Noah Baustin

Laura Tate was 15 when foster care moved her from San Francisco to a home some 40 miles east in the suburbs.

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<p>Laura Tate was 15 when foster care moved her from San Francisco to a home some 40 miles east in the suburbs.</p>

“At that time, I didn’t even know a Pittsburg existed in California,” Tate said.

<p>“At that time, I didn’t even know a Pittsburg existed in California,” Tate said.</p>

Tate was born in SF and grew up between Haight-Ashbury and the Fillmore. She first entered the foster care system at 2 years old. As a teenager, she bounced around different foster homes in the city and relied on friends who would let her sleep over when she didn’t want to spend the night at her group home.

<p>Tate was born in SF and grew up between Haight-Ashbury and the Fillmore. She first entered the foster care system at 2 years old. As a teenager, she bounced around different foster homes in the city and relied on friends who would let her sleep over when she didn’t want to spend the night at her group home.</p>

Tate was about to be torn away from everyone she had ever known.

<p>Tate was about to be torn away from everyone she had ever known.</p>

“I was losing a community,” she said.

<p>“I was losing a community,” she said.</p>

The day of the move, Tate recalled sitting silently as a staff member from her group home drove her into the far reaches of the East Bay. From the passenger seat, she studied the exit signs and bus numbers—details for her plotted escape back to San Francisco.

<p>The day of the move, Tate recalled sitting silently as a staff member from her group home drove her into the far reaches of the East Bay. From the passenger seat, she studied the exit signs and bus numbers—details for her plotted escape back to San Francisco.</p>

Her new foster parents were at a high school football game when Tate pulled into town, so they met in a parking lot, and moved Tate’s belongings from the van into the family’s car. Then the van left.

<p>Her new foster parents were at a high school football game when Tate pulled into town, so they met in a parking lot, and moved Tate’s belongings from the van into the family’s car. Then the van left.</p>

“It felt like you dropped me with these random people at this football game, and now I’m supposed to go home with them,” Tate said. “I felt like a piece of luggage, or an animal that was being shipped or transported.”

<p>“It felt like you dropped me with these random people at this football game, and now I’m supposed to go home with them,” Tate said. “I felt like a piece of luggage, or an animal that was being shipped or transported.”</p>

Tate is just one of hundreds of foster kids that San Francisco sent away from the city, according to data from SF’s Human Services Agency (HSA), which runs the county’s foster care. In fact, San Francisco has sent the majority of its foster kids to other counties every year for the past decade. The kids who are sent away are separated from their support network of family and friends and oftentimes forced to change schools. They&#8217;re dropped into an unknown city while they’re still reeling from the transition of adjusting to a new home.

<p>Tate is just one of hundreds of foster kids that San Francisco sent away from the city, according to data from SF’s Human Services Agency (HSA), which runs the county’s foster care. In fact, San Francisco has sent the majority of its foster kids to other counties every year for the past decade. The kids who are sent away are separated from their support network of family and friends and oftentimes forced to change schools. They're dropped into an unknown city while they’re still reeling from the transition of adjusting to a new home.</p>

<p>Tate is just one of hundreds of foster kids that San Francisco sent away from the city, according to data from SF’s Human Services Agency (HSA), which runs the county’s foster care. In fact, San Francisco has sent the majority of its foster kids to other counties every year for the past decade. The kids who are sent away are separated from their support network of family and friends and oftentimes forced to change schools. They&#8217;re dropped into an unknown city while they’re still reeling from the transition of adjusting to a new home.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faraway-home">Faraway Home</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faraway-home">Faraway Home</h2>

San Francisco sends away more foster youth than any county in California. In July 2022, San Francisco placed 65% of its foster kids elsewhere—almost double the state average of 33%, according to data from the <a href="https://ccwip.berkeley.edu/">UC Berkeley California Child Welfare Indicators Project.&nbsp;</a>

<p>San Francisco sends away more foster youth than any county in California. In July 2022, San Francisco placed 65% of its foster kids elsewhere—almost double the state average of 33%, according to data from the <a href="https://ccwip.berkeley.edu/">UC Berkeley California Child Welfare Indicators Project.&nbsp;</a></p>

San Francisco’s out-of-county placement rate steadily climbed in the last decade, even as the number of foster kids in its care fell dramatically—largely because of a series of policy changes that made removing kids from their parents a last resort.&nbsp;

<p>San Francisco’s out-of-county placement rate steadily climbed in the last decade, even as the number of foster kids in its care fell dramatically—largely because of a series of policy changes that made removing kids from their parents a last resort.&nbsp;</p>

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Most youth sent away from SF end up with foster parents they’ve never met. In January 2022, over 60% of SF’s out-of-county placements were with people who had no blood relation to the child and who had no previous relationship with the family, according to the HSA data.&nbsp;

<p>Most youth sent away from SF end up with foster parents they’ve never met. In January 2022, over 60% of SF’s out-of-county placements were with people who had no blood relation to the child and who had no previous relationship with the family, according to the HSA data.&nbsp;</p>

San Francisco has sent its foster kids across 32 counties, as far south as San Diego and as far north as Humboldt. While about 70% of kids stay in the Bay Area, over 100 kids have been sent outside the region, according to HSA data—and 74 of those kids were sent to live with people they didn’t know.

<p>San Francisco has sent its foster kids across 32 counties, as far south as San Diego and as far north as Humboldt. While about 70% of kids stay in the Bay Area, over 100 kids have been sent outside the region, according to HSA data—and 74 of those kids were sent to live with people they didn’t know.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-losing-everything-at-once">“Losing Everything at Once”</h2>


Faraway placement isn’t necessarily a bad thing if a kid ends up with a relative or family friend who wants to ultimately reunite the child with their parents, explained Erika Dirkse, a director at the San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocates.&nbsp;

<p>Faraway placement isn’t necessarily a bad thing if a kid ends up with a relative or family friend who wants to ultimately reunite the child with their parents, explained Erika Dirkse, a director at the San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocates.&nbsp;</p>

But it feels very different when San Francisco assigns children to foster parents they don’t know dozens of miles outside their home community, said Dirkse, whose organization links volunteer advocates with foster youth. It makes it hard for the child to stay in touch with family and friends.

<p>But it feels very different when San Francisco assigns children to foster parents they don’t know dozens of miles outside their home community, said Dirkse, whose organization links volunteer advocates with foster youth. It makes it hard for the child to stay in touch with family and friends.</p>

“To be removed from a parent is a trauma,” Dirkse said. “To go and be placed with a care provider you’ve never met before is a trauma. And to be doing that in a whole new community that you’re unfamiliar with is another trauma.”

<p>“To be removed from a parent is a trauma,” Dirkse said. “To go and be placed with a care provider you’ve never met before is a trauma. And to be doing that in a whole new community that you’re unfamiliar with is another trauma.”</p>

Leaving the county may also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/what-will-it-take-to-keep-sf-students-in-school-after-a-pandemic-spurred-spike-in-absenteeism-1-on-1-interventions/">mean switching schools</a>, which can have a profound impact on children. After all, for kids with otherwise unstable lives, school is often the one constant, said La Shelly Sparks, an administrator at Trinity Foster Family Services of the Bay Area, which California counties hire to recruit and train foster parents.

<p>Leaving the county may also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/what-will-it-take-to-keep-sf-students-in-school-after-a-pandemic-spurred-spike-in-absenteeism-1-on-1-interventions/">mean switching schools</a>, which can have a profound impact on children. After all, for kids with otherwise unstable lives, school is often the one constant, said La Shelly Sparks, an administrator at Trinity Foster Family Services of the Bay Area, which California counties hire to recruit and train foster parents.</p>

“That’s where they have their significant connections, often with teachers and friends,” Sparks said. When a kid has to leave their school, they may feel like they’re “losing everything at once,” she added.

<p>“That’s where they have their significant connections, often with teachers and friends,” Sparks said. When a kid has to leave their school, they may feel like they’re “losing everything at once,” she added.</p>

Trent Rhorer, who oversees SF’s foster care system as head of the HSA, said he can’t generalize whether out-of-county placement is good or bad for children, noting that it depends on the situation. Placing kids with relatives is a top priority for the agency, he noted, and those family members often live outside San Francisco or the Bay Area as a whole.&nbsp;

<p>Trent Rhorer, who oversees SF’s foster care system as head of the HSA, said he can’t generalize whether out-of-county placement is good or bad for children, noting that it depends on the situation. Placing kids with relatives is a top priority for the agency, he noted, and those family members often live outside San Francisco or the Bay Area as a whole.&nbsp;</p>

However, whether placed in the Bay Area or beyond, most kids HSA placed are not living with a relative, according to data from the department.&nbsp;

<p>However, whether placed in the Bay Area or beyond, most kids HSA placed are not living with a relative, according to data from the department.&nbsp;</p>

Placing kids with strangers out-of-county can be overwhelming, Rhorer acknowledged. But he argued that the trauma has less to do with where a child ends up than the fact that they’ve been swept into a system that upends their lives.

<p>Placing kids with strangers out-of-county can be overwhelming, Rhorer acknowledged. But he argued that the trauma has less to do with where a child ends up than the fact that they’ve been swept into a system that upends their lives.</p>

“Being out-of-county in and of itself is not a trigger or a cue that the child isn&#8217;t doing well,” Rhorer said. “That child may be doing well, may not be doing well, but it likely isn’t anything to do with the county that he or she is placed in.”

<p>“Being out-of-county in and of itself is not a trigger or a cue that the child isn't doing well,” Rhorer said. “That child may be doing well, may not be doing well, but it likely isn’t anything to do with the county that he or she is placed in.”</p>

<p>“Being out-of-county in and of itself is not a trigger or a cue that the child isn&#8217;t doing well,” Rhorer said. “That child may be doing well, may not be doing well, but it likely isn’t anything to do with the county that he or she is placed in.”</p>

Even so, HSA prioritizes keeping San Francisco foster kids in the city, if no relative or family friend is available, Rhorer explained. HSA only looks farther afield for non-relative placements if it can’t find a place in the city.

<p>Even so, HSA prioritizes keeping San Francisco foster kids in the city, if no relative or family friend is available, Rhorer explained. HSA only looks farther afield for non-relative placements if it can’t find a place in the city.</p>

Laura Tate, 24, sits with her foster father, Kevin Lassair, at the Lassair’s home in Pittsburg, Calif., on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Tate spent 19 years in the San Francisco Human Service Agency’s Foster Care program and lived with the Lassair’s from the time she was 15 until 21. | Jungho Kim for The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Foster11142022_INLINED1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100095"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Laura Tate, 24, sits with her foster father, Kevin Lassair, at the Lassair’s home in Pittsburg, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. | Jungho Kim for The Standard</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Foster11142022_INLINED1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100095"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Laura Tate, 24, sits with her foster father, Kevin Lassair, at the Lassair’s home in Pittsburg, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. | Jungho Kim for The Standard</figcaption></figure>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shortage-of-foster-homes">A Shortage of Foster Homes</h2>


An HSA campaign launched in 2020 to recruit foster parents emphasized how sending children away is a loss for SF.

<p>An HSA campaign launched in 2020 to recruit foster parents emphasized how sending children away is a loss for SF.</p>

“We lose a little piece of San Francisco when foster kids are placed outside The City,” read the ads, <a href="https://foster-sf.org/">which are still on the city’s website.</a>

<p>“We lose a little piece of San Francisco when foster kids are placed outside The City,” read the ads, <a href="https://foster-sf.org/">which are still on the city’s website.</a></p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="940" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-11-28-at-11.46.51-AM-1-2500x940.png" alt="" class="wp-image-100087"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A screenshot of foster-sf.org, a website run by the San Francisco Human Services Agency.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-11-28-at-11.46.51-AM-1-2500x940.png" alt="" class="wp-image-100087"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A screenshot of foster-sf.org, a website run by the San Francisco Human Services Agency.</figcaption></figure>

The campaign invoked the department’s aspiration of keeping San Francisco’s foster kids in the city. By HSA estimates, that would require 100 more foster homes. But in the two years since rolling out the campaign, it only recruited 54, HSA spokesperson Joe Molica said.

<p>The campaign invoked the department’s aspiration of keeping San Francisco’s foster kids in the city. By HSA estimates, that would require 100 more foster homes. But in the two years since rolling out the campaign, it only recruited 54, HSA spokesperson Joe Molica said.</p>

Those lagging numbers owe partly to bad timing, Rhorer explained, since the recruitment push came right before the pandemic. The shortage of foster parents persists to this day.

<p>Those lagging numbers owe partly to bad timing, Rhorer explained, since the recruitment push came right before the pandemic. The shortage of foster parents persists to this day.</p>

San Francisco simply has more foster kids than families to take them. That is largely driven by the unique demographics of the city, Rhorer said, like a higher-than-average share of people who don’t typically become foster parents, like senior citizens and single renters.

<p>San Francisco simply has more foster kids than families to take them. That is largely driven by the unique demographics of the city, Rhorer said, like a higher-than-average share of people who don’t typically become foster parents, like senior citizens and single renters.</p>

Cost is a major factor, too. Sparks, who trains and recruits foster parents, says San Francisco is the hardest place to find foster homes because it’s so dense and expensive. People have less space to spare in SF than their counterparts elsewhere. Many SF foster families she once worked with have joined the exodus to more affordable parts of the East Bay.

<p>Cost is a major factor, too. Sparks, who trains and recruits foster parents, says San Francisco is the hardest place to find foster homes because it’s so dense and expensive. People have less space to spare in SF than their counterparts elsewhere. Many SF foster families she once worked with have joined the exodus to more affordable parts of the East Bay.</p>

Compounding the cost of living is the low pay for parents who take on wards of the county. The statewide base rate that foster parents receive for each child is, at most, about $1,500 per month. San Francisco foster parents, like in other counties, can also get another $1,000 a month if the child has chronic medical or behavioral issues.&nbsp;

<p>Compounding the cost of living is the low pay for parents who take on wards of the county. The statewide base rate that foster parents receive for each child is, at most, about $1,500 per month. San Francisco foster parents, like in other counties, can also get another $1,000 a month if the child has chronic medical or behavioral issues.&nbsp;</p>

But there’s no cost-of-living pay adjustment for San Francisco’s foster parents, who support children in one of the most expensive places in the country.

<p>But there’s no cost-of-living pay adjustment for San Francisco’s foster parents, who support children in one of the most expensive places in the country.</p>

“The foster care rate—and again, we don&#8217;t set it, the state sets it—isn’t going to be enough, generally, to raise a kid in San Francisco,” Rhorer said.

<p>“The foster care rate—and again, we don't set it, the state sets it—isn’t going to be enough, generally, to raise a kid in San Francisco,” Rhorer said.</p>

<p>“The foster care rate—and again, we don&#8217;t set it, the state sets it—isn’t going to be enough, generally, to raise a kid in San Francisco,” Rhorer said.</p>

When asked whether the department plans to do anything about the cost-of-living factor, Rhorer said HSA isn’t convinced that compensation is driving the shortage of foster parents.

<p>When asked whether the department plans to do anything about the cost-of-living factor, Rhorer said HSA isn’t convinced that compensation is driving the shortage of foster parents.</p>

Trent Rhorer (center), executive director Human Services Agency, talks with the late Mayor Ed Lee (right) during a tour of the shelter at San Francisco's Pier 80 on Feb. 23, 2016.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Foster11142022_INLINED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100098"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Trent Rhorer (center), Human Services Agency executive director, talks with Mayor Ed Lee (right) as he takes him on a tour of the shelter at Pier 80 on Feb. 23, 2016, in San Francisco. | Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Foster11142022_INLINED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100098"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Trent Rhorer (center), Human Services Agency executive director, talks with Mayor Ed Lee (right) as he takes him on a tour of the shelter at Pier 80 on Feb. 23, 2016, in San Francisco. | Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Rhorer argues that San Francisco’s high out-of-county placement doesn’t necessarily make it an outlier and that its small geography makes it hard to measure against other counties.

<p>Rhorer argues that San Francisco’s high out-of-county placement doesn’t necessarily make it an outlier and that its small geography makes it hard to measure against other counties.</p>

“It’s almost like comparing apples to oranges,” Rhorer said.

<p>“It’s almost like comparing apples to oranges,” Rhorer said.</p>

But most geographically larger California counties have far more foster kids. Los Angeles, for example, counts about 191 foster youth per 100,000 people living in the county. San Francisco has just 69.&nbsp;

<p>But most geographically larger California counties have far more foster kids. Los Angeles, for example, counts about 191 foster youth per 100,000 people living in the county. San Francisco has just 69.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Life in the Suburbs</h2>


For Laura Tate, the move to Pittsburg was jarring.

<p>For Laura Tate, the move to Pittsburg was jarring.</p>

San Francisco gave her so much to explore, and she’d often walk to the Ferry Building or pop in on the city’s endless rows of shops and restaurants. The most exciting place in Pittsburg, it seemed, was a coffee shop.

<p>San Francisco gave her so much to explore, and she’d often walk to the Ferry Building or pop in on the city’s endless rows of shops and restaurants. The most exciting place in Pittsburg, it seemed, was a coffee shop.</p>

“I felt like I was in a weird little country town,” Tate said.

<p>“I felt like I was in a weird little country town,” Tate said.</p>

Laura Tate, 24, poses for a photo in the backyard of her foster family, the Lassair’s, at the Lassair’s home in Pittsburg, Calif., on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Tate spent 19 years in the San Francisco Human Service Agency’s Foster Care program and lived with the Lassair’s from the time she was 15 until 21. | Jungho Kim for The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Foster11142022_INLINED2-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100101"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Laura Tate, 24, poses for a photo in the backyard of her foster family, the Lassair’s, at their home in Pittsburg, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. Tate spent 19 years in the San Francisco Human Service Agency’s Foster Care program and lived with the Lassair’s from age 15 to 21. | Jungho Kim for The Standard</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Foster11142022_INLINED2-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100101"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Laura Tate, 24, poses for a photo in the backyard of her foster family, the Lassair’s, at their home in Pittsburg, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. Tate spent 19 years in the San Francisco Human Service Agency’s Foster Care program and lived with the Lassair’s from age 15 to 21. | Jungho Kim for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

But her new foster parents, Kevin and Terrilyn Lassair, treated her like family. Over time, she formed close bonds with the Lassairs and their five children and lived with them until her high school graduation.&nbsp;

<p>But her new foster parents, Kevin and Terrilyn Lassair, treated her like family. Over time, she formed close bonds with the Lassairs and their five children and lived with them until her high school graduation.&nbsp;</p>

Today, the now-24-year-old lives in Bay Point, a smaller town next to Pittsburg, and works as a teaching assistant at an elementary school. Tate and her boyfriend expect their first child this winter. And the Lassairs still feel like family.

<p>Today, the now-24-year-old lives in Bay Point, a smaller town next to Pittsburg, and works as a teaching assistant at an elementary school. Tate and her boyfriend expect their first child this winter. And the Lassairs still feel like family.</p>

Looking back, she has mixed feelings about San Francisco sending her away all those years ago.

<p>Looking back, she has mixed feelings about San Francisco sending her away all those years ago.</p>

“I don’t agree with the way it happened at all,” Tate said. “But I can’t say I regret it happening because I ended up being with a family that changed my life and meeting a man that would also change my life and become the father of my first child.”

<p>“I don’t agree with the way it happened at all,” Tate said. “But I can’t say I regret it happening because I ended up being with a family that changed my life and meeting a man that would also change my life and become the father of my first child.”</p>

It’s a happy ending for Tate, even if it means another piece of San Francisco lost.&nbsp;

<p>It’s a happy ending for Tate, even if it means another piece of San Francisco lost.&nbsp;</p>

‘Like a piece of luggage’: SF sends away more foster kids than any county in California

Kevin Truong

As San Francisco continues crawling out of the economic hole dug by the pandemic, Mayor London Breed is promoting her vision of recovery by calling for more spending on public safety, battling homelessness and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/city-workers-set-for-10-pay-raises-in-new-labor-contracts/">city worker salaries</a> in her nearly $14 billion annual budget proposal.&nbsp;

<p>As San Francisco continues crawling out of the economic hole dug by the pandemic, Mayor London Breed is promoting her vision of recovery by calling for more spending on public safety, battling homelessness and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/city-workers-set-for-10-pay-raises-in-new-labor-contracts/">city worker salaries</a> in her nearly $14 billion annual budget proposal.&nbsp;</p>

“When people have made a number of requests for additional services, for additional support, for additional assistance, it’s not just about the dollars and the policy, it&#8217;s about the people who actually do the work,” Breed said in a speech unveiling the spending plan at Union Square. “I am optimistic about the future of the city more than I’ve ever been because I’m confident about the investments that we are making.”

<p>“When people have made a number of requests for additional services, for additional support, for additional assistance, it’s not just about the dollars and the policy, it's about the people who actually do the work,” Breed said in a speech unveiling the spending plan at Union Square. “I am optimistic about the future of the city more than I’ve ever been because I’m confident about the investments that we are making.”</p>

<p>“When people have made a number of requests for additional services, for additional support, for additional assistance, it’s not just about the dollars and the policy, it&#8217;s about the people who actually do the work,” Breed said in a speech unveiling the spending plan at Union Square. “I am optimistic about the future of the city more than I’ve ever been because I’m confident about the investments that we are making.”</p>

The mayor’s proposed budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year amounts to $13.95 billion. That&#8217;s up from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/budget/sfs-budget-in-4-charts-the-pandemic-effect-on-city-finances-and-the-prospects-for-recovery/">$13.08 billion</a> last year.

<p>The mayor’s proposed budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year amounts to $13.95 billion. That's up from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/budget/sfs-budget-in-4-charts-the-pandemic-effect-on-city-finances-and-the-prospects-for-recovery/">$13.08 billion</a> last year.</p>

<p>The mayor’s proposed budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year amounts to $13.95 billion. That&#8217;s up from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/budget/sfs-budget-in-4-charts-the-pandemic-effect-on-city-finances-and-the-prospects-for-recovery/">$13.08 billion</a> last year.</p>

Among the proposed spending increases are an additional $177 million for the Department of Public Health and a $176 million boost for courts, police, fire and other public safety agencies. Breed is also proposing $364 million more for public works, transportation and commerce over last year’s budget.&nbsp;

<p>Among the proposed spending increases are an additional $177 million for the Department of Public Health and a $176 million boost for courts, police, fire and other public safety agencies. Breed is also proposing $364 million more for public works, transportation and commerce over last year’s budget.&nbsp;</p>

The mayor’s plan also includes $320 million more for human welfare and neighborhood development, as well an additional $215 million for general services, including funds for transit, libraries and managing healthcare for city retirees.

<p>The mayor’s plan also includes $320 million more for human welfare and neighborhood development, as well an additional $215 million for general services, including funds for transit, libraries and managing healthcare for city retirees.</p>

In the other direction, the proposed budget includes $170 million less for general administration and finance in line with the mayor’s directive for departments to rein in costs during the pandemic.&nbsp;

<p>In the other direction, the proposed budget includes $170 million less for general administration and finance in line with the mayor’s directive for departments to rein in costs during the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

The mayor is required by law to submit a proposed balanced budget by the first day in June. To achieve this, the proposal uses $154.3 million in reserves, leaving a balance of around $130 million in the city’s Fiscal Cliff Reserve for future shortfalls.&nbsp;

<p>The mayor is required by law to submit a proposed balanced budget by the first day in June. To achieve this, the proposal uses $154.3 million in reserves, leaving a balance of around $130 million in the city’s Fiscal Cliff Reserve for future shortfalls.&nbsp;</p>

In January, San Francisco’s budget office projected a $108.1 million surplus for the next two fiscal years, mainly due to Covid relief funds from federal and state officials. However, that sunny picture of the city’s fiscal health has been adjusted downward to $74.7 million in March due to lower-than-expected revenue projections.&nbsp;

<p>In January, San Francisco’s budget office projected a $108.1 million surplus for the next two fiscal years, mainly due to Covid relief funds from federal and state officials. However, that sunny picture of the city’s fiscal health has been adjusted downward to $74.7 million in March due to lower-than-expected revenue projections.&nbsp;</p>

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/budget-update-rising-labor-costs-nearly-erase-citys-expected-surplus/">most recent update</a> in May dropped the number down to a mere $15 million in large part due to an increase in labor costs because of new contracts negotiated between public-sector unions and city officials.&nbsp;

<p>The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/budget-update-rising-labor-costs-nearly-erase-citys-expected-surplus/">most recent update</a> in May dropped the number down to a mere $15 million in large part due to an increase in labor costs because of new contracts negotiated between public-sector unions and city officials.&nbsp;</p>

Salary and benefits increases are a major portion of the city’s new spending, including $171.5 million over the next two years for raises and benefits increases for city workers who will <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/city-workers-set-for-10-pay-raises-in-new-labor-contracts/">receive 10% in pay raises</a> over the next two years.&nbsp;

<p>Salary and benefits increases are a major portion of the city’s new spending, including $171.5 million over the next two years for raises and benefits increases for city workers who will <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/city-workers-set-for-10-pay-raises-in-new-labor-contracts/">receive 10% in pay raises</a> over the next two years.&nbsp;</p>

The budget also includes $70 million over the next years to support wages for nonprofit workers in the city, including a 5.25% raise and $30 million for salary increases for those working in the city’s permanent supportive housing portfolio. Case managers would receive a raise up to $28 an hour and wages for janitors and desk clerks at the sites would also rise.&nbsp;

<p>The budget also includes $70 million over the next years to support wages for nonprofit workers in the city, including a 5.25% raise and $30 million for salary increases for those working in the city’s permanent supportive housing portfolio. Case managers would receive a raise up to $28 an hour and wages for janitors and desk clerks at the sites would also rise.&nbsp;</p>

The proposed budget also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/budget/to-breathe-life-into-sfs-moribund-downtown-breed-proposes-new-help-for-small-businesses/">earmarks around $50 million</a> to help the city’s economic recovery by funding grants for small businesses and public safety measures like increasing funding for police patrols and Urban Alchemy in Mid-Market and the Tenderloin.&nbsp;

<p>The proposed budget also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/budget/to-breathe-life-into-sfs-moribund-downtown-breed-proposes-new-help-for-small-businesses/">earmarks around $50 million</a> to help the city’s economic recovery by funding grants for small businesses and public safety measures like increasing funding for police patrols and Urban Alchemy in Mid-Market and the Tenderloin.&nbsp;</p>

As students arrive to school, SFPD vehicles are parked outside Mission High School in San Francisco, on Thursday May 26, 2022. | Jana Ašenbrennerová for The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BudgetOverview_INLINED-1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52480"/><figcaption>As students arrive to school, SFPD vehicles are parked outside Mission High School in San Francisco, on Thursday May 26, 2022. | Jana Ašenbrennerová for The Standard</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BudgetOverview_INLINED-1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52480"/><figcaption>As students arrive to school, SFPD vehicles are parked outside Mission High School in San Francisco, on Thursday May 26, 2022. | Jana Ašenbrennerová for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Public safety—an increasing focus for the mayor in the past year or so—also gets a big boost in her plan, which carves out $81.5 million to fund more overtime for the sheriff and fire departments as well as additional spending for salaries and recruitment for the police department and funding for more crisis counselors and park rangers.

<p>Public safety—an increasing focus for the mayor in the past year or so—also gets a big boost in her plan, which carves out $81.5 million to fund more overtime for the sheriff and fire departments as well as additional spending for salaries and recruitment for the police department and funding for more crisis counselors and park rangers.</p>

“Not only are we proposing academy classes, we are increasing the starting pay of officers, we are adding incentive bonuses for those who choose to stay in SF longer and we’re going to make a commitment to do everything we can to not only support our police force in San Francisco but also do the reforms necessary to show we are leading the way on police reform,” Breed said from a podium flanked by deputies and police officers.&nbsp;

<p>“Not only are we proposing academy classes, we are increasing the starting pay of officers, we are adding incentive bonuses for those who choose to stay in SF longer and we’re going to make a commitment to do everything we can to not only support our police force in San Francisco but also do the reforms necessary to show we are leading the way on police reform,” Breed said from a podium flanked by deputies and police officers.&nbsp;</p>

On the housing and homelessness front, the mayor wants $4 million to boost the number of subsidized units, $10 million for <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2022/san-francisco-sros">infrastructure improvement and repairs</a> at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-we-should-be-outraged-about-the-conditions-in-sros-sf-must-rethink-what-getting-people-off-the-streets-means/">nonprofit below-market-rate housing projects</a> and $30 million to increase the number of homelessness case managers, invest in the city’s shelters and the create a new 40-unit “tiny home” site in the Mission.&nbsp;

<p>On the housing and homelessness front, the mayor wants $4 million to boost the number of subsidized units, $10 million for <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2022/san-francisco-sros">infrastructure improvement and repairs</a> at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-we-should-be-outraged-about-the-conditions-in-sros-sf-must-rethink-what-getting-people-off-the-streets-means/">nonprofit below-market-rate housing projects</a> and $30 million to increase the number of homelessness case managers, invest in the city’s shelters and the create a new 40-unit “tiny home” site in the Mission.&nbsp;</p>

The mayor has also made ending homelessness for trans residents by 2027 a goal. She said she aims to do so through investments that would provide at least 200 permanent supportive housing units for the population and $3 million for nonprofit providers serving trans San Franciscans.&nbsp;

<p>The mayor has also made ending homelessness for trans residents by 2027 a goal. She said she aims to do so through investments that would provide at least 200 permanent supportive housing units for the population and $3 million for nonprofit providers serving trans San Franciscans.&nbsp;</p>

Behavioral health and substance abuse services would also get a boost through $57.5 million over the next two years to increase the operating capacity to 360 behavioral health treatment beds. Breed’s plan also includes funding to help sustain <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">operations at the Tenderloin Center</a> through the end of the year. For patients in crisis who have received multiple involuntary psychiatric holds, the mayor proposes an additional $3.7 million for staff focused on timely support, follow-up and care coordination.&nbsp;

<p>Behavioral health and substance abuse services would also get a boost through $57.5 million over the next two years to increase the operating capacity to 360 behavioral health treatment beds. Breed’s plan also includes funding to help sustain <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">operations at the Tenderloin Center</a> through the end of the year. For patients in crisis who have received multiple involuntary psychiatric holds, the mayor proposes an additional $3.7 million for staff focused on timely support, follow-up and care coordination.&nbsp;</p>

Funding for children and families is another key budget priority. Nearly $50 million over the next two years is earmarked for childcare vouchers for low-income families, increased funding for the city’s Family Resource Centers and additional ways for families to identify and access city support.&nbsp;

<p>Funding for children and families is another key budget priority. Nearly $50 million over the next two years is earmarked for childcare vouchers for low-income families, increased funding for the city’s Family Resource Centers and additional ways for families to identify and access city support.&nbsp;</p>

Another focus of the proposed budget is speeding up hiring and contracting and investing $56 million to improve technology for the city’s backend logistics system.&nbsp;

<p>Another focus of the proposed budget is speeding up hiring and contracting and investing $56 million to improve technology for the city’s backend logistics system.&nbsp;</p>

“There are people who have tried to count San Francisco out, there are people who only try to focus on the negative and take those various viral videos and put them all over the map,” Breed remarks. “But here’s the good news: We know what our city is, we know we’re the phoenix.”

<p>“There are people who have tried to count San Francisco out, there are people who only try to focus on the negative and take those various viral videos and put them all over the map,” Breed remarks. “But here’s the good news: We know what our city is, we know we’re the phoenix.”</p>

“When faced with a challenge, like the phoenix we are, we rise to the occasion and we make the investments and we provide the support and we come together like a city.”

<p>“When faced with a challenge, like the phoenix we are, we rise to the occasion and we make the investments and we provide the support and we come together like a city.”</p>

Police, city workers, small businesses get a boost in Breed’s $14B budget proposal

Liz Lindqwister

Many myths swirl around about San Francisco: Is it a haven for the tech elite or a last bastion for counterculture aesthetics? Is the pandemic driving rent and mortgage prices down, or is a cheap flat and homeownership still a pipe dream? Is everyone working from home or are commuters hopping back on MUNI again?&nbsp;

<p>Many myths swirl around about San Francisco: Is it a haven for the tech elite or a last bastion for counterculture aesthetics? Is the pandemic driving rent and mortgage prices down, or is a cheap flat and homeownership still a pipe dream? Is everyone working from home or are commuters hopping back on MUNI again?&nbsp;</p>

New numbers from the Census Bureau data might just help clarify some of these conflicting visions of San Francisco.&nbsp;

<p>New numbers from the Census Bureau data might just help clarify some of these conflicting visions of San Francisco.&nbsp;</p>

The Census Bureau released the 2021 data from the <a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs">American Community Survey</a> (ACS) Wednesday night, revealing local estimates on a wide range of topics—from racial demographics to commuter trends and student enrollment. The ACS data only covers the period from January to December 2021, but it does provide a comprehensive overview of San Francisco’s characteristics during that time.&nbsp;

<p>The Census Bureau released the 2021 data from the <a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs">American Community Survey</a> (ACS) Wednesday night, revealing local estimates on a wide range of topics—from racial demographics to commuter trends and student enrollment. The ACS data only covers the period from January to December 2021, but it does provide a comprehensive overview of San Francisco’s characteristics during that time.&nbsp;</p>

Comparing 2021 ACS data and more recent stats from other sources, it is possible to prove—and disprove—some of the biggest “truths” and “lies” about San Francisco.

<p>Comparing 2021 ACS data and more recent stats from other sources, it is possible to prove—and disprove—some of the biggest “truths” and “lies” about San Francisco. </p>

<strong>Truth #1: Lots of people moved out of San Francisco</strong>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-truth-1-lots-of-people-moved-out-of-san-francisco"><strong>Truth #1: Lots of people moved out of San Francisco</strong></h2>


<h2 id="h-truth-1-lots-of-people-moved-out-of-san-francisco"><strong>Truth #1: Lots of people moved out of San Francisco</strong></h2>

The common pandemic-era refrain about San Francisco has been that it lost a significant portion of its population in 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;

<p>The common pandemic-era refrain about San Francisco has been that it lost a significant portion of its population in 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;</p>

ACS data already proved that point.&nbsp;

<p>ACS data already proved that point.&nbsp;</p>

Earlier this year, the Census Bureau <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/san-francisco-pandemic-population-decline-census/">released preliminary estimates</a> showing San Francisco’s population dropped from over 880,000 to approximately 815,000 between 2019 and 2021, sharpening a population decline that had already started before the pandemic.&nbsp;

<p>Earlier this year, the Census Bureau <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/san-francisco-pandemic-population-decline-census/">released preliminary estimates</a> showing San Francisco’s population dropped from over 880,000 to approximately 815,000 between 2019 and 2021, sharpening a population decline that had already started before the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

New statistics reinforce the image of an empty city: the total number of households decreased by about 15,000 in this period, dropping to approximately 350,000 in 2021. And the percentage of San Franciscans in the labor force declined from about 72% in 2019 to 68% in 2021.&nbsp;

<p>New statistics reinforce the image of an empty city: the total number of households decreased by about 15,000 in this period, dropping to approximately 350,000 in 2021. And the percentage of San Franciscans in the labor force declined from about 72% in 2019 to 68% in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<strong>Truth #2: SF is an aging city</strong>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Truth #2: SF is an aging city</strong></h2>


<h2><strong>Truth #2: SF is an aging city</strong></h2>

Another pre-release of ACS data showed that most of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/san-francisco-covid-population-decline-young-adults-census/">people who moved out of SF were young adults</a>. In fact, two-thirds of those who moved away in 2021 were between 20 and 34 years old.

<p>Another pre-release of ACS data showed that most of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/san-francisco-covid-population-decline-young-adults-census/">people who moved out of SF were young adults</a>. In fact, two-thirds of those who moved away in 2021 were between 20 and 34 years old.</p>

The logical consequence? The older folks remain, aging the city&#8217;s population. ACS data show the share of adults aged 65 to 74 years grew from 8.5% in 2017 to 10% in 2021. All age ranges above 55 years experienced modest growth, too, indicating that even as younger populations remained more transitory, older folks stayed put in the city.&nbsp;

<p>The logical consequence? The older folks remain, aging the city's population. ACS data show the share of adults aged 65 to 74 years grew from 8.5% in 2017 to 10% in 2021. All age ranges above 55 years experienced modest growth, too, indicating that even as younger populations remained more transitory, older folks stayed put in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The logical consequence? The older folks remain, aging the city&#8217;s population. ACS data show the share of adults aged 65 to 74 years grew from 8.5% in 2017 to 10% in 2021. All age ranges above 55 years experienced modest growth, too, indicating that even as younger populations remained more transitory, older folks stayed put in the city.&nbsp;</p>

This statistic reinforces what the San Francisco Human Services Agency says: the population of older adults is <a href="https://www.sfhsa.org/about/reports-publications/older-adults-san-francisco">the fastest growing age group</a> in San Francisco.

<p>This statistic reinforces what the San Francisco Human Services Agency says: the population of older adults is <a href="https://www.sfhsa.org/about/reports-publications/older-adults-san-francisco">the fastest growing age group</a> in San Francisco.</p>

<strong>Truth #3: A ton of San Franciscans now work from home </strong>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Truth #3: A ton of San Franciscans now work from home </strong></h2>


<h2><strong>Truth #3: A ton of San Franciscans now work from home </strong></h2>

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