revitalize the downtown core, which has been slow to recover from the pandemic. Thousands of workers have not returned to offices, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-market-street-pandemic-big-plans-collapsed/">Market Street has become a ghost town</a> during the evenings and weekends after being closed off to private vehicles just weeks before the 2020 shutdown.

Did car-free Market Street kill San Francisco’s most important boulevard?

The mayor’s April 10 announcement of the Waymo deal was framed as a way to revitalize the downtown core, which has been slow to recover from the pandemic. Thousands of workers have not returned to offices, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-market-street-pandemic-big-plans-collapsed/">Market Street has become a ghost town</a> during the evenings and weekends after being closed off to private vehicles just weeks before the 2020 shutdown.

But Lurie may have underestimated how upset Uber, Lyft, the bicyclist community, and safe-street advocates would be with his decision to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/15/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-waymo-uber-lyft-market-street/">hand Waymo the keys to Market Street</a>. Stakeholders were given a heads-up less than a day before the deal was announced. Uber officials learned that morning that the mayor’s office had quietly worked out an exclusive deal with the robotaxi company to provide rides on the city’s historic downtown thoroughfare, which has been restricted to Muni buses and streetcars, commercial loading vehicles, and taxis.

Lurie gives Waymo the keys to Market Street. People are furious

But Lurie may have underestimated how upset Uber, Lyft, the bicyclist community, and safe-street advocates would be with his decision to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/15/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-waymo-uber-lyft-market-street/">hand Waymo the keys to Market Street</a>. Stakeholders were given a heads-up less than a day before the deal was announced. Uber officials learned that morning that the mayor’s office had quietly worked out an exclusive deal with the robotaxi company to provide rides on the city’s historic downtown thoroughfare, which has been restricted to Muni buses and streetcars, commercial loading vehicles, and taxis.

Why Waymo won’t kill Uber — but Elon Musk might

Jill Hazelbaker, a senior vice president of communications and public policy for Uber, told Lurie in <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25903401-uber-letter-to-mayor-daniel-lurie/">an April 10 letter</a> that his decision to permit Waymo to operate robotaxis on Market Street — while prohibiting Uber drivers — was “legally unacceptable, economically harmful, and fundamentally unfair.”

Jill Hazelbaker, a senior vice president of communications and public policy for Uber, told Lurie in <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25903401-uber-letter-to-mayor-daniel-lurie/">an April 10 letter</a> that his decision to permit Waymo to operate robotaxis on Market Street — while prohibiting Uber drivers — was “legally unacceptable, economically harmful, and fundamentally unfair.”

“For more than four years Uber has dutifully respected the Market Street restrictions,” Hazelbaker wrote. “So we are surprised that there has been no transparency around the rationale for suddenly carving out an exception for one company.”

“For more than four years Uber has dutifully respected the Market Street restrictions,” Hazelbaker wrote. “So we are surprised that there has been no transparency around the rationale for suddenly carving out an exception for one company.”

Unless the city reconsiders opening Market Street to Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies, she added, Uber “will have no choice but to explore legal action alongside the 60,000 drivers who have served San Francisco over the past year.”

Unless the city reconsiders opening Market Street to Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies, she added, Uber “will have no choice but to explore legal action alongside the 60,000 drivers who have served San Francisco over the past year.”

Charles Lutvak, a spokesperson for the mayor, issued a statement saying that the city is exploring options to revitalize downtown.

Charles Lutvak, a spokesperson for the mayor, issued a statement saying that the city is exploring options to revitalize downtown.

“Market Street has the potential to help power our downtown recovery, but there simply aren’t enough people going there,” Lutvak wrote. “While Waymo conducts mapping as permitted under existing law, we’ll continue to look at ways to bring people back to Market so our incredible city can have an equally incredible downtown.”

“Market Street has the potential to help power our downtown recovery, but there simply aren’t enough people going there,” Lutvak wrote. “While Waymo conducts mapping as permitted under existing law, we’ll continue to look at ways to bring people back to Market so our incredible city can have an equally incredible downtown.”

San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie speaks at a press conference where he reflects on the city’s progress over the course of his first 100 days of serving as mayor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20251704_luries100days_011.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit and glasses speaks at a podium with a microphone. Behind him are flags, one featuring a bear." class="wp-image-389585"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor Daniel Lurie and staff have been meeting with Uber since he announced that Waymo robotaxis would be rolling onto Market Street.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20251704_luries100days_011.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit and glasses speaks at a podium with a microphone. Behind him are flags, one featuring a bear." class="wp-image-389585"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor Daniel Lurie and staff have been meeting with Uber since he announced that Waymo robotaxis would be rolling onto Market Street.</figcaption></figure>

While the mayor’s office did little outreach until just before its announcement, Lurie and staff quickly launched into damage control. The mayor had a conversation with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi the day after the announcement, according to an email sent by the company’s head of public policy and communications, Ramona Prieto. Uber officials also met with Ned Segal, the mayor’s policy chief in charge of economic issues, Thursday at City Hall, according to calendars obtained through a Public Records Act request.&nbsp;

While the mayor’s office did little outreach until just before its announcement, Lurie and staff quickly launched into damage control. The mayor had a conversation with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi the day after the announcement, according to an email sent by the company’s head of public policy and communications, Ramona Prieto. Uber officials also met with Ned Segal, the mayor’s policy chief in charge of economic issues, Thursday at City Hall, according to calendars obtained through a Public Records Act request.&nbsp;

Uber officials described these conversations as educational, discussing how the company could track and limit vehicles on Market Street, similar to how it handled logistics for last year’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the Paris Olympics.

Uber officials described these conversations as educational, discussing how the company could track and limit vehicles on Market Street, similar to how it handled logistics for last year’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the Paris Olympics.

“We’ve been in active conversations with the mayor’s office and hope to land on a fair and balanced solution for Market Street,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement. “Rideshare drivers move thousands across the city every day and they deserve the same opportunity to serve downtown as any other transportation provider. We remain optimistic that the city will take an inclusive approach in revitalizing the downtown core of San Francisco.”

“We’ve been in active conversations with the mayor’s office and hope to land on a fair and balanced solution for Market Street,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement. “Rideshare drivers move thousands across the city every day and they deserve the same opportunity to serve downtown as any other transportation provider. We remain optimistic that the city will take an inclusive approach in revitalizing the downtown core of San Francisco.”

Lurie also spoke with Lyft CEO David Risher following the Waymo announcement. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-100/profile/alex-tourk/">Alex Tourk</a>, a representative for Lyft, said the pair had “a direct and productive exchange” about the future of Market Street.

Lurie also spoke with Lyft CEO David Risher following the Waymo announcement. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-100/profile/alex-tourk/">Alex Tourk</a>, a representative for Lyft, said the pair had “a direct and productive exchange” about the future of Market Street.

“They agreed to work collaboratively in the planning and long-term vision moving forward,” Tourk wrote in a statement.

“They agreed to work collaboratively in the planning and long-term vision moving forward,” Tourk wrote in a statement.

A Waymo car parked in front of the Richmond Neighborhood Center.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/daily_newsletter1_900x600.jpg?w=900" alt="A white self-driving Jaguar I-PACE with &quot;WAYMO&quot; branding and equipped with sensors on a sunny street." class="wp-image-262824"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Waymo may have company on Market Street, if Uber gets its way.</figcaption></figure>

Lurie’s team has argued that Waymos were prioritized in part because the vehicles are safer than human drivers. But the mayor and his staff have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/lurie-creates-powerful-partnership/">close ties to Ruth Porat</a>, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet, which owns the robotaxi company. Officials close to the mayor have argued that Waymo robotaxis have commercial license plates, which make the vehicles eligible for operations on Market Street under the 2020 plan. Uber and Lyft are mostly operated by people driving their own cars.&nbsp;

Lurie’s team has argued that Waymos were prioritized in part because the vehicles are safer than human drivers. But the mayor and his staff have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/lurie-creates-powerful-partnership/">close ties to Ruth Porat</a>, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet, which owns the robotaxi company. Officials close to the mayor have argued that Waymo robotaxis have commercial license plates, which make the vehicles eligible for operations on Market Street under the 2020 plan. Uber and Lyft are mostly operated by people driving their own cars.&nbsp;

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Uber threatens to sue San Francisco over Waymo access to Market Street

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