Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

David Sjostedt

Jonah Owen Lamb

Kevin Truong

Han Li

In politics, 100 days can seem like an eternity —&nbsp;has it really been only three months since Trump took office again? —&nbsp;or a blink. Assessing a mayor’s —&nbsp;or president’s —&nbsp;tenure at the 100-day mark is a convention, but an imperfect one,&nbsp;an exercise in judging beginnings without knowledge of the endings.&nbsp;

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<p>In politics, 100 days can seem like an eternity —&nbsp;has it really been only three months since Trump took office again? —&nbsp;or a blink. Assessing a mayor’s —&nbsp;or president’s —&nbsp;tenure at the 100-day mark is a convention, but an imperfect one,&nbsp;an exercise in judging beginnings without knowledge of the endings.&nbsp;</p>

Even so, Mayor Daniel Lurie hit the pavement with enough vigor and momentum that a recap of his first 14.3 weeks in City Hall offers much for discussion —&nbsp;even if it’s far too early to say whether his efforts will bear the intended fruit.&nbsp;

<p>Even so, Mayor Daniel Lurie hit the pavement with enough vigor and momentum that a recap of his first 14.3 weeks in City Hall offers much for discussion —&nbsp;even if it’s far too early to say whether his efforts will bear the intended fruit.&nbsp;</p>

Here’s what Lurie has accomplished on six key fronts.&nbsp;

<p>Here’s what Lurie has accomplished on six key fronts.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-homelessness">Homelessness</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-homelessness">Homelessness</h2>

Lurie’s signature campaign promise was to build 1,500 shelter beds and solve street homelessness in just six months after taking office. Since becoming mayor, however, he has backed away from the latter promise; in late January, a campaign adviser told The Standard that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/28/san-francisco-daniel-lurie-homelessness-shelter-promise/">the promise was a “slip-up</a>.”

Lurie&#8217;s vow to end street homelessness in 6 months was &#8216;slip-up,&#8217; says adviser

<p>Lurie’s signature campaign promise was to build 1,500 shelter beds and solve street homelessness in just six months after taking office. Since becoming mayor, however, he has backed away from the latter promise; in late January, a campaign adviser told The Standard that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/28/san-francisco-daniel-lurie-homelessness-shelter-promise/">the promise was a “slip-up</a>.”</p>

While he has stood by the goal of adding 1,500 beds, he’s given himself more time, with staff saying the six-month clock didn’t start until mid-March — more than two months after his inauguration — when Lurie <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/daniel-lurie-fentanyl-emergency/">unveiled his “Breaking the Cycle” directive</a>.

Lurie finally unveils plan for tackling SF&#8217;s fentanyl crisis

<p>While he has stood by the goal of adding 1,500 beds, he’s given himself more time, with staff saying the six-month clock didn’t start until mid-March — more than two months after his inauguration — when Lurie <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/daniel-lurie-fentanyl-emergency/">unveiled his “Breaking the Cycle” directive</a>.</p>

Homeless hang out on the streets near 6th Street and Natoma Street in San Francisco on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. Homeless out-of-towners are always quick to be blamed when cities are debating homelessness. In a recent post, Mayor Lurie's new homelessness chief blamed other cities for not doing enough, leading homeless people to move to San Francisco.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8367759482_homelessoutoftowners_040.jpg?w=2500" alt="People stand and sit on a sidewalk cluttered with belongings and strollers, beside parked cars and buildings, creating a crowded and busy street scene." class="wp-image-370255"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People gather on a sidewalk near Sixth and Natoma streets in February.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8367759482_homelessoutoftowners_040.jpg?w=2500" alt="People stand and sit on a sidewalk cluttered with belongings and strollers, beside parked cars and buildings, creating a crowded and busy street scene." class="wp-image-370255"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People gather on a sidewalk near Sixth and Natoma streets in February.</figcaption></figure>

Overall, Lurie’s strategy is aimed at improving the current system while adding a variety of facilities — not just shelter beds — that offer such services as mental health treatment, sober living coaching, and interim housing.

<p>Overall, Lurie’s strategy is aimed at improving the current system while adding a variety of facilities — not just shelter beds — that offer such services as mental health treatment, sober living coaching, and interim housing.</p>

Lurie’s most impactful reform in the first 100 days came when he announced an overhaul of the city’s oft-criticized street teams, condensing their efforts into five neighborhood-based squads. The teams previously worked disparately and with overlapping functions, a city audit found in 2023.

<p>Lurie’s most impactful reform in the first 100 days came when he announced an overhaul of the city’s oft-criticized street teams, condensing their efforts into five neighborhood-based squads. The teams previously worked disparately and with overlapping functions, a city audit found in 2023.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crime-and-public-safety">Crime and public safety</h2>


Lurie inherited a city with low levels of violent crime but a major problem with drug use and associated crime. With former police officer Paul Yep as his policy chief on public safety, Lurie has doubled down on the tough-on-crime regime put in place by his predecessor, London Breed, while moving to consolidate control of the Police Commission and the San Francisco Police Department.

<p>Lurie inherited a city with low levels of violent crime but a major problem with drug use and associated crime. With former police officer Paul Yep as his policy chief on public safety, Lurie has doubled down on the tough-on-crime regime put in place by his predecessor, London Breed, while moving to consolidate control of the Police Commission and the San Francisco Police Department.</p>

Under Lurie and Yep, the SFPD has shifted resources around, transferring cops to a command center in the Tenderloin and prioritizing enforcement of theft and petty crime. The department has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/27/jefferson-square-park-raid-san-francisco-police-drugs-arrests/">conducted mass arrests</a> of alleged dealers and users for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/06/drug-dealing-arrests-police-park-raid/">minor infractions such as loitering</a> or possession of paraphernalia —&nbsp;arrests that typically don’t result in charges. Meanwhile, the city’s jails are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/14/sf-jails-packed-for-the-first-time-in-decades/">the fullest they’ve been</a> in decades.

Cops storm drug market in late-night park raid

Massive drug market raid nabs almost no dealers

After decades of downsizing, SF jails are suddenly packed again

<p>Under Lurie and Yep, the SFPD has shifted resources around, transferring cops to a command center in the Tenderloin and prioritizing enforcement of theft and petty crime. The department has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/27/jefferson-square-park-raid-san-francisco-police-drugs-arrests/">conducted mass arrests</a> of alleged dealers and users for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/06/drug-dealing-arrests-police-park-raid/">minor infractions such as loitering</a> or possession of paraphernalia —&nbsp;arrests that typically don’t result in charges. Meanwhile, the city’s jails are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/14/sf-jails-packed-for-the-first-time-in-decades/">the fullest they’ve been</a> in decades.</p>

San Francisco law enforcement and city department staffers carried out a mass sweep and arrest of suspected drug dealers and users at Jefferson Square Park on Wednesday night.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1740650785758blob.png?w=1920" alt="A nighttime scene with a group of police officers standing near a brightly lit bus stop. The bus stop displays an ad about parked cars getting hot quickly." class="wp-image-372418"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police and other city officials carry out a mass sweep and arrests of suspected drug dealers and users at Jefferson Square Park.</figcaption></figure>


Lurie was able to secure support from the Board of Supervisors for his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/04/san-francisco-mayor-bold-play-remove-sfpd-commissioner/">removal of an independent-minded police commissioner</a>, Max Carter-Oberstone, who had defied Breed and blocked her from appointing her choice of SFPD chief. Mayoral appointees now make up the majority of the commission, which has the role of choosing three candidates in the event Chief Bill Scott retires or is pushed out.

Lurie makes bold play to cut controversial police commissioner

<p>Lurie was able to secure support from the Board of Supervisors for his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/04/san-francisco-mayor-bold-play-remove-sfpd-commissioner/">removal of an independent-minded police commissioner</a>, Max Carter-Oberstone, who had defied Breed and blocked her from appointing her choice of SFPD chief. Mayoral appointees now make up the majority of the commission, which has the role of choosing three candidates in the event Chief Bill Scott retires or is pushed out.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-drug-crisis-nbsp">The drug crisis&nbsp;</h2>


Despite the passage of legislation declaring a “fentanyl emergency,” which gives the mayor special powers to address the crisis, overdose rates remain at startling levels, and visible drug markets continue to plague some street corners —&nbsp;but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/21/the-mission-is-the-new-tenderloin/">the addresses have changed</a>.&nbsp;

The Mission is the new Tenderloin

<p>Despite the passage of legislation declaring a “fentanyl emergency,” which gives the mayor special powers to address the crisis, overdose rates remain at startling levels, and visible drug markets continue to plague some street corners —&nbsp;but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/21/the-mission-is-the-new-tenderloin/">the addresses have changed</a>.&nbsp;</p>

SFPD’s high-profile raids on the notorious late-night gatherings of drug users, dealers, and illegal vendors have so far accomplished little more than moving them around the city.&nbsp;

<p>SFPD’s high-profile raids on the notorious late-night gatherings of drug users, dealers, and illegal vendors have so far accomplished little more than moving them around the city.&nbsp;</p>

In his approach to helping drug users, Lurie has accelerated his predecessor’s shift away from so-called harm reduction policies, introducing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/02/moronic-nonprofit-slams-luries-new-rule-on-free-drug-supplies/">a controversial mandate</a> to pair distribution of smoking supplies with counseling.

&#8216;Moronic&#8217;: Nonprofits slam Lurie&#8217;s new rules on free drug supplies

<p>In his approach to helping drug users, Lurie has accelerated his predecessor’s shift away from so-called harm reduction policies, introducing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/02/moronic-nonprofit-slams-luries-new-rule-on-free-drug-supplies/">a controversial mandate</a> to pair distribution of smoking supplies with counseling.</p>

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has set up a triage center at a parking lot at 469 Stevenson St. near Jesse Street on Friday, Feb, 7, 2025.. The idea is to free up beat cops by having a jail transport van for dealers and users who get arrested, while also providing services to drug users who want to get clean.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dsc07539.jpg?w=1046" alt="An alley with white tents covering tables, where a few people sit and stand. Tall buildings and trees are visible in the background." class="wp-image-365308"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police opened a triage center in a parking lot in February.</figcaption></figure>


The city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/04/sixth-street-drug-market-triage-center-police/">opened a triage center</a> on Sixth Street, a corridor known for drug activity, connecting more than 1,000 people to medical or behavioral health treatment and directing more than 275 into shelter or housing, according to city data. Lurie is using his new emergency powers to open <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/12/lurie-will-use-emergency-fentanyl-powers-to-speed-crisis-center-opening/">a crisis center</a> at 822 Geary St. that will serve as an alternative landing spot for people suffering from overdoses and mental health crises.

New drug market plan: Cops will bus dealers, users to treatment or jail

Tenderloin drug crisis center to open this spring under Lurie&#8217;s emergency law

<p>The city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/04/sixth-street-drug-market-triage-center-police/">opened a triage center</a> on Sixth Street, a corridor known for drug activity, connecting more than 1,000 people to medical or behavioral health treatment and directing more than 275 into shelter or housing, according to city data. Lurie is using his new emergency powers to open <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/12/lurie-will-use-emergency-fentanyl-powers-to-speed-crisis-center-opening/">a crisis center</a> at 822 Geary St. that will serve as an alternative landing spot for people suffering from overdoses and mental health crises.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-business">Business</h2>


“San Francisco is open for business” has been a refrain of Lurie’s as he has attempted to pull off a feat that eluded Breed: breathing life back into downtown. Office vacancy rates remain high, foot traffic is still depressed, and tourism levels are wobbly, but some economic indicators, including sales tax revenue and population flows, are trending positively after steep pandemic declines.

<p>“San Francisco is open for business” has been a refrain of Lurie’s as he has attempted to pull off a feat that eluded Breed: breathing life back into downtown. Office vacancy rates remain high, foot traffic is still depressed, and tourism levels are wobbly, but some economic indicators, including sales tax revenue and population flows, are trending positively after steep pandemic declines.</p>

Lurie’s policy program has included expanded public-drinking “entertainment zones,” slashed red tape on development, and an order to bring city workers back to the office.

<p>Lurie’s policy program has included expanded public-drinking “entertainment zones,” slashed red tape on development, and an order to bring city workers back to the office.</p>

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie speaks at the Strava headquarters at 181 Fremont St. in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Strava is opening the doors to its brand-new global headquarters in San Francisco. HQ celebrates Strava’s global presence and the universality of sport by featuring meeting rooms named after some of the most beloved segments around the world like Alpe d’Huez and Mount Tam, bibs from local and global races the team has been a part of and artwork from world-class sporting events to pay homage to athleticism and sportsmanship.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8566320600_metastrava08.jpg?w=2000" alt="A man in a suit speaks into a microphone on a small stage, with an audience of diverse people standing and observing. A large screen is next to him displaying &quot;Strava.&quot;" class="wp-image-374947"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie speaks with Strava employees at the fitness app company&#8217;s new headquarters in downtown San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8566320600_metastrava08.jpg?w=2000" alt="A man in a suit speaks into a microphone on a small stage, with an audience of diverse people standing and observing. A large screen is next to him displaying &quot;Strava.&quot;" class="wp-image-374947"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie speaks with Strava employees at the fitness app company's new headquarters in downtown San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8566320600_metastrava08.jpg?w=2000" alt="A man in a suit speaks into a microphone on a small stage, with an audience of diverse people standing and observing. A large screen is next to him displaying &quot;Strava.&quot;" class="wp-image-374947"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie speaks with Strava employees at the fitness app company&#8217;s new headquarters in downtown San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Assisting him is Ned Segal, the mayor’s policy chief for housing and economic development, who came to government after a long career in the private sector, including in investment banking and technology.

<p>Assisting him is Ned Segal, the mayor’s policy chief for housing and economic development, who came to government after a long career in the private sector, including in investment banking and technology.</p>

Lurie has leaned on his connections to bring private funds to bear on the downtown problem. New civic and business groups, including the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/08/lurie-downtown-development-corp-nonprofit-david-stiepleman/">San Francisco Downtown Development Corp.</a> and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/lurie-creates-powerful-partnership/">Partnership for San Francisco</a>, have been created for this purpose, both stocked with billionaires and CEOs.

Lurie backers launch new nonprofit to funnel private dollars into downtown SF

Exclusive: Lurie reels in Laurene Powell Jobs, Google&#8217;s Ruth Porat to lead new civic group

<p>Lurie has leaned on his connections to bring private funds to bear on the downtown problem. New civic and business groups, including the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/08/lurie-downtown-development-corp-nonprofit-david-stiepleman/">San Francisco Downtown Development Corp.</a> and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/lurie-creates-powerful-partnership/">Partnership for San Francisco</a>, have been created for this purpose, both stocked with billionaires and CEOs.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-nbsp">Education&nbsp;</h2>


Lurie campaigned on a vision of a more “family-friendly” San Francisco, with a stronger public school system at the heart of that promise. Though he’s a private-school parent and holds no direct authority over the San Francisco Unified School District — which operates independently from City Hall — he retains indirect influence. About a quarter of the district’s budget comes from the city, and as mayor, Lurie has the power to appoint Board of Education members.

<p>Lurie campaigned on a vision of a more “family-friendly” San Francisco, with a stronger public school system at the heart of that promise. Though he’s a private-school parent and holds no direct authority over the San Francisco Unified School District — which operates independently from City Hall — he retains indirect influence. About a quarter of the district’s budget comes from the city, and as mayor, Lurie has the power to appoint Board of Education members.</p>

Since taking office, Lurie has mostly taken on a symbolic and supportive role when it comes to the SFUSD. He’s been present at school events, applauded rising enrollment numbers, and backed initiatives like college savings account programs. Both SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su and school board President Phil Kim have expressed gratitude for his involvement. Still, Lurie has generally refrained from commenting on specific issues.

<p>Since taking office, Lurie has mostly taken on a symbolic and supportive role when it comes to the SFUSD. He’s been present at school events, applauded rising enrollment numbers, and backed initiatives like college savings account programs. Both SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su and school board President Phil Kim have expressed gratitude for his involvement. Still, Lurie has generally refrained from commenting on specific issues.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-budget">The budget</h2>


The city faces an $820 million deficit that President Donald Trump could make worse in a variety of ways, from yanking federal funds to triggering a recession that would decimate the tax base. Lurie estimated that the budget hole could grow <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/10/san-francisco-lurie-budget-trump-2-billion/">as large as $2 billion</a>.

New estimate puts federal threat to SF at more than $2 billion, Lurie says

<p>The city faces an $820 million deficit that President Donald Trump could make worse in a variety of ways, from yanking federal funds to triggering a recession that would decimate the tax base. Lurie estimated that the budget hole could grow <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/10/san-francisco-lurie-budget-trump-2-billion/">as large as $2 billion</a>.</p>

sf-standard/related-post

‘Moronic’: Nonprofits slam Lurie’s new rules on free drug supplies

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

sf-standard/related-posts-container

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/06/san-francisco-layoffs-daniel-lurie-budget-deficit/">Layoffs</a> are on the table, his office said. If they occur, it will be the first time City Hall has laid off employees to meet a budget need since Gavin Newsom was mayor. In the meantime, Lurie has instructed city departments to reduce their budgets by 15%, specifying that cuts should not be “politically untenable.” The proposals have rolled in: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/18/san-francisco-city-hall-street-cleaning-services-department-of-public-works/">scaling back</a> street cleaning, charging more for parking meters, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/18/bussing-downtown-good-luck-muni-to-snip-routes-to-save-money/">snipping</a> Muni routes, closing art museums <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/04/fine-arts-museums-may-slash-staff-close-on-tuesdays/">on additional days,</a> and cutting back on nonprofits. Still, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/10/daniel-lurie-is-getting-budget-rolled-by-his-own-bureaucrats/">not all departments have complied</a> with the 15% mandate: 22 city agencies <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/05/san-francisco-budget-deficit-departments-daniel-lurie/">blew it off.</a>

Facing fiscal crisis, SF City Hall eyes layoffs for the first time in years

Watch where you step: San Francisco’s streets may get dirtier

Bussing downtown? Good luck. Muni to snip routes to save money

Fine Arts Museums may slash staff, close on Tuesdays as cash crisis hits

Daniel Lurie is getting budget-rolled by his own bureaucrats

City departments are blowing off Lurie&#8217;s budget-cut mandate

<p><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/06/san-francisco-layoffs-daniel-lurie-budget-deficit/">Layoffs</a> are on the table, his office said. If they occur, it will be the first time City Hall has laid off employees to meet a budget need since Gavin Newsom was mayor. In the meantime, Lurie has instructed city departments to reduce their budgets by 15%, specifying that cuts should not be “politically untenable.” The proposals have rolled in: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/18/san-francisco-city-hall-street-cleaning-services-department-of-public-works/">scaling back</a> street cleaning, charging more for parking meters, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/18/bussing-downtown-good-luck-muni-to-snip-routes-to-save-money/">snipping</a> Muni routes, closing art museums <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/04/fine-arts-museums-may-slash-staff-close-on-tuesdays/">on additional days,</a> and cutting back on nonprofits. Still, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/10/daniel-lurie-is-getting-budget-rolled-by-his-own-bureaucrats/">not all departments have complied</a> with the 15% mandate: 22 city agencies <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/05/san-francisco-budget-deficit-departments-daniel-lurie/">blew it off.</a></p>

Whatever happens next, the Board of Supervisors and Lurie must agree on the budget by July 1, a process mandated by city law.

<p>Whatever happens next, the Board of Supervisors and Lurie must agree on the budget by July 1, a process mandated by city law.</p>

Daniel Lurie’s 100-day progress report

Adam Lashinsky

The last time there was a political earthquake of the magnitude we just witnessed within San Francisco’s City Hall, Daniel Lurie was an 18-year-old recent graduate of University High School. That was way back in 1995, when Willie Brown beat the incumbent Mayor Frank Jordan, ushering in a bold new regime to run the city. The next three elected mayors — Gavin Newsom, Ed Lee, and London Breed — were all appointees or protégés of Brown, effectively representing an uninterrupted run of Willie’s World.&nbsp;

<p>The last time there was a political earthquake of the magnitude we just witnessed within San Francisco’s City Hall, Daniel Lurie was an 18-year-old recent graduate of University High School. That was way back in 1995, when Willie Brown beat the incumbent Mayor Frank Jordan, ushering in a bold new regime to run the city. The next three elected mayors — Gavin Newsom, Ed Lee, and London Breed — were all appointees or protégés of Brown, effectively representing an uninterrupted run of Willie’s World.&nbsp;</p>

This nearly 30-year political epoch has left the so-called City Family unprepared for the election of Lurie, who ran explicitly against several of its own. Most current department heads and staffers have neither the playbook nor muscle memory of how to function outside of the patronage army that Brown built.&nbsp;

<p>This nearly 30-year political epoch has left the so-called City Family unprepared for the election of Lurie, who ran explicitly against several of its own. Most current department heads and staffers have neither the playbook nor muscle memory of how to function outside of the patronage army that Brown built.&nbsp;</p>

To put it another way: This is the first administration in a generation that owes Brown and the rest of San Francisco’s political firmament precisely nothing. (A while back, I heard that when Lurie asked Brown for campaign advice, the wily politician dismissively responded that the philanthropist should “get a job.”)

<p>To put it another way: This is the first administration in a generation that owes Brown and the rest of San Francisco’s political firmament precisely nothing. (A while back, I heard that when Lurie asked Brown for campaign advice, the wily politician dismissively responded that the philanthropist should “get a job.”)</p>

“City Hall insiders,” as Lurie repeatedly derided them during his campaign, have no idea what to expect. Will the new mayor clean house and install his own loyalists in place of longtime officeholders? Will he swing a sledgehammer at city government’s byways, taking down anyone who stands in his way? Lurie spoke repeatedly of City Hall’s dysfunction during the campaign, and his <a href="https://daniellurie.com/sc/thank-you-letter-sc/">victory letter</a> cites “shaking up the corrupt and ineffective bureaucracy&#8221; as one of his top priorities.

<p>“City Hall insiders,” as Lurie repeatedly derided them during his campaign, have no idea what to expect. Will the new mayor clean house and install his own loyalists in place of longtime officeholders? Will he swing a sledgehammer at city government’s byways, taking down anyone who stands in his way? Lurie spoke repeatedly of City Hall’s dysfunction during the campaign, and his <a href="https://daniellurie.com/sc/thank-you-letter-sc/">victory letter</a> cites “shaking up the corrupt and ineffective bureaucracy" as one of his top priorities.</p>

<p>“City Hall insiders,” as Lurie repeatedly derided them during his campaign, have no idea what to expect. Will the new mayor clean house and install his own loyalists in place of longtime officeholders? Will he swing a sledgehammer at city government’s byways, taking down anyone who stands in his way? Lurie spoke repeatedly of City Hall’s dysfunction during the campaign, and his <a href="https://daniellurie.com/sc/thank-you-letter-sc/">victory letter</a> cites “shaking up the corrupt and ineffective bureaucracy&#8221; as one of his top priorities.</p>

Lurie&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielLurie/status/1858561058241474677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1858561058241474677%7Ctwgr%5Ed6f3e8d8b9d051056cfd5ad522696aa28b945c6b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsfstandard.com%2F2024%2F11%2F18%2Fsam-altman-tapped-for-luries-transition-team%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">named his transition team Monday</a>, a group that includes OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and a handful of politicos. But as he thinks about the kind of leader he plans to be, he’d be wise to consider the obvious and laudable example of another iconoclastic big-city mayor: Michael Bloomberg.&nbsp;

<p>Lurie&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielLurie/status/1858561058241474677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1858561058241474677%7Ctwgr%5Ed6f3e8d8b9d051056cfd5ad522696aa28b945c6b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsfstandard.com%2F2024%2F11%2F18%2Fsam-altman-tapped-for-luries-transition-team%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">named his transition team Monday</a>, a group that includes OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and a handful of politicos. But as he thinks about the kind of leader he plans to be, he’d be wise to consider the obvious and laudable example of another iconoclastic big-city mayor: Michael Bloomberg.&nbsp;</p>

When the financial information executive took office in New York City in the months after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he too was a rich guy who had never been elected to anything. Like Lurie, he had begun his campaign far down in the polls and was widely expected to lose to a veteran politician, Public Advocate Mark Green.&nbsp;

<p>When the financial information executive took office in New York City in the months after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he too was a rich guy who had never been elected to anything. Like Lurie, he had begun his campaign far down in the polls and was widely expected to lose to a veteran politician, Public Advocate Mark Green.&nbsp;</p>

And like Lurie, Bloomberg enjoyed the political flexibility that comes from having financed his own campaign. Though he won the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/28/nyregion/in-homestretch-of-campaign-mayor-endorses-bloomberg.html">last-minute endorsement</a> of Rudy Giuliani, then highly respected as “America’s mayor,” few of New York&#8217;s power players endorsed Bloomberg.

<p>And like Lurie, Bloomberg enjoyed the political flexibility that comes from having financed his own campaign. Though he won the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/28/nyregion/in-homestretch-of-campaign-mayor-endorses-bloomberg.html">last-minute endorsement</a> of Rudy Giuliani, then highly respected as “America’s mayor,” few of New York's power players endorsed Bloomberg.</p>

<p>And like Lurie, Bloomberg enjoyed the political flexibility that comes from having financed his own campaign. Though he won the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/28/nyregion/in-homestretch-of-campaign-mayor-endorses-bloomberg.html">last-minute endorsement</a> of Rudy Giuliani, then highly respected as “America’s mayor,” few of New York&#8217;s power players endorsed Bloomberg.</p>

That’s true for Lurie, too. In fact, Bloomberg himself didn’t back Lurie’s run for mayor; instead, he gave $1.2 million to the Breed campaign.

<p>That’s true for Lurie, too. In fact, Bloomberg himself didn’t back Lurie’s run for mayor; instead, he gave $1.2 million to the Breed campaign.</p>

Mayoral Candidate Daniel Lurie walks with Lily Lo, president of BeChinatown, as they visit merchants while Lurie campaigns in Chinatown in San Francisco on Friday, January, 2024. Lurie, the founder of anti-poverty nonprofit Tipping Point and an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, is one of the most prominent challengers to Mayor London Breed in this year’s election.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20240130-asianvotemayorrace-222.jpg?w=1852" alt="A man in a white shirt crosses a busy city street, turning his head to the side. Buildings, people walking, and cars are visible in the background." class="wp-image-331538"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Like Michael Bloomberg once did in New York, Daniel Lurie will enter office with the political flexibility that comes from having financed his own campaign. </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-allegiance-to-anybody">‘No allegiance to anybody’</h2>


In the 2000s, Bloomberg’s financial independence gave him a free hand to assemble a team in his own image, regardless of whose backs they had scratched before. “He had no allegiance to anybody,” recalled Dan Doctoroff, a powerful deputy mayor for economic development under Bloomberg, who came into government with little political but plenty of private-sector experience.&nbsp;

<p>In the 2000s, Bloomberg’s financial independence gave him a free hand to assemble a team in his own image, regardless of whose backs they had scratched before. “He had no allegiance to anybody,” recalled Dan Doctoroff, a powerful deputy mayor for economic development under Bloomberg, who came into government with little political but plenty of private-sector experience.&nbsp;</p>

A seasoned investment banker, Doctoroff had led a failed effort to bring the Olympic Games to New York, which he retooled into a grand redevelopment plan for the city. When Bloomberg won, Doctoroff was reluctant to sign on. “I turned him down twice,” he told me via Zoom last week. “Eventually I met with Mike, and he convinced me I could do everything I wanted to do more effectively inside City Hall.”

<p>A seasoned investment banker, Doctoroff had led a failed effort to bring the Olympic Games to New York, which he retooled into a grand redevelopment plan for the city. When Bloomberg won, Doctoroff was reluctant to sign on. “I turned him down twice,” he told me via Zoom last week. “Eventually I met with Mike, and he convinced me I could do everything I wanted to do more effectively inside City Hall.”</p>

In the wake of Lurie’s election victory, I spoke to former Bloomberg administration officials who said the mogul–mayor&#8217;s independence more than compensated for his inexperience. “Not owing anybody anything is a huge benefit if you play things right,” one told me.

<p>In the wake of Lurie’s election victory, I spoke to former Bloomberg administration officials who said the mogul–mayor's independence more than compensated for his inexperience. “Not owing anybody anything is a huge benefit if you play things right,” one told me.</p>

<p>In the wake of Lurie’s election victory, I spoke to former Bloomberg administration officials who said the mogul–mayor&#8217;s independence more than compensated for his inexperience. “Not owing anybody anything is a huge benefit if you play things right,” one told me.</p>

Peter Madonia, Bloomberg’s first chief of staff, said the mayor was liberated by not needing to repay campaign favors. “He was quite clear to me,” Madonia remembered of his boss. “He said, ‘Go find the best and the brightest.&#8217;”&nbsp;

<p>Peter Madonia, Bloomberg’s first chief of staff, said the mayor was liberated by not needing to repay campaign favors. “He was quite clear to me,” Madonia remembered of his boss. “He said, ‘Go find the best and the brightest.'”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Peter Madonia, Bloomberg’s first chief of staff, said the mayor was liberated by not needing to repay campaign favors. “He was quite clear to me,” Madonia remembered of his boss. “He said, ‘Go find the best and the brightest.&#8217;”&nbsp;</p>

Bloomberg famously recruited businesspeople in his own mold, including Doctoroff and Andrew Alper, a former Goldman Sachs partner he tapped to run the New York City Economic Development Corporation. But he named — and retained — plenty of seasoned hands, too. “Mike understood he needed people who had government experience at a high level,” said Madonia, himself a former official in the administration of Mayor Ed Koch.&nbsp;

<p>Bloomberg famously recruited businesspeople in his own mold, including Doctoroff and Andrew Alper, a former Goldman Sachs partner he tapped to run the New York City Economic Development Corporation. But he named — and retained — plenty of seasoned hands, too. “Mike understood he needed people who had government experience at a high level,” said Madonia, himself a former official in the administration of Mayor Ed Koch.&nbsp;</p>

Among the city officials Bloomberg retained were the heads of the prison, taxi regulation, and transportation agencies. His first deputy mayor for operations, a key post in New York, had held multiple city jobs before going to work for Bloomberg.

<p>Among the city officials Bloomberg retained were the heads of the prison, taxi regulation, and transportation agencies. His first deputy mayor for operations, a key post in New York, had held multiple city jobs before going to work for Bloomberg.</p>

The new mayor went out of his way to praise municipal employees, even knowing a multibillion-dollar budget deficit would require painful cuts. (<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/daniel-lurie-wins-san-francisco-mayor/">Sound familiar?</a>) “He expressed tremendous respect for city workers,” said Ed Skyler, initially Bloomberg’s press secretary and later a deputy mayor for operations. “He went to union leaders and said, ‘I’m going to work with your members to make the city better.’”&nbsp;

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

<p>The new mayor went out of his way to praise municipal employees, even knowing a multibillion-dollar budget deficit would require painful cuts. (<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/daniel-lurie-wins-san-francisco-mayor/">Sound familiar?</a>) “He expressed tremendous respect for city workers,” said Ed Skyler, initially Bloomberg’s press secretary and later a deputy mayor for operations. “He went to union leaders and said, ‘I’m going to work with your members to make the city better.’”&nbsp;</p>

Bloomberg was clear on his vision for the city, which featured some of the same priorities Lurie has today, including boosting public safety and building affordable housing. The New York mayor was equally clear about a few quirkier initiatives, including a ban on smoking in public spaces.&nbsp;

<p>Bloomberg was clear on his vision for the city, which featured some of the same priorities Lurie has today, including boosting public safety and building affordable housing. The New York mayor was equally clear about a few quirkier initiatives, including a ban on smoking in public spaces.&nbsp;</p>

Madonia said he pushed back on Bloomberg over the smoking ban, given the more pressing matters the city faced. “I said, ‘What the fuck do you want to do that for? We’ve got to lay off sanitation workers and correction officers and close firehouses.’ But he was resolute about it, and to his credit, he was right. It became a global success.”

<p>Madonia said he pushed back on Bloomberg over the smoking ban, given the more pressing matters the city faced. “I said, ‘What the fuck do you want to do that for? We’ve got to lay off sanitation workers and correction officers and close firehouses.’ But he was resolute about it, and to his credit, he was right. It became a global success.”</p>

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - NOVEMBER 2:  Dan Doctoroff, District Mayor of Economic Development, Jay Kriegel, Executive Director for NYC 2012, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg talk before the United States Olympic Committee announced who would represent The U.S. in a bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympic games November 2, 2002 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. New York City won out over San Francisco and now moves on to the international competition. The International Olympic Committee will decide who will host the Olympic games in 2005.  (Photo by Tom Cooper/Getty Images)


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gettyimages-1584368.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three men in suits are seated at a table, one whispering to another, while the third listens intently. Papers and a glass of ice water are on the table." class="wp-image-333420"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dan Doctoroff, left, was one of the experienced outsiders brought into New York City&#8217;s government by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, right.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gettyimages-1584368.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three men in suits are seated at a table, one whispering to another, while the third listens intently. Papers and a glass of ice water are on the table." class="wp-image-333420"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dan Doctoroff, left, was one of the experienced outsiders brought into New York City's government by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, right.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gettyimages-1584368.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three men in suits are seated at a table, one whispering to another, while the third listens intently. Papers and a glass of ice water are on the table." class="wp-image-333420"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dan Doctoroff, left, was one of the experienced outsiders brought into New York City&#8217;s government by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, right.</figcaption></figure>

For all the similarities, there also are considerable differences between the two upstart mayors and their cities. By the time he became mayor, Bloomberg was a self-made billionaire and exceedingly capable CEO, with a reputation for leading deftly while delegating broadly. In the words of one admirer, “Mike is in a league of one.”&nbsp;

<p>For all the similarities, there also are considerable differences between the two upstart mayors and their cities. By the time he became mayor, Bloomberg was a self-made billionaire and exceedingly capable CEO, with a reputation for leading deftly while delegating broadly. In the words of one admirer, “Mike is in a league of one.”&nbsp;</p>

Lurie, by comparison, has far less operating experience than Bloomberg. His management highlights include running a 50-person non-profit and serving as the chair of the Super Bowl host committee. (Fun fact: Lurie modeled the nonprofit he founded, Tipping Point, on the organization where he worked in New York, Robin Hood, during the first years of the Bloomberg administration.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>Lurie, by comparison, has far less operating experience than Bloomberg. His management highlights include running a 50-person non-profit and serving as the chair of the Super Bowl host committee. (Fun fact: Lurie modeled the nonprofit he founded, Tipping Point, on the organization where he worked in New York, Robin Hood, during the first years of the Bloomberg administration.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lurie-s-disadvantage">Lurie&#8217;s disadvantage</h2>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lurie-s-disadvantage">Lurie's disadvantage</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lurie-s-disadvantage">Lurie&#8217;s disadvantage</h2>

Bloomberg had another significant advantage over his San Francisco counterpart. New York&#8217;s mayoral system is so centralized that nearly every powerful player in the city government reported directly to him. This meant Bloomberg&#8217;s lieutenants kept a firm hand on city affairs.

<p>Bloomberg had another significant advantage over his San Francisco counterpart. New York's mayoral system is so centralized that nearly every powerful player in the city government reported directly to him. This meant Bloomberg's lieutenants kept a firm hand on city affairs.</p>

<p>Bloomberg had another significant advantage over his San Francisco counterpart. New York&#8217;s mayoral system is so centralized that nearly every powerful player in the city government reported directly to him. This meant Bloomberg&#8217;s lieutenants kept a firm hand on city affairs.</p>

“I drove the agencies to cooperate and collaborate,” said Doctoroff, who has studied San Francisco’s governance and notes. “We had a lot more power.” (Doctoroff pointed out that at least one member of Lurie’s transition team, Sara Fenske Bahat, worked for him in New York.)&nbsp;

<p>“I drove the agencies to cooperate and collaborate,” said Doctoroff, who has studied San Francisco’s governance and notes. “We had a lot more power.” (Doctoroff pointed out that at least one member of Lurie’s transition team, Sara Fenske Bahat, worked for him in New York.)&nbsp;</p>

Though San Franciscans debate the strength of the mayor’s office, it’s a fact that the city government’s reporting structure is byzantine, with many departments operating as independent fiefdoms with long-tenured heads. Some department chiefs can be hired or fired by powerful commissions, while other top officials report to the city administrator.

<p>Though San Franciscans debate the strength of the mayor’s office, it’s a fact that the city government’s reporting structure is byzantine, with many departments operating as independent fiefdoms with long-tenured heads. Some department chiefs can be hired or fired by powerful commissions, while other top officials report to the city administrator.</p>

As an example of how complicated things will be for Lurie: City Administrator Carmen Chu, who is three years into a five-year term that ends in February 2026, oversees 25 departments, divisions, and programs. Should Lurie want his own person in the post, he could remove Chu, but only with the approval of the Board of Supervisors. &nbsp;

<p>As an example of how complicated things will be for Lurie: City Administrator Carmen Chu, who is three years into a five-year term that ends in February 2026, oversees 25 departments, divisions, and programs. Should Lurie want his own person in the post, he could remove Chu, but only with the approval of the Board of Supervisors. &nbsp;</p>

Most City Hall prognosticators I spoke to believe Lurie will be able to put in place the people he wants, though perhaps not as quickly as he’d like. They expect the mayor-elect to look to the types of high-powered businesspeople who populated the <a href="https://tippingpoint.org/our-people-values/board-of-directors/">board of Tipping Point</a>. This in itself would constitute a major change — San Francisco has little tradition of well-off corporate titans joining city government for relatively paltry salaries.&nbsp;

<p>Most City Hall prognosticators I spoke to believe Lurie will be able to put in place the people he wants, though perhaps not as quickly as he’d like. They expect the mayor-elect to look to the types of high-powered businesspeople who populated the <a href="https://tippingpoint.org/our-people-values/board-of-directors/">board of Tipping Point</a>. This in itself would constitute a major change — San Francisco has little tradition of well-off corporate titans joining city government for relatively paltry salaries.&nbsp;</p>

Word is that Lurie is casting a wide net. Ironically, he could be assisted by the return of Donald Trump, which has meant there are oodles of talented Democrats, in California and nationally, who may be interested in a job. Until Nov. 6, these players were packing their bags for Washington to serve in a presumed Kamala Harris administration. Now they are considering their options.&nbsp;

<p>Word is that Lurie is casting a wide net. Ironically, he could be assisted by the return of Donald Trump, which has meant there are oodles of talented Democrats, in California and nationally, who may be interested in a job. Until Nov. 6, these players were packing their bags for Washington to serve in a presumed Kamala Harris administration. Now they are considering their options.&nbsp;</p>

As for those currently in top City Hall roles, they are bracing for impact. Last week, each city department submitted a memo for the new mayor detailing its operations and priorities. One wag in City Hall told me these documents will function as preliminary job interviews for department heads hoping to stay on.&nbsp;

<p>As for those currently in top City Hall roles, they are bracing for impact. Last week, each city department submitted a memo for the new mayor detailing its operations and priorities. One wag in City Hall told me these documents will function as preliminary job interviews for department heads hoping to stay on.&nbsp;</p>

Given the many congruences between the Lurie and Bloomberg stories, the question City Hall insiders will be asking in the coming weeks is to what extent Daniel can be like Mike. Will he make nice with the old guard while integrating some of the new? Or will he clean house and make way for an all-new City Family?&nbsp;

<p>Given the many congruences between the Lurie and Bloomberg stories, the question City Hall insiders will be asking in the coming weeks is to what extent Daniel can be like Mike. Will he make nice with the old guard while integrating some of the new? Or will he clean house and make way for an all-new City Family?&nbsp;</p>

The bureaucrats of San Francisco uneasily await the answer.

<p>The bureaucrats of San Francisco uneasily await the answer.</p>

Could Daniel Lurie be SF’s Michael Bloomberg?

Opinion: Could Daniel Lurie be SF’s Michael Bloomberg?

Rafael Mandelman was elected Wednesday by his colleagues as president of the Board of Supervisors, one of San Francisco’s most powerful roles, with influence over the budget and legislative changes.

<p>Rafael Mandelman was elected Wednesday by his colleagues as president of the Board of Supervisors, one of San Francisco’s most powerful roles, with influence over the budget and legislative changes.</p>

The unanimous vote ended weeks of speculation over who would be the next president. Supervisor Myrna Melgar previously expressed interest in the position but chose not to run.

<p>The unanimous vote ended weeks of speculation over who would be the next president. Supervisor Myrna Melgar previously expressed interest in the position but chose not to run.</p>

“I feel good. I&#8217;ll take it,” Mandelman told The Standard after the vote. “I&#8217;m happy to have my colleagues&#8217; support. We got a lot of work to do, and it&#8217;s nice to have the whole board coming together.”

<p>“I feel good. I'll take it,” Mandelman told The Standard after the vote. “I'm happy to have my colleagues' support. We got a lot of work to do, and it's nice to have the whole board coming together.”</p>

<p>“I feel good. I&#8217;ll take it,” Mandelman told The Standard after the vote. “I&#8217;m happy to have my colleagues&#8217; support. We got a lot of work to do, and it&#8217;s nice to have the whole board coming together.”</p>

The Board of Supervisors, the legislative branch of city government, has 11 members elected from districts across San Francisco. The current board has five new members and is considered slightly more politically moderate than the last one. Working with Mayor Daniel Lurie, who was inaugurated Wednesday, the officials are tasked with resolving a roughly $876 million budget deficit in the coming months.

<p>The Board of Supervisors, the legislative branch of city government, has 11 members elected from districts across San Francisco. The current board has five new members and is considered slightly more politically moderate than the last one. Working with Mayor Daniel Lurie, who was inaugurated Wednesday, the officials are tasked with resolving a roughly $876 million budget deficit in the coming months.</p>

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

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

Mandelman will serve as president for two years. He promised to play a more cooperative role with the new mayor, saying Lurie&#8217;s success is San Francisco&#8217;s success.

<p>Mandelman will serve as president for two years. He promised to play a more cooperative role with the new mayor, saying Lurie's success is San Francisco's success.</p>

<p>Mandelman will serve as president for two years. He promised to play a more cooperative role with the new mayor, saying Lurie&#8217;s success is San Francisco&#8217;s success.</p>

“I think everybody wants to work with Daniel Lurie,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Everyone wants Daniel Lurie to be successful.&#8221;

<p>“I think everybody wants to work with Daniel Lurie," he said. "Everyone wants Daniel Lurie to be successful."</p>

<p>“I think everybody wants to work with Daniel Lurie,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Everyone wants Daniel Lurie to be successful.&#8221;</p>

Daniel Lurie’s 100-day progress report

Opinion: Could Daniel Lurie be SF’s Michael Bloomberg?

Rafael Mandelman is the new Board of Supervisors president

Shedding staff, Urban Alchemy faces iffy future in SF’s Tenderloin

Daniel Lurie wants to (kind of) pause city hiring

Search Results for: daniel lurie

Daniel Lurie’s 100-day progress report

Opinion: Could Daniel Lurie be SF’s Michael Bloomberg?

Rafael Mandelman is the new Board of Supervisors president

Shedding staff, Urban Alchemy faces iffy future in SF’s Tenderloin

Daniel Lurie wants to (kind of) pause city hiring