Joe Burn

Han Li

Mayor London Breed on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to San Francisco&#8217;s school closure process, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a> among parents, educators, and staff.

Parents rage at school closures list: &#8216;horrible,&#8217; &#8216;devastating&#8217;

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Mayor London Breed on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to San Francisco's school closure process, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a> among parents, educators, and staff.

Mayor London Breed on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to San Francisco&#8217;s school closure process, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a> among parents, educators, and staff.

Breed said the proposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made &#8220;a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic.&#8221;

13 SF public schools targeted for closure or mergers

Breed said the proposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made "a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic."

Breed said the proposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made &#8220;a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic.&#8221;

The mayor expressed her loss of confidence in the superintendent&#8217;s ability to manage the process, stating that the plan is unlikely to benefit students and the San Francisco Unified School District in the long term.

The mayor expressed her loss of confidence in the superintendent's ability to manage the process, stating that the plan is unlikely to benefit students and the San Francisco Unified School District in the long term.

The mayor expressed her loss of confidence in the superintendent&#8217;s ability to manage the process, stating that the plan is unlikely to benefit students and the San Francisco Unified School District in the long term.

&#8220;Whatever this current proposed school closure process was meant to accomplish, or could have accomplished, is lost,&#8221; Breed said in a statement.

"Whatever this current proposed school closure process was meant to accomplish, or could have accomplished, is lost," Breed said in a statement.

&#8220;Whatever this current proposed school closure process was meant to accomplish, or could have accomplished, is lost,&#8221; Breed said in a statement.

‘Save Harvey Milk’: School named after LGBTQ icon in peril

sf-standard/related-post

Parents, students face nightmare commutes if schools close

Parents rage at school closures list: ‘horrible,’ ‘devastating’

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In response to a request for comment, the district <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-15-doing-right-all-san-francisco-students">shared a letter</a> from Superintendent Matt Wayne standing by the plan.

In response to a request for comment, the district <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-15-doing-right-all-san-francisco-students">shared a letter</a> from Superintendent Matt Wayne standing by the plan.

&#8220;It is my responsibility to ensure that SFUSD can be the best possible school district for each and every one of our 49,000 students,&#8221; Wayne said in the Tuesday note. &#8220;Without having the courage to make deep changes and difficult decisions, we cannot expect to meaningfully improve student outcomes.&#8221;

"It is my responsibility to ensure that SFUSD can be the best possible school district for each and every one of our 49,000 students," Wayne said in the Tuesday note. "Without having the courage to make deep changes and difficult decisions, we cannot expect to meaningfully improve student outcomes."

&#8220;It is my responsibility to ensure that SFUSD can be the best possible school district for each and every one of our 49,000 students,&#8221; Wayne said in the Tuesday note. &#8220;Without having the courage to make deep changes and difficult decisions, we cannot expect to meaningfully improve student outcomes.&#8221;

Titled &#8220;Doing Right by All San Francisco Students,&#8221; the letter addressed the community as a whole and did not directly respond to Breed&#8217;s statement.

Titled "Doing Right by All San Francisco Students," the letter addressed the community as a whole and did not directly respond to Breed's statement.

Titled &#8220;Doing Right by All San Francisco Students,&#8221; the letter addressed the community as a whole and did not directly respond to Breed&#8217;s statement.

The mayor&#8217;s opposition adds to the growing backlash from City Hall leaders and parents, who are organizing protests of the closure plan.

The mayor's opposition adds to the growing backlash from City Hall leaders and parents, who are organizing protests of the closure plan.

The mayor&#8217;s opposition adds to the growing backlash from City Hall leaders and parents, who are organizing protests of the closure plan.

The Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution <a href="https://www.instagram.com/connie_chan_sf/p/DAmbwWpSQIq/">unanimously urging the district to reevaluate the closure plan</a>; President Aaron Peskin, who is running for mayor, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AaronPeskin/status/1843818557291016617" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the most outspoken critic</a>. Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, also front-running mayoral candidates, signed a letter expressing concerns that the plan would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unfairly target</a><a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/"> Asian American students and families</a>.

The Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution <a href="https://www.instagram.com/connie_chan_sf/p/DAmbwWpSQIq/">unanimously urging the district to reevaluate the closure plan</a>; President Aaron Peskin, who is running for mayor, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AaronPeskin/status/1843818557291016617" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the most outspoken critic</a>. Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, also front-running mayoral candidates, signed a letter expressing concerns that the plan would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unfairly target</a><a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/"> Asian American students and families</a>.

&#8220;I ask the school district to halt their plan to close schools,&#8221; said Supervisor Connie Chan, who led the resolution. &#8220;Because closing schools will not fix the district&#8217;s budget, but it will tear apart our communities.&#8221;

"I ask the school district to halt their plan to close schools," said Supervisor Connie Chan, who led the resolution. "Because closing schools will not fix the district's budget, but it will tear apart our communities."

&#8220;I ask the school district to halt their plan to close schools,&#8221; said Supervisor Connie Chan, who led the resolution. &#8220;Because closing schools will not fix the district&#8217;s budget, but it will tear apart our communities.&#8221;

Breed emphasized the urgent need to balance the district&#8217;s budget by December in order to prevent a state takeover. She noted that district staff and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">School Stabilization Team</a> are addressing critical operational issues, including teacher credentialing and budget oversight of special education.

Breed assembles rescue team to save city&#8217;s troubled public schools

Breed emphasized the urgent need to balance the district's budget by December in order to prevent a state takeover. She noted that district staff and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">School Stabilization Team</a> are addressing critical operational issues, including teacher credentialing and budget oversight of special education.

Breed emphasized the urgent need to balance the district&#8217;s budget by December in order to prevent a state takeover. She noted that district staff and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">School Stabilization Team</a> are addressing critical operational issues, including teacher credentialing and budget oversight of special education.

The mayor warned of challenging times ahead for the school district, with &#8220;painful but necessary decisions&#8221; on the horizon. She stressed the importance of maintaining local control of public schools to ensure quality education for San Franciscans.

The mayor warned of challenging times ahead for the school district, with "painful but necessary decisions" on the horizon. She stressed the importance of maintaining local control of public schools to ensure quality education for San Franciscans.

The mayor warned of challenging times ahead for the school district, with &#8220;painful but necessary decisions&#8221; on the horizon. She stressed the importance of maintaining local control of public schools to ensure quality education for San Franciscans.

Breed demands that school closure plan be scrapped

Gabe Greschler

Mayor London Breed is leading in the latest poll on the San Francisco mayor’s race—though the results come with a few caveats.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed is leading in the latest poll on the San Francisco mayor’s race—though the results come with a few caveats.&nbsp;

In a poll that simulated a ranked-choice contest, Breed holds a slim edge over her moderate challengers. However, the mayor’s unfavorability numbers are high, and many voters remain undecided, meaning lots could change between now and Nov. 5.&nbsp;

In a poll that simulated a ranked-choice contest, Breed holds a slim edge over her moderate challengers. However, the mayor’s unfavorability numbers are high, and many voters remain undecided, meaning lots could change between now and Nov. 5.&nbsp;

Among the top five candidates—Breed, nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie, former Supervisor Mark Farrell, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin—the sitting mayor came out ahead with 51.4% of the vote, the newly commissioned <a href="https://growsf.org/pulse/growsf-pulse-may-2024-mayor/">poll</a> from the moderate-leaning political group GrowSF found.&nbsp;

Among the top five candidates—Breed, nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie, former Supervisor Mark Farrell, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin—the sitting mayor came out ahead with 51.4% of the vote, the newly commissioned <a href="https://growsf.org/pulse/growsf-pulse-may-2024-mayor/">poll</a> from the moderate-leaning political group GrowSF found.&nbsp;

But between the poll’s margin of error (4.9%) and the significant number of undecided voters it found (28%), it’s clear that the mayoral race is anyone’s ballgame.

But between the poll’s margin of error (4.9%) and the significant number of undecided voters it found (28%), it’s clear that the mayoral race is anyone’s ballgame.

Mayor London Breed, left, and Board Supervisor Aaron Peskin, right, chat before the Board of Supervisors meeting in the Supervisors Chambers in City Hall, on March 7, 2023. Mayor Breed addressed the Board of Supervisors to approve more money to cover the overtime payroll for SFPD. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/featured_20240506-businesstaxreform.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman converses with a seated man; both are in a wood-paneled room with a US flag." class="wp-image-273492"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed came in first in a new poll released on Sunday, but her unfavorability remains high, and there are still a considerable number of undecided voters.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/featured_20240506-businesstaxreform.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman converses with a seated man; both are in a wood-paneled room with a US flag." class="wp-image-273492"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed came in first in a new poll released on Sunday, but her unfavorability remains high, and there are still a considerable number of undecided voters.</figcaption></figure>

“Our analysis is that it&#8217;s a statistical dead heat when you look at how the [ranked choice voting] plays out,” wrote GrowSF’s co-founder Steven Buss Bacio in response to the poll’s results. “Breed does manage to hang on to the lead, but only barely.”

“Our analysis is that it's a statistical dead heat when you look at how the [ranked choice voting] plays out,” wrote GrowSF’s co-founder Steven Buss Bacio in response to the poll’s results. “Breed does manage to hang on to the lead, but only barely.”

“Our analysis is that it&#8217;s a statistical dead heat when you look at how the [ranked choice voting] plays out,” wrote GrowSF’s co-founder Steven Buss Bacio in response to the poll’s results. “Breed does manage to hang on to the lead, but only barely.”

GrowSF’s poll asked voters to rank their choices for mayor. Though many respondents did not select second or third choices, the results give some insight into how votes could be distributed in the ranked-choice contest.

GrowSF’s poll asked voters to rank their choices for mayor. Though many respondents did not select second or third choices, the results give some insight into how votes could be distributed in the ranked-choice contest.

Coming in second and third were Farrell and Lurie, who have been highly critical of Breed’s governance and of City Hall’s effectiveness in combating some of San Francisco’s most pressing issues.&nbsp;

Coming in second and third were Farrell and Lurie, who have been highly critical of Breed’s governance and of City Hall’s effectiveness in combating some of San Francisco’s most pressing issues.&nbsp;

In GrowSF’s simulation, Farrell took 48.6% of the vote, while Lurie, the only candidate who has not served in public office, took 30.3%.&nbsp;

In GrowSF’s simulation, Farrell took 48.6% of the vote, while Lurie, the only candidate who has not served in public office, took 30.3%.&nbsp;

Peskin took fourth place with 20.3%. Safaí brought in 9.5% of the vote.&nbsp;

Peskin took fourth place with 20.3%. Safaí brought in 9.5% of the vote.&nbsp;

“If either Lurie or Farrell can increase their numbers to solidify their own [ranked choice voting] strategy, then one of them will win instead of Breed,” Buss Bacio wrote.&nbsp;

“If either Lurie or Farrell can increase their numbers to solidify their own [ranked choice voting] strategy, then one of them will win instead of Breed,” Buss Bacio wrote.&nbsp;

The poll was conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz &amp; Associates, a California-based research company. It measured voting preferences among 412 San Franciscans between April 29 and May 5. The firm was also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-franciscans-overwhelmingly-back-police-cameras-vehicle-pursuits/">behind an earlier poll</a> that showed residents largely supported the March primary’s Proposition E, a successful ballot measure placed by Breed that gave the San Francisco Police Department increased powers.&nbsp;

San Franciscans overwhelmingly support surveillance cameras, police chases

The poll was conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz &amp; Associates, a California-based research company. It measured voting preferences among 412 San Franciscans between April 29 and May 5. The firm was also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-franciscans-overwhelmingly-back-police-cameras-vehicle-pursuits/">behind an earlier poll</a> that showed residents largely supported the March primary’s Proposition E, a successful ballot measure placed by Breed that gave the San Francisco Police Department increased powers.&nbsp;

Former interim mayor Mark Farrell, center, and philanthropist Daniel Lurie, up from the right, attend the rally.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/img_1705.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people holding protest signs, one reads &quot;SAFETY IS A HUMAN RIGHT&quot;." class="wp-image-261771"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former Interim Mayor Mark Farrell, center, and philanthropist Daniel Lurie, up from the right, attend a rally in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/img_1705.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people holding protest signs, one reads &quot;SAFETY IS A HUMAN RIGHT&quot;." class="wp-image-261771"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former Interim Mayor Mark Farrell, center, and philanthropist Daniel Lurie, up from the right, attend a rally in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

In addition to voters’ choices among the candidates, the poll also looked into favorability ratings for each contender. It found Breed and Peskin suffering when it comes to voters&#8217; opinions of them. Breed came away with 29% rating her as somewhat unfavorable and 34% as very unfavorable. Peskin fared similarly: 15% rated him as somewhat unfavorable and 26% as very unfavorable.

In addition to voters’ choices among the candidates, the poll also looked into favorability ratings for each contender. It found Breed and Peskin suffering when it comes to voters' opinions of them. Breed came away with 29% rating her as somewhat unfavorable and 34% as very unfavorable. Peskin fared similarly: 15% rated him as somewhat unfavorable and 26% as very unfavorable.

In addition to voters’ choices among the candidates, the poll also looked into favorability ratings for each contender. It found Breed and Peskin suffering when it comes to voters&#8217; opinions of them. Breed came away with 29% rating her as somewhat unfavorable and 34% as very unfavorable. Peskin fared similarly: 15% rated him as somewhat unfavorable and 26% as very unfavorable.

Farrell fared a bit better: 9% found him somewhat unfavorable and 9% very unfavorable. Lurie came in with 12% somewhat unfavorable and 6% very unfavorable.

Farrell fared a bit better: 9% found him somewhat unfavorable and 9% very unfavorable. Lurie came in with 12% somewhat unfavorable and 6% very unfavorable.

The results from Sunday’s analysis mirror a comprehensive <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=mayor+poll+sf+chronicle&amp;oq=mayor+poll+sf+chronicle&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMg0IAxAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBBAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBRAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBhAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMgYIBxBFGDzSAQg2NzE1ajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">poll</a> released by the San Francisco Chronicle in February, which found that Breed faces an uphill battle to keep her seat, there are still a considerable number of undecided voters in the race and Safaí has a slim chance of becoming mayor.

The results from Sunday’s analysis mirror a comprehensive <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=mayor+poll+sf+chronicle&amp;oq=mayor+poll+sf+chronicle&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMg0IAxAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBBAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBRAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBhAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMgYIBxBFGDzSAQg2NzE1ajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">poll</a> released by the San Francisco Chronicle in February, which found that Breed faces an uphill battle to keep her seat, there are still a considerable number of undecided voters in the race and Safaí has a slim chance of becoming mayor.

The polls also raise fresh questions about which route moderates could take in defeating Peskin, who entered the race at the beginning of April and is considered the strongest progressive contender.&nbsp;

The polls also raise fresh questions about which route moderates could take in defeating Peskin, who entered the race at the beginning of April and is considered the strongest progressive contender.&nbsp;

Last week, Peskin’s campaign told The Standard that it had raised $150,000 over the course of a month, a number that political observers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/aaron-peskin-mayor-race-san-francisco-fundraising/">described as modest</a> but in line with his grassroots base of support.&nbsp;

We got our hands on Aaron Peskin&#8217;s campaign haul. (It&#8217;s small)

Last week, Peskin’s campaign told The Standard that it had raised $150,000 over the course of a month, a number that political observers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/aaron-peskin-mayor-race-san-francisco-fundraising/">described as modest</a> but in line with his grassroots base of support.&nbsp;

Aaron Peskin addresses the crowd at his mayoral campaign launch rally at Portsmouth Square in San Francisco's Chinatown on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1mv5694.jpg?w=1616" alt="A man with gray hair and a beard, wearing glasses, a purple suit, and a patterned tie." class="wp-image-265513"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board President Aaron Peskin announced his candidacy for mayor last month. He came in fourth in a new poll released by GrowSF.</figcaption></figure>

Since Peskin’s entry into the race, moderates have weighed whether to team up to block him from winning—or venture on separately.&nbsp;

Since Peskin’s entry into the race, moderates have weighed whether to team up to block him from winning—or venture on separately.&nbsp;

Todd David, an ally of Breed and political director for Abundant SF, a moderate political advocacy organization, said Monday’s poll shows there is a path for Breed, Farrell or Lurie to succeed without becoming one team.

Todd David, an ally of Breed and political director for Abundant SF, a moderate political advocacy organization, said Monday’s poll shows there is a path for Breed, Farrell or Lurie to succeed without becoming one team.

“There’s been a lot of arguments and conversations that to stop Peskin, moderates need to coalesce,” David said. “The data shows that this is not needed. So the strategy of ‘We must stop Aaron Peskin,’ … there’s no data which backs up that strategy.”

“There’s been a lot of arguments and conversations that to stop Peskin, moderates need to coalesce,” David said. “The data shows that this is not needed. So the strategy of ‘We must stop Aaron Peskin,’ … there’s no data which backs up that strategy.”

For Breed to overcome her slim lead in GrowSF’s poll, David said voters need to feel that the city is headed in a positive direction.&nbsp;

For Breed to overcome her slim lead in GrowSF’s poll, David said voters need to feel that the city is headed in a positive direction.&nbsp;

Buss Bacio said his group has also commissioned an analysis of whether voters feel the city is on the right or wrong track but is not ready to release the results.&nbsp;

Buss Bacio said his group has also commissioned an analysis of whether voters feel the city is on the right or wrong track but is not ready to release the results.&nbsp;

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí listens at a hearing on the status of Wellness Hubs, also known as Safe Consumption Sites, where various city officials and invited representatives from New York City speak about the process and the holds of creating spaces as one act to counter the drug crisis facing San Francisco, on at San Francisco City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propbprewrite-10.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit stands in a chamber with wood paneling and microphones." class="wp-image-255197"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí came in last in GrowSF&#8217;s poll released on Sunday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propbprewrite-10.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit stands in a chamber with wood paneling and microphones." class="wp-image-255197"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí came in last in GrowSF's poll released on Sunday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propbprewrite-10.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit stands in a chamber with wood paneling and microphones." class="wp-image-255197"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí came in last in GrowSF&#8217;s poll released on Sunday.</figcaption></figure>

Daniel Anderson, a progressive political consultant, said he was skeptical about some of GrowSF’s poll results.

Daniel Anderson, a progressive political consultant, said he was skeptical about some of GrowSF’s poll results.

Anderson suspects the first round of ranked-choice voting from GrowSF’s analysis is “skewed heavily by a mismatch in early spending” from someone like Lurie, whose campaign, as well as an independent committee, has forked over big bucks to overcome his lack of name recognition.&nbsp;

Anderson suspects the first round of ranked-choice voting from GrowSF’s analysis is “skewed heavily by a mismatch in early spending” from someone like Lurie, whose campaign, as well as an independent committee, has forked over big bucks to overcome his lack of name recognition.&nbsp;

He added that Peskin has only been in the race for a little over a month.

He added that Peskin has only been in the race for a little over a month.

“I just don’t buy that Peskin will be fourth in the first round of the race,” Anderson said. “I think that certainly he will be third.”

“I just don’t buy that Peskin will be fourth in the first round of the race,” Anderson said. “I think that certainly he will be third.”

Breed is unpopular—but could still win reelection, new poll shows

Josh Koehn

All five of the major candidates for mayor can agree: Something is rotten in the state of San Francisco.&nbsp;

All five of the major candidates for mayor can agree: Something is rotten in the state of San Francisco.&nbsp;

But identifying what ails the city and how to go about fixing wasteful spending, corruption and anemic progress on building pretty much anything are among the stances that make each candidate distinct.

But identifying what ails the city and how to go about fixing wasteful spending, corruption and anemic progress on building pretty much anything are among the stances that make each candidate distinct.

On Wednesday, nonprofit founder and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/san-francisco-mayor-election-daniel-lurie-wealth/">Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie</a> released a plan to increase accountability at City Hall, from how the city drafts and monitors nonprofit contracts to speeding up the process to permit new housing and ensure construction projects are completed on schedule.&nbsp;

Daniel Lurie may be the richest person to ever run for mayor of SF. What does he own?

On Wednesday, nonprofit founder and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/san-francisco-mayor-election-daniel-lurie-wealth/">Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie</a> released a plan to increase accountability at City Hall, from how the city drafts and monitors nonprofit contracts to speeding up the process to permit new housing and ensure construction projects are completed on schedule.&nbsp;

The Standard interviewed Lurie about his plan and reached out to other candidates to see how they would address similar issues if elected mayor.&nbsp;

The Standard interviewed Lurie about his plan and reached out to other candidates to see how they would address similar issues if elected mayor.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daniel-lurie">Daniel Lurie</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daniel-lurie">Daniel Lurie</h2>

Lurie’s eight-page “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24538432-daniel-lurie-city-hall-acountability-plan">City Hall Accountability Plan</a>” offers a sweeping list of proposals that cover contract management and efforts to speed up permitting, inspection and construction. (It also features pictures of Lurie seemingly telling his plan to people, including one of him walking a construction site with three people while carrying his hard hat riskily in hand.)

Lurie’s eight-page “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24538432-daniel-lurie-city-hall-acountability-plan">City Hall Accountability Plan</a>” offers a sweeping list of proposals that cover contract management and efforts to speed up permitting, inspection and construction. (It also features pictures of Lurie seemingly telling his plan to people, including one of him walking a construction site with three people while carrying his hard hat riskily in hand.)

Daniel Lurie, far right, walks with a hard hat in hand for a photo that was released with his new accountability plan.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screenshot-2024-04-09-at-7-16-51-pm.png" alt="Daniel Lurie and three other people in safety vests and helmets walk at a construction site, with machinery in the background." class="wp-image-266280"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie, far right, walks with a hard hat in hand for a photo that was released with his new accountability plan.</figcaption></figure>

The proposal includes the creation of a new unit of experts to streamline contracts across departments and “shrink the overall size of the bureaucracy.” That may seem counterintuitive, but Lurie suggested in a phone interview that departments are siloed off in a way that creates redundancy and potential oversights.

The proposal includes the creation of a new unit of experts to streamline contracts across departments and “shrink the overall size of the bureaucracy.” That may seem counterintuitive, but Lurie suggested in a phone interview that departments are siloed off in a way that creates redundancy and potential oversights.

“We have to have these departments stop acting like their own fiefdoms, and we need collaboration,” Lurie said. “And that cuts across all three pillars of this plan.”

“We have to have these departments stop acting like their own fiefdoms, and we need collaboration,” Lurie said. “And that cuts across all three pillars of this plan.”

Lurie also proposed baking in clearer, outcome-based performance metrics into contracts, developing a contractor score card and hiring a chief financial officer to oversee nonprofits and the departments they work with. Nonprofits that do more than $1 million in business with the city would also be required to have their point people register as lobbyists.

Lurie also proposed baking in clearer, outcome-based performance metrics into contracts, developing a contractor score card and hiring a chief financial officer to oversee nonprofits and the departments they work with. Nonprofits that do more than $1 million in business with the city would also be required to have their point people register as lobbyists.

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A rash of scandals involving nonprofits has come to light in recent years, adding to the ongoing skepticism over how effectively the city has managed its homelessness and housing crises. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/25/supes-roundup-baker-places-scandal-puts-nonprofits-under-the-microscope/">They include a city employee taking an outside six-figure salary</a> with the drug rehab nonprofit Baker Places, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/27/nonprofit-accused-of-swindling-city-in-100k-scheme-involving-cigars-and-liquor/">low-income and youth service provider J&amp;J Community Resource Center allegedly swindling</a> the city out of at least $100,000 to pay for booze, cigars and motorcycles, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-homeless-nonprofit-homerise-report/">housing provider HomeRise being accused just last week of misusing millions of dollars</a>.&nbsp;

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A rash of scandals involving nonprofits has come to light in recent years, adding to the ongoing skepticism over how effectively the city has managed its homelessness and housing crises. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/25/supes-roundup-baker-places-scandal-puts-nonprofits-under-the-microscope/">They include a city employee taking an outside six-figure salary</a> with the drug rehab nonprofit Baker Places, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/27/nonprofit-accused-of-swindling-city-in-100k-scheme-involving-cigars-and-liquor/">low-income and youth service provider J&amp;J Community Resource Center allegedly swindling</a> the city out of at least $100,000 to pay for booze, cigars and motorcycles, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-homeless-nonprofit-homerise-report/">housing provider HomeRise being accused just last week of misusing millions of dollars</a>.&nbsp;

One of the more buzzy proposals in Lurie’s plan would target the scandal-plagued Department of Building Inspection while creating a “shot clock” for permit reviews. The city agency has been accused of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/department-of-building-inspection-investigation-birmingham-family/">multiple</a> instances of corrupt practices, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/02/san-francisco-van-zeng-building-inspector-charged-conflict-of-interest/">like an inspector who signed off on his own home</a>. He was later fired.&nbsp;

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One of the more buzzy proposals in Lurie’s plan would target the scandal-plagued Department of Building Inspection while creating a “shot clock” for permit reviews. The city agency has been accused of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/department-of-building-inspection-investigation-birmingham-family/">multiple</a> instances of corrupt practices, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/02/san-francisco-van-zeng-building-inspector-charged-conflict-of-interest/">like an inspector who signed off on his own home</a>. He was later fired.&nbsp;

“Experts say that the shot clock part will reduce the time to get approvals for housing and small business development by four to five months,” Lurie said.&nbsp;

“Experts say that the shot clock part will reduce the time to get approvals for housing and small business development by four to five months,” Lurie said.&nbsp;

The city has enacted more than 4,500 changes to the municipal code since 2016, according to Lurie’s campaign. As a result, many developers have turned to paying permit expediters to help projects navigate the labyrinth of red tape, which has led to instances of corruption.

The city has enacted more than 4,500 changes to the municipal code since 2016, according to Lurie’s campaign. As a result, many developers have turned to paying permit expediters to help projects navigate the labyrinth of red tape, which has led to instances of corruption.

Mohammed Nuru, director of Public Works, speaks  on the steps of City Hall during a rally supporting Better Market Street on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 in San Francisco, Calif. | Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propdprewrite-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man holds his hand up in the air" class="wp-image-255267"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammed Nuru, San Francisco&#8217;s former director of Public Works, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to fraud.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propdprewrite-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man holds his hand up in the air" class="wp-image-255267"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammed Nuru, San Francisco's former director of Public Works, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to fraud.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propdprewrite-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man holds his hand up in the air" class="wp-image-255267"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammed Nuru, San Francisco&#8217;s former director of Public Works, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to fraud.</figcaption></figure>

The most high-profile scandal to hit San Francisco in recent years <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/players-in-san-francisco-corruption-scandal-mohammed-nuru/">involved Mohammed Nuru</a>, the former Department of Public Works boss who was arrested by the FBI in 2020 after he participated in a sprawling web of corruption going back years.&nbsp;That web included permit expediters <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/30/san-francisco-corruption-walter-wong-testifies-harlan-kelly-trial/">Walter Wong</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/28/san-francisco-corruption-bernie-curran-rodrigo-santos-restitution/">Rodrigo Santos.</a>

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The most high-profile scandal to hit San Francisco in recent years <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/players-in-san-francisco-corruption-scandal-mohammed-nuru/">involved Mohammed Nuru</a>, the former Department of Public Works boss who was arrested by the FBI in 2020 after he participated in a sprawling web of corruption going back years.&nbsp;That web included permit expediters <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/30/san-francisco-corruption-walter-wong-testifies-harlan-kelly-trial/">Walter Wong</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/28/san-francisco-corruption-bernie-curran-rodrigo-santos-restitution/">Rodrigo Santos.</a>

“The idea that you have to have decades of experience to get through this code, it just creates conditions that are ripe for bribery and how you end up with guys like Rodrigo Santos who get hired to grease the wheels,” Lurie said.

“The idea that you have to have decades of experience to get through this code, it just creates conditions that are ripe for bribery and how you end up with guys like Rodrigo Santos who get hired to grease the wheels,” Lurie said.

The last part of Lurie’s plan would focus on changing the way construction contracts are monitored and awarded, shifting acceptance to the “best value” bid instead of the lowest acceptable offer.&nbsp;

The last part of Lurie’s plan would focus on changing the way construction contracts are monitored and awarded, shifting acceptance to the “best value” bid instead of the lowest acceptable offer.&nbsp;

Lurie said that he would create a small business liaison group and set aside more relief funds to help prevent and mitigate issues like those found in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/08/san-francisco-taraval-street-nightmare/">nightmare on Taraval Street</a>, a $90 million project that has disrupted businesses along the road and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/27/san-francisco-most-controversial-bathroom-lgbtq-rights/">infamous $1.7 million toilet</a> in Noe Valley.

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Lurie said that he would create a small business liaison group and set aside more relief funds to help prevent and mitigate issues like those found in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/08/san-francisco-taraval-street-nightmare/">nightmare on Taraval Street</a>, a $90 million project that has disrupted businesses along the road and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/27/san-francisco-most-controversial-bathroom-lgbtq-rights/">infamous $1.7 million toilet</a> in Noe Valley.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mayor-london-breed">Mayor London Breed</h2>

Mayor London Breed unveiled her Housing for All plan at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/09/sf-mayor-london-breed-state-of-the-city-speech-2023/">last year’s State of the City</a> address, and she released <a href="https://londonbreed.medium.com/housing-for-all-1-year-update-4033dcfc9a1f">a progress report</a> earlier this month on her blog. Steps she has taken to jump-start the production of housing include signing legislation to unlock funding and reduce inclusionary housing requirements and other impact fees.

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Mayor London Breed unveiled her Housing for All plan at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/09/sf-mayor-london-breed-state-of-the-city-speech-2023/">last year’s State of the City</a> address, and she released <a href="https://londonbreed.medium.com/housing-for-all-1-year-update-4033dcfc9a1f">a progress report</a> earlier this month on her blog. Steps she has taken to jump-start the production of housing include signing legislation to unlock funding and reduce inclusionary housing requirements and other impact fees.

Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for the mayor, also noted the passage of Proposition H in 2020, which streamlined the approval process for small businesses to receive permits. The mayor’s <a href="https://www.sf.gov/information/one-city-housing-all-action-plan">One City</a> plan, which falls under the Housing for All plan, also intends to cut the permitting time for housing in half.

Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for the mayor, also noted the passage of Proposition H in 2020, which streamlined the approval process for small businesses to receive permits. The mayor’s <a href="https://www.sf.gov/information/one-city-housing-all-action-plan">One City</a> plan, which falls under the Housing for All plan, also intends to cut the permitting time for housing in half.

Mayor London Breed speaks at Pier 27 for her State of the City Address in San Francisco on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Breed’s speech came two days after an Election Day victory, when two of her ballot measures passed and the third leading.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_04.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mayor London Breed in a blue blazer speaks at a podium with a mic, behind her is a window and U.S. flags." class="wp-image-257002"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed has blamed the Board of Supervisors for obstructing her agenda after unveiling her Housing for All plan last year.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_04.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mayor London Breed in a blue blazer speaks at a podium with a mic, behind her is a window and U.S. flags." class="wp-image-257002"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed has blamed the Board of Supervisors for obstructing her agenda after unveiling her Housing for All plan last year.</figcaption></figure>

Breed has repeatedly suggested the biggest impediment to seeing her agenda through is the Board of Supervisors. Approving new development projects has proven difficult, and she just saw <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">supervisors overturn her veto</a> of a bill that pushes forward density limits.

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Breed has repeatedly suggested the biggest impediment to seeing her agenda through is the Board of Supervisors. Approving new development projects has proven difficult, and she just saw <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">supervisors overturn her veto</a> of a bill that pushes forward density limits.

On the issue of contract management for nonprofits, Cretan cited the mayor’s work with the City Controller’s Office to identify bad actors, such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/sf-blocks-contracts-homeless-nonprofit-fbi-united-council-human-services/">United Council of Human Services (UCHS)</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-homeless-nonprofit-homerise-report/">HomeRise</a>. Once identified, the city must decide whether to cut an organization loose or bring it into compliance. Control of UCHS was given to the organization’s fiscal sponsor, Felton Institute, while the management of HomeRise was restructured last year.

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On the issue of contract management for nonprofits, Cretan cited the mayor’s work with the City Controller’s Office to identify bad actors, such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/sf-blocks-contracts-homeless-nonprofit-fbi-united-council-human-services/">United Council of Human Services (UCHS)</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-homeless-nonprofit-homerise-report/">HomeRise</a>. Once identified, the city must decide whether to cut an organization loose or bring it into compliance. Control of UCHS was given to the organization’s fiscal sponsor, Felton Institute, while the management of HomeRise was restructured last year.

While the resulting headlines may put the city in a bad light, Cretan said, the incidents show that reform efforts implemented during the mayor’s first full term are having a positive effect.

While the resulting headlines may put the city in a bad light, Cretan said, the incidents show that reform efforts implemented during the mayor’s first full term are having a positive effect.

“What we’re trying to do with our nonprofits is hold them accountable, but also have partners that can deliver the services efficiently and effectively,” Cretan said.

“What we’re trying to do with our nonprofits is hold them accountable, but also have partners that can deliver the services efficiently and effectively,” Cretan said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aaron-peskin">Aaron Peskin</h2>

As part of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/06/aaron-peskin-mayoral-campaign-launch/">his campaign announcement</a> Saturday, Aaron Peskin proposed an additional inspector general position inside the Controller’s Office, which currently acts as the chief financial auditor for the city’s $14 billion budget.

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As part of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/06/aaron-peskin-mayoral-campaign-launch/">his campaign announcement</a> Saturday, Aaron Peskin proposed an additional inspector general position inside the Controller’s Office, which currently acts as the chief financial auditor for the city’s $14 billion budget.

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