Max Harrison-Caldwell

Progressives may have lost in the mayoral election, but they certainly won in District 9 where Jackie Fielder beat the second-place candidate by nearly 5,000 votes, according to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/05/san-francisco-election-results-november-2024/#supervisors">the latest round of returns</a> released Sunday. A few miles north, in District 3, they weren’t so lucky.

San Francisco live election results

core/paragraph

Progressives may have lost in the mayoral election, but they certainly won in District 9 where Jackie Fielder beat the second-place candidate by nearly 5,000 votes, according to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/05/san-francisco-election-results-november-2024/#supervisors">the latest round of returns</a> released Sunday. A few miles north, in District 3, they weren’t so lucky.

Fielder, a climate advocate and democratic socialist, co-founded the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition, co-managed a campaign fighting a San Francisco Police Department use-of-force policy, and most recently worked as the co-director of <a href="https://stopthemoneypipeline.org/">Stop the Money Pipeline</a>. Trevor Chandler, a former Citizen app employee, got the second-highest number of votes.

Fielder, a climate advocate and democratic socialist, co-founded the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition, co-managed a campaign fighting a San Francisco Police Department use-of-force policy, and most recently worked as the co-director of <a href="https://stopthemoneypipeline.org/">Stop the Money Pipeline</a>. Trevor Chandler, a former Citizen app employee, got the second-highest number of votes.

Board of Supervisors District 3

sf-standard/datawrapper-chart

Board of Supervisors District 9

Nonprofit executive Danny Sauter challenged Board President Aaron Peskin in the 2020 race for D3 supervisor and got 43% of final round votes. This time, with 55.4% of the votes Sunday, he handily beat Sharon Lai, a former transportation official backed by progressive organizations including the Working Families Party.

Nonprofit executive Danny Sauter challenged Board President Aaron Peskin in the 2020 race for D3 supervisor and got 43% of final round votes. This time, with 55.4% of the votes Sunday, he handily beat Sharon Lai, a former transportation official backed by progressive organizations including the Working Families Party.

In District 7, Supervisor Myrna Melgar successfully fended off her challenger, with the incumbent garnering 52.7% of the vote to Matt Boschetto&#8217;s 47.3% in the latest round of returns Sunday.

In District 7, Supervisor Myrna Melgar successfully fended off her challenger, with the incumbent garnering 52.7% of the vote to Matt Boschetto's 47.3% in the latest round of returns Sunday.

In District 7, Supervisor Myrna Melgar successfully fended off her challenger, with the incumbent garnering 52.7% of the vote to Matt Boschetto&#8217;s 47.3% in the latest round of returns Sunday.

Other districts are still too close to call.

Other districts are still too close to call.

Board of Supervisors District 1

Board of Supervisors District 5

Supervisor Dean Preston is trailing Bilal Mahmood by about 1,339 votes in District 5. Grow SF put up a huge billboard in the district promising Mahmood would turn the vacant Divisadero car wash site into housing. Mahmood, a moderate backed by tech money, has leveraged business-friendly donors’ frustration with the democratic socialist incumbent.&nbsp;

Supervisor Dean Preston is trailing Bilal Mahmood by about 1,339 votes in District 5. Grow SF put up a huge billboard in the district promising Mahmood would turn the vacant Divisadero car wash site into housing. Mahmood, a moderate backed by tech money, has leveraged business-friendly donors’ frustration with the democratic socialist incumbent.&nbsp;

The District 1 race went from being tied — both Connie Chan and challenger Marjan Philhour received 11,001 votes (including ranked-choice tally) in earlier returns — to the incumbent pulling ahead by 976 votes on Sunday.

The District 1 race went from being tied — both Connie Chan and challenger Marjan Philhour received 11,001 votes (including ranked-choice tally) in earlier returns — to the incumbent pulling ahead by 976 votes on Sunday.

Districts 1 and 5 still too close to call as Sauter and Fielder win in Districts 3 and 9

Han Li

Growing up, Bilal Mahmood knew he was different. He struggled with making eye contact, shaking hands, and hugging others. Building friendships didn’t come easily.

Growing up, Bilal Mahmood knew he was different. He struggled with making eye contact, shaking hands, and hugging others. Building friendships didn’t come easily.

In 2021, when he entered San Francisco politics — a world that demands constant social interaction and public speaking — he sought medical help, and in his mid-30s, he was officially diagnosed with Level 1 autism, a mild form of the disorder that affects his communication, behaviors, and ways of thinking.

In 2021, when he entered San Francisco politics — a world that demands constant social interaction and public speaking — he sought medical help, and in his mid-30s, he was officially diagnosed with Level 1 autism, a mild form of the disorder that affects his communication, behaviors, and ways of thinking.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about autism, and we’re seeing a trend of more people sharing their personal stories,” Mahmood told The Standard in an interview. “We have to destigmatize autism.”

“There are a lot of misconceptions about autism, and we’re seeing a trend of more people sharing their personal stories,” Mahmood told The Standard in an interview. “We have to destigmatize autism.”

District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood poses for a portrait at his San Francisco home on Monday, April 7, 2025. Supervisor Bilal Mahmood opens up about his own journey with his autism diagnosis to spread awareness and support for the often overlooked community during National Autism Acceptance Month.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8837404451_bilalmahmood_020.jpg?w=2000" alt="A smiling man in a gray suit and white shirt sits at a table with his hands crossed, in front of a large window with a blurred modern building background." class="wp-image-386105"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mahmood says he was diagnosed with autism in 2021.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8837404451_bilalmahmood_020.jpg?w=2000" alt="A smiling man in a gray suit and white shirt sits at a table with his hands crossed, in front of a large window with a blurred modern building background." class="wp-image-386105"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mahmood says he was diagnosed with autism in 2021.</figcaption></figure>

April is Autism Awareness Month, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/10/bilal-mahmood-poised-to-defeat-dean-preston-in-district-5/">newly elected District 5 supervisor</a>, who represents the Tenderloin, Fillmore, and Japantown, is expected to discuss his autism diagnosis at the Tuesday board meeting and plans to use his own history to bring attention and resources to the often-overlooked neurodivergent community.&nbsp;

Dean Preston accepts likely loss to Bilal Mahmood in San Francisco&#8217;s heated D5 race

April is Autism Awareness Month, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/10/bilal-mahmood-poised-to-defeat-dean-preston-in-district-5/">newly elected District 5 supervisor</a>, who represents the Tenderloin, Fillmore, and Japantown, is expected to discuss his autism diagnosis at the Tuesday board meeting and plans to use his own history to bring attention and resources to the often-overlooked neurodivergent community.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discrimination-in-politics">Discrimination in politics?</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discrimination-in-politics">Discrimination in politics?</h2>

A tech entrepreneur, Mahmood lost a bid for state Assembly in 2022 but won a seat on the Board of Supervisors in 2024. In private conversations during those campaigns, he said, he was “taken aback” by questions about his ability to hold public office as an autistic person.

A tech entrepreneur, Mahmood lost a bid for state Assembly in 2022 but won a seat on the Board of Supervisors in 2024. In private conversations during those campaigns, he said, he was “taken aback” by questions about his ability to hold public office as an autistic person.

“I think that was a little jarring,” Mahmood said. “It was one of the first times I ever felt discriminated against in that context.”

“I think that was a little jarring,” Mahmood said. “It was one of the first times I ever felt discriminated against in that context.”

Bilal Mahmood, entrepreneur and scientist, on why he’s running

sf-standard/related-post

sf-standard/related-posts-container

While Mahmood has adapted to the classic “shaking hands, kissing babies” side of politics, he doesn’t consider his diagnosis a disability —&nbsp;rather, a different style of functioning. Mahmood also revealed that he’s highly sensitive to scheduling: minor disruptions can cause stress, a common trait among people with autism.

While Mahmood has adapted to the classic “shaking hands, kissing babies” side of politics, he doesn’t consider his diagnosis a disability —&nbsp;rather, a different style of functioning. Mahmood also revealed that he’s highly sensitive to scheduling: minor disruptions can cause stress, a common trait among people with autism.

As a child, he was obsessed with encyclopedias and found it hard to process fictional stories.

As a child, he was obsessed with encyclopedias and found it hard to process fictional stories.

“I’m extremely literal. Sarcasm is really difficult for me,” he said.

“I’m extremely literal. Sarcasm is really difficult for me,” he said.

By sharing his diagnosis and introducing a resolution to raise awareness of autism, Mahmood hopes to empower others on the spectrum. He points out that many autistic individuals have unique strengths, such as the ability to focus and think deeply.

By sharing his diagnosis and introducing a resolution to raise awareness of autism, Mahmood hopes to empower others on the spectrum. He points out that many autistic individuals have unique strengths, such as the ability to focus and think deeply.

Mahmood may be the first elected official in San Francisco history to publicly disclose an autism diagnosis. In 2021, Pennsylvania lawmaker Jessica Benham became one of the <a href="https://www.today.com/health/pa-state-rep-jessica-benham-one-1st-politicians-autism-t205917">first in the country to do so</a>, revealing she’d been diagnosed with autism in college.

Mahmood may be the first elected official in San Francisco history to publicly disclose an autism diagnosis. In 2021, Pennsylvania lawmaker Jessica Benham became one of the <a href="https://www.today.com/health/pa-state-rep-jessica-benham-one-1st-politicians-autism-t205917">first in the country to do so</a>, revealing she’d been diagnosed with autism in college.

From left, District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood and District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill are ceremonially sworn in during the first Board of Supervisors meeting for this term at City Hall in San Francisco on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Following the inauguration of Mayor Daniel Lurie, the Board of Supervisors convened to choose a new president and selected District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, a decision that will shape the direction and leadership.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supervisors-fighting-for-presidency-a-black-horse-wins_aar_25.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three individuals are raising their right hands, likely taking an oath. They wear formal attire, with two men in suits and a woman in a blue blazer." class="wp-image-353142"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mahmood hopes to use his position on the Board of Supervisors to advocate for the neurodivergent community.</figcaption></figure>

As San Francisco faces budget cuts, Mahmood wants to see continued funding to support youth with disabilities, especially through the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families.

As San Francisco faces budget cuts, Mahmood wants to see continued funding to support youth with disabilities, especially through the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families.

He recently attended a town hall hosted by The Arc, an organization funded by the department that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He described the disabled community as the city’s most vulnerable group, whose members must fight for basic needs, like accessible Muni service. Mahmood said the city must protect these essential lifelines.

He recently attended a town hall hosted by The Arc, an organization funded by the department that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He described the disabled community as the city’s most vulnerable group, whose members must fight for basic needs, like accessible Muni service. Mahmood said the city must protect these essential lifelines.

The Arc partners with the San Francisco Unified School District to support youth with disabilities as they transition from high school to college, employment, and independent living. According to a state audit, autism diagnoses within SFUSD have steadily risen over the past five years and affect approximately 1,800 students.

The Arc partners with the San Francisco Unified School District to support youth with disabilities as they transition from high school to college, employment, and independent living. According to a state audit, autism diagnoses within SFUSD have steadily risen over the past five years and affect approximately 1,800 students.

In response, the district has expanded its special education services.

In response, the district has expanded its special education services.

“Our students who receive special education services deserve nothing less than a system that works for them,” said Superintendent Dr. Maria Su, describing the changes as long overdue.

“Our students who receive special education services deserve nothing less than a system that works for them,” said Superintendent Dr. Maria Su, describing the changes as long overdue.

Mahmood, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/18/sf-board-of-supervisors-2024/">turns 38 this month</a>, said he wishes he had learned more about autism when he was younger but believes it&#8217;s never too late to step up for the next generation.

Millennials are taking over San Francisco City Hall

Mahmood, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/18/sf-board-of-supervisors-2024/">turns 38 this month</a>, said he wishes he had learned more about autism when he was younger but believes it's never too late to step up for the next generation.

Mahmood, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/18/sf-board-of-supervisors-2024/">turns 38 this month</a>, said he wishes he had learned more about autism when he was younger but believes it&#8217;s never too late to step up for the next generation.

“We can give them the supportive learning environment I never had growing up so they can unlock their full potential earlier than I was able to,” he said.

“We can give them the supportive learning environment I never had growing up so they can unlock their full potential earlier than I was able to,” he said.

San Francisco supervisor opens up about autism diagnosis

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

If some members of the Board of Supervisors get their way, it’ll be city law that every San Francisco district must approve its own new homeless shelter.

If some members of the Board of Supervisors get their way, it’ll be city law that every San Francisco district must approve its own new homeless shelter.

It’s been dubbed the “geographic equity” law. The aim is to ease the burden on the Tenderloin, Bayview, and South of Market by requiring leaders in the Sunset, Richmond, and the rest of <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/Geographic-Locations-and-Boundaries/Map-of-Supervisor-Districts-2022-/63dt-nj2t">the city’s 11 supervisoral districts</a> to put temporary roofs over the heads of homeless denizens.

It’s been dubbed the “geographic equity” law. The aim is to ease the burden on the Tenderloin, Bayview, and South of Market by requiring leaders in the Sunset, Richmond, and the rest of <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/Geographic-Locations-and-Boundaries/Map-of-Supervisor-Districts-2022-/63dt-nj2t">the city’s 11 supervisoral districts</a> to put temporary roofs over the heads of homeless denizens.

But the bill — written by Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who represents the Tenderloin and other neighborhoods — faces a major obstacle: Mayor Daniel Lurie.

But the bill — written by Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who represents the Tenderloin and other neighborhoods — faces a major obstacle: Mayor Daniel Lurie.

Newly revealed amendments authored by the mayor’s office would essentially gut the geographic equity law, critics fear.

Newly revealed amendments authored by the mayor’s office would essentially gut the geographic equity law, critics fear.

Lurie’s edits would remove a requirement that each district approve one homeless shelter by mid-2026 and instead require that each district merely “endeavor to” approve one.

Lurie’s edits would remove a requirement that each district approve one homeless shelter by mid-2026 and instead require that each district merely “endeavor to” approve one.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/02/06/fund-san-francisco-tenderloin/">Kate Robinson</a>, executive director of the Tenderloin Community Benefit District, has long advocated for the city to stop treating that neighborhood as a containment zone for drug use and homeless services.

Troubled Tenderloin needs a new state of emergency, funding infusion

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/02/06/fund-san-francisco-tenderloin/">Kate Robinson</a>, executive director of the Tenderloin Community Benefit District, has long advocated for the city to stop treating that neighborhood as a containment zone for drug use and homeless services.

Lurie’s draft amendments dashed her hopes for the legislation.

Lurie’s draft amendments dashed her hopes for the legislation.

“Instead of turning this into a real ordinance, to say &#8216;endeavor&#8217; really gives it no teeth,” Robinson said. “We need real commitment to geographic equity.”

“Instead of turning this into a real ordinance, to say 'endeavor' really gives it no teeth,” Robinson said. “We need real commitment to geographic equity.”

“Instead of turning this into a real ordinance, to say &#8216;endeavor&#8217; really gives it no teeth,” Robinson said. “We need real commitment to geographic equity.”

Lurie’s stance is surprising to many, considering that on the campaign trail he promised to ensure every district takes on the responsibility of helping people who are without homes or are addicted to drugs.

Lurie’s stance is surprising to many, considering that on the campaign trail he promised to ensure every district takes on the responsibility of helping people who are without homes or are addicted to drugs.

If the mayor truly wants to gut the law, he has a weighty bargaining chip: his veto power.

If the mayor truly wants to gut the law, he has a weighty bargaining chip: his veto power.

City Hall insiders are placing bets on whether Lurie will employ this power for the first time should negotiations not prove fruitful. Charles Lutvak, the mayor’s spokesperson, said the city is using a data-driven strategy to identify the right locations for new homeless services.

City Hall insiders are placing bets on whether Lurie will employ this power for the first time should negotiations not prove fruitful. Charles Lutvak, the mayor’s spokesperson, said the city is using a data-driven strategy to identify the right locations for new homeless services.

Supervisor Bilal Mahmood speaks during a press conference at Tenderloin Family Housing in San Francisco on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Supervisor Bilal Mahmood has introduced Drug Market Intervention (DMI) Resolution which calls for a holistic approach to ending the fentanyl dealing in the neighborhood with a focus on prevention and workforce development, and will be voted on at the Board of Supervisors’ Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee shortly after.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8685542386_drugmarketkids_027.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a gray suit speaks passionately at a microphone with an &quot;NBC Bay Area&quot; sign. Two other men in the background observe him attentively." class="wp-image-377630"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, shown speaking at a Tenderloin press conference, proposed the law to require all city districts to build some kind of homeless shelter for residents.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8685542386_drugmarketkids_027.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a gray suit speaks passionately at a microphone with an &quot;NBC Bay Area&quot; sign. Two other men in the background observe him attentively." class="wp-image-377630"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, shown speaking at a Tenderloin press conference, proposed the law to require all city districts to build some kind of homeless shelter for residents.</figcaption></figure>

“Voters gave Mayor Lurie and the Board of Supervisors a shared mandate to tackle our behavioral health and homelessness crisis,” Lutvak said. “We will continue working with Supervisor Mahmood and the entire board to build on that strategy and give people struggling on our streets a better option.”

“Voters gave Mayor Lurie and the Board of Supervisors a shared mandate to tackle our behavioral health and homelessness crisis,” Lutvak said. “We will continue working with Supervisor Mahmood and the entire board to build on that strategy and give people struggling on our streets a better option.”

The Standard obtained the mayor’s draft amendments to the geographic equity legislation in a public records request.

The Standard obtained the mayor’s draft amendments to the geographic equity legislation in a public records request.

If approved, the law would require each district to green-light at least one new shelter, transitional housing facility, behavioral health residential care facility, or outpatient clinic by June 2026.

If approved, the law would require each district to green-light at least one new shelter, transitional housing facility, behavioral health residential care facility, or outpatient clinic by June 2026.

The law would also bar the city from building shelter facilities within 1,000 feet of an existing one. That <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2025/04/sf-map-homeless-shelters-restrictions/">effectively exempts</a> wide swaths of the Tenderloin, SoMa, and the Mission, as well as part of the Bayview.

The law would also bar the city from building shelter facilities within 1,000 feet of an existing one. That <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2025/04/sf-map-homeless-shelters-restrictions/">effectively exempts</a> wide swaths of the Tenderloin, SoMa, and the Mission, as well as part of the Bayview.

Mahmood characterized the mayor’s amendments as an early starting point for discussion.

Mahmood characterized the mayor’s amendments as an early starting point for discussion.

“We&#8217;re operating in the spirit of collaboration,” Mahmood told The Standard. “The mayor and our office are not going to agree on 100% of things. We want to help people with unmet needs across the city. Our methodologies may differ.”

“We're operating in the spirit of collaboration,” Mahmood told The Standard. “The mayor and our office are not going to agree on 100% of things. We want to help people with unmet needs across the city. Our methodologies may differ.”

“We&#8217;re operating in the spirit of collaboration,” Mahmood told The Standard. “The mayor and our office are not going to agree on 100% of things. We want to help people with unmet needs across the city. Our methodologies may differ.”

He declined to comment on the specifics of the amendments.

He declined to comment on the specifics of the amendments.

While the proposed law doesn’t have the sharpest teeth to begin with — it has no enforcement mechanism, though it would offer a legal remedy for those wanting to pursue action against the city — other amendments suggested by Lurie would further blunt its fangs.

While the proposed law doesn’t have the sharpest teeth to begin with — it has no enforcement mechanism, though it would offer a legal remedy for those wanting to pursue action against the city — other amendments suggested by Lurie would further blunt its fangs.

For example, once the number of available shelter beds in a neighborhood is on par with the number of homeless people, there would be a moratorium on new shelters. That’s a high bar: <a href="https://www.sf.gov/data--point-time-count-dashboard">the more than 8,000 homeless denizens</a> far exceed the number of beds available citywide. The legislation’s existing mechanism would simply bar a shelter from being built within 1,000 feet of another, a far more likely scenario.

For example, once the number of available shelter beds in a neighborhood is on par with the number of homeless people, there would be a moratorium on new shelters. That’s a high bar: <a href="https://www.sf.gov/data--point-time-count-dashboard">the more than 8,000 homeless denizens</a> far exceed the number of beds available citywide. The legislation’s existing mechanism would simply bar a shelter from being built within 1,000 feet of another, a far more likely scenario.

Daniel Lurie campaigned for mayor with a new plan to end unsheltered homelessness in San Francisco at a tiny homes village on May 15, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/a3f440da-0c17-44d7-a6a5-9b7eb85caf3a-1-edited.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Three people stand outside small buildings, with one speaking at a lectern labeled &quot;Lurie for Mayor.&quot; The setting is urban, with plants and casual seating." class="wp-image-360150"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie, seen here at a tiny homes village on May 15, 2024, campaigned for mayor on plans to end unsheltered homelessness in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/a3f440da-0c17-44d7-a6a5-9b7eb85caf3a-1-edited.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Three people stand outside small buildings, with one speaking at a lectern labeled &quot;Lurie for Mayor.&quot; The setting is urban, with plants and casual seating." class="wp-image-360150"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie, seen here at a tiny homes village on May 15, 2024, campaigned for mayor on plans to end unsheltered homelessness in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Lurie also aims to exempt family, domestic violence, and sober shelters from the moratorium. He wants the date kicked back, too: The proposed amendments would delay the law’s implementation by at least six months.

Lurie also aims to exempt family, domestic violence, and sober shelters from the moratorium. He wants the date kicked back, too: The proposed amendments would delay the law’s implementation by at least six months.

Supervisor Shamann Walton, who represents the Bayview and other neighborhoods, is a co-sponsor of Mahmood’s legislation. He thinks Lurie’s amendments fly in the face of geographic equity.

Supervisor Shamann Walton, who represents the Bayview and other neighborhoods, is a co-sponsor of Mahmood’s legislation. He thinks Lurie’s amendments fly in the face of geographic equity.

“What I saw from the mayor’s office basically really watered down the legislation and would make it go against the intent or even the purpose of the legislation,” he said.

“What I saw from the mayor’s office basically really watered down the legislation and would make it go against the intent or even the purpose of the legislation,” he said.

Negotiations around the legislation are expected to last through July, as the Board of Supervisors will spend most of June focused on the city’s budget. If Mahmood rejects Lurie’s amendments, the only way he could overcome a veto is with a supermajority of the Board of Supervisors — eight votes out of 11.

Negotiations around the legislation are expected to last through July, as the Board of Supervisors will spend most of June focused on the city’s budget. If Mahmood rejects Lurie’s amendments, the only way he could overcome a veto is with a supermajority of the Board of Supervisors — eight votes out of 11.

Mahmood said he is confident he’ll get the votes. But Supervisor Connie Chan, who represents the Richmond district, said the legislation needs more work to earn her support.

Mahmood said he is confident he’ll get the votes. But Supervisor Connie Chan, who represents the Richmond district, said the legislation needs more work to earn her support.

“The Richmond is not immune to homelessness and people suffering from mental health illnesses. We need to find solutions that meet the needs and demands of our community, not a one-size-fits-all solution,” she said in a statement. “I urge the Mayor and Supervisor Mahmood to work together to craft a plan that delivers effective and sustainable results for all of San Francisco.”

“The Richmond is not immune to homelessness and people suffering from mental health illnesses. We need to find solutions that meet the needs and demands of our community, not a one-size-fits-all solution,” she said in a statement. “I urge the Mayor and Supervisor Mahmood to work together to craft a plan that delivers effective and sustainable results for all of San Francisco.”

To some degree, Lurie is already pushing for more services across the city. While he is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/13/lurie-shelter-beds-bayview-shamann-walton/">expanding a homeless shelter in the Bayview</a>, earning Walton’s ire, he also supports a Salvation Army-run <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/here-s-where-s-f-plans-to-open-beds-for-20300744.php">sober living facility</a> in the well-to-do Marina neighborhood that is garnering pushback.

Lurie expands controversial Bayview shelter plan, defying supervisor

To some degree, Lurie is already pushing for more services across the city. While he is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/13/lurie-shelter-beds-bayview-shamann-walton/">expanding a homeless shelter in the Bayview</a>, earning Walton’s ire, he also supports a Salvation Army-run <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/here-s-where-s-f-plans-to-open-beds-for-20300744.php">sober living facility</a> in the well-to-do Marina neighborhood that is garnering pushback.

Still, Lurie’s proposed amendments seem to be out of step with his promises on the campaign trail.

Still, Lurie’s proposed amendments seem to be out of step with his promises on the campaign trail.

core/embed

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/SEIbCeJ_lOM?si=Y7TXvcJLCOQ3nOJm&amp;t=2305
</div></figure>

At an August <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEIbCeJ_lOM">neighborhood meeting in the Mission</a>, a resident asked Lurie if he would require other neighborhoods to do their part for homeless San Franciscans, even if residents object.

At an August <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEIbCeJ_lOM">neighborhood meeting in the Mission</a>, a resident asked Lurie if he would require other neighborhoods to do their part for homeless San Franciscans, even if residents object.

“The shelter plan, my emergency shelter plan, that has to be in every neighborhood,” Lurie answered. “You have my commitment when it comes to decreasing the homeless population: We all have to be in it together.

“The shelter plan, my emergency shelter plan, that has to be in every neighborhood,” Lurie answered. “You have my commitment when it comes to decreasing the homeless population: We all have to be in it together.

“I will be the first one in line to make sure we get stuff done in every district in this city,” he added.

“I will be the first one in line to make sure we get stuff done in every district in this city,” he added.

Adam Lashinsky contributed to this report.

Adam Lashinsky contributed to this report.

Mayor moves to gut law requiring homeless shelters in every district

Josh Koehn

Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/08/bilal-mahmood-autism-san-francisco/">Bilal Mahmood</a> is pitching a plan to transform a popular block of Hayes Street into a new entertainment zone and “town square” that — hold on to your britches! — could permanently close the stretch of road to cars.

Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/08/bilal-mahmood-autism-san-francisco/">Bilal Mahmood</a> is pitching a plan to transform a popular block of Hayes Street into a new entertainment zone and “town square” that — hold on to your britches! — could permanently close the stretch of road to cars.

Mahmood’s proposal, which he will unveil during Friday’s weekly evening street party on Hayes Street, would formally designate the restaurant-lined 400 block of Hayes between Gough and Octavia streets as an entertainment zone. Mahmood said he will introduce legislation to the Board of Supervisors on June 2, while also calling on county transportation officials to study options around limiting car access to the block.

Mahmood’s proposal, which he will unveil during Friday’s weekly evening street party on Hayes Street, would formally designate the restaurant-lined 400 block of Hayes between Gough and Octavia streets as an entertainment zone. Mahmood said he will introduce legislation to the Board of Supervisors on June 2, while also calling on county transportation officials to study options around limiting car access to the block.

That stretch of Hayes Street, which includes restaurants Papito Hayes and a Mano, is permitted as a pedestrian-only zone on weekends. Mahmood said he wants the study to look at all options, but the possibility that it might be permanently closed to cars could ignite intense opposition.

That stretch of Hayes Street, which includes restaurants Papito Hayes and a Mano, is permitted as a pedestrian-only zone on weekends. Mahmood said he wants the study to look at all options, but the possibility that it might be permanently closed to cars could ignite intense opposition.

Opponents of Proposition K, which shut down the Great Highway and turned it into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/12/great-highway-sunset-dunes-grand-opening/">Sunset Dunes</a>, submitted nearly 11,000 signatures this week in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/21/engardio-recall-campaign-signatures-great-highway/">efforts to recall Supervisor Joel Engardio</a> after he championed the November ballot measure to convert the two-mile road into a coastal park. Meanwhile, Mayor Daniel Lurie received blowback this spring for expanding vehicle use of Market Street after he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/10/waymo-sf-market-street-service/">gave Waymo robotaxis near-exclusive access to </a><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/15/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-waymo-uber-lyft-market-street/">the downtown thoroughfare</a>, which was closed to cars in 2020.

Protesters attempt to disrupt joyous grand opening of SF&#8217;s newest park, Sunset Dunes

Campaign to recall Supervisor Joel Engardio has enough signatures, organizers say

Waymo to operate on car-free Market Street

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

Opponents of Proposition K, which shut down the Great Highway and turned it into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/12/great-highway-sunset-dunes-grand-opening/">Sunset Dunes</a>, submitted nearly 11,000 signatures this week in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/21/engardio-recall-campaign-signatures-great-highway/">efforts to recall Supervisor Joel Engardio</a> after he championed the November ballot measure to convert the two-mile road into a coastal park. Meanwhile, Mayor Daniel Lurie received blowback this spring for expanding vehicle use of Market Street after he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/10/waymo-sf-market-street-service/">gave Waymo robotaxis near-exclusive access to </a><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/15/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-waymo-uber-lyft-market-street/">the downtown thoroughfare</a>, which was closed to cars in 2020.

And who could forget <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/04/08/war-jfk-drive-de-young-museum-san-francisco-kids-safe-fine-arts-museum/">the 2022 war over JFK Drive</a>, which pitted seniors and disability advocates against the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and families that live close to Golden Gate Park to transform more than a mile of roadway into a pedestrian zone?

War for JFK Drive: How a museum&#8217;s money is shaping the fight over San Francisco&#8217;s most controversial street

And who could forget <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/04/08/war-jfk-drive-de-young-museum-san-francisco-kids-safe-fine-arts-museum/">the 2022 war over JFK Drive</a>, which pitted seniors and disability advocates against the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and families that live close to Golden Gate Park to transform more than a mile of roadway into a pedestrian zone?

On top of creating an official town square — though some may note that a square requires four sides — Mahmood said he also will call for the County Transportation Authority to conduct a three-part study using funds in reserve after the <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/Dueling_Ballots:_The_Central_Freeway%E2%80%99s_Fate">2003 demolition of the Central Freeway</a> at Market Street and Octavia. The study will examine the pros and cons of banning cars from one or both lanes on the road, as well as impacts to public transportation and emergency services.

On top of creating an official town square — though some may note that a square requires four sides — Mahmood said he also will call for the County Transportation Authority to conduct a three-part study using funds in reserve after the <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/Dueling_Ballots:_The_Central_Freeway%E2%80%99s_Fate">2003 demolition of the Central Freeway</a> at Market Street and Octavia. The study will examine the pros and cons of banning cars from one or both lanes on the road, as well as impacts to public transportation and emergency services.

Supervisor Bilal Mahmood speaks flanked by Supervisor Stephen Sherrill, left, and Supervisor Matt Dosey during a press conference at Tenderloin Family Housing in San Francisco on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Supervisor Bilal Mahmood has introduced Drug Market Intervention (DMI) Resolution which calls for a holistic approach to ending the fentanyl dealing in the neighborhood with a focus on prevention and workforce development, and will be voted on at the Board of Supervisors’ Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee shortly after.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8685542386_drugmarketkids_001.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is speaking at a podium with a microphone labeled &quot;NBC&quot; outside a building marked &quot;201 Turk.&quot; Several people are standing nearby, listening attentively." class="wp-image-377616"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Bilal Mahmood has developed big plans for a block of Hayes Street after being approached by residents who want it closed to cars.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8685542386_drugmarketkids_001.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is speaking at a podium with a microphone labeled &quot;NBC&quot; outside a building marked &quot;201 Turk.&quot; Several people are standing nearby, listening attentively." class="wp-image-377616"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Bilal Mahmood has developed big plans for a block of Hayes Street after being approached by residents who want it closed to cars.</figcaption></figure>

“It&#8217;s going to look at how we have more permanent activations of entertainment, music, dancing, carnivals, and street fairs that are already happening there,” Mahmood said. “The second component of it will be pedestrian access — looking into what are the things we need to do to enable full access for the small businesses to be successful.”

“It's going to look at how we have more permanent activations of entertainment, music, dancing, carnivals, and street fairs that are already happening there,” Mahmood said. “The second component of it will be pedestrian access — looking into what are the things we need to do to enable full access for the small businesses to be successful.”

“It&#8217;s going to look at how we have more permanent activations of entertainment, music, dancing, carnivals, and street fairs that are already happening there,” Mahmood said. “The second component of it will be pedestrian access — looking into what are the things we need to do to enable full access for the small businesses to be successful.”

David Robinson, president of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, which oversees the permit for the current road closures on Hayes Street, anticipates pushback to going car-free. But, he added, the weekend closures have not negatively affected businesses and residents.

David Robinson, president of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, which oversees the permit for the current road closures on Hayes Street, anticipates pushback to going car-free. But, he added, the weekend closures have not negatively affected businesses and residents.

“We’ve done surveys on this and it has minimal impact on businesses not being able to drive down one block of Hayes Street,” Robinson said.

“We’ve done surveys on this and it has minimal impact on businesses not being able to drive down one block of Hayes Street,” Robinson said.

Andrew Seigner, an organizer for <a href="https://www.change.org/p/car-free-hayes-street">Hayes Promenade</a>, a group that is advocating to make the stretch of road a “permanent pedestrian station,” sees the entertainment zone as a draw that could lure in visitors from across the city as well as outside of San Francisco. He said the group did an analysis of voters around Hayes Street and found that more than 80% were in favor of closing the Great Highway to cars, indicating interest in pedestrian-only areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrew Seigner, an organizer for <a href="https://www.change.org/p/car-free-hayes-street">Hayes Promenade</a>, a group that is advocating to make the stretch of road a “permanent pedestrian station,” sees the entertainment zone as a draw that could lure in visitors from across the city as well as outside of San Francisco. He said the group did an analysis of voters around Hayes Street and found that more than 80% were in favor of closing the Great Highway to cars, indicating interest in pedestrian-only areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This neighborhood in particular is probably one of the most favorable environments in the city to push this kind of work forward,” Seigner said.

“This neighborhood in particular is probably one of the most favorable environments in the city to push this kind of work forward,” Seigner said.

People walk near shops on Hayes Street, a business corridor that goes car-free three days a week, on July 24, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20230724_151643_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two women walk past a restaurant named &quot;Papito&quot; on a sunny street. The area has outdoor seating and a tree provides shade, with other people in the background." class="wp-image-210529"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hayes Street is a popular destination for shopping, restaurants, and bars, but making it an official entertainment zone could raise the neighborhood&#8217;s profile.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20230724_151643_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two women walk past a restaurant named &quot;Papito&quot; on a sunny street. The area has outdoor seating and a tree provides shade, with other people in the background." class="wp-image-210529"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hayes Street is a popular destination for shopping, restaurants, and bars, but making it an official entertainment zone could raise the neighborhood's profile.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20230724_151643_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two women walk past a restaurant named &quot;Papito&quot; on a sunny street. The area has outdoor seating and a tree provides shade, with other people in the background." class="wp-image-210529"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hayes Street is a popular destination for shopping, restaurants, and bars, but making it an official entertainment zone could raise the neighborhood&#8217;s profile.</figcaption></figure>

Districts 1 and 5 still too close to call as Sauter and Fielder win in Districts 3 and 9

San Francisco supervisor opens up about autism diagnosis

Mayor moves to gut law requiring homeless shelters in every district

Hayes Valley could get a party zone. Will cars be banned?

Opinion: These supervisors have a good idea to fight homelessness. The mayor should reject it anyway

Search Results for: bilal mahmood

Districts 1 and 5 still too close to call as Sauter and Fielder win in Districts 3 and 9

San Francisco supervisor opens up about autism diagnosis

Mayor moves to gut law requiring homeless shelters in every district

Hayes Valley could get a party zone. Will cars be banned?

Opinion: These supervisors have a good idea to fight homelessness. The mayor should reject it anyway