Sophie Bearman

Annie Gaus

In preparation for the return of tourists to San Francisco, Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) announced a new officer deployment plan on Monday in an effort to assuage visitors’ fears over crime and safety in the city.

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In preparation for the return of tourists to San Francisco, Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) announced a new officer deployment plan on Monday in an effort to assuage visitors’ fears over crime and safety in the city.

With summer visitors trickling back to the city, Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott said the department will deploy 26 additional officers, on bicycle and on foot, to five districts popular with tourists.&nbsp;

With summer visitors trickling back to the city, Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott said the department will deploy 26 additional officers, on bicycle and on foot, to five districts popular with tourists.&nbsp;

“We have work to do to make sure that when people come to San Francisco … that they feel safe,” said Breed. “So you will see more officers in Chinatown. You will see more officers at the Palace of Fine Arts and at Alamo Square and in Union Square.”

“We have work to do to make sure that when people come to San Francisco … that they feel safe,” said Breed. “So you will see more officers in Chinatown. You will see more officers at the Palace of Fine Arts and at Alamo Square and in Union Square.”

The city expects 15.3 million visitors by year’s end, significantly fewer than the record 26.2 million visitors in 2019 but an improvement from 2020’s pandemic-driven low of 10.2 million visitors.

The city expects 15.3 million visitors by year’s end, significantly fewer than the record 26.2 million visitors in 2019 but an improvement from 2020’s pandemic-driven low of 10.2 million visitors.

As part of the new deployment plan, 14 officers will patrol the Central Police District, which includes Union Square, Market Street, Powell Street, Chinatown, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Mission Police District, Park Police District and Richmond Police District will see two additional officers, respectively. The Northern Police District will have six additional patrols around the Palace of Fine Arts, Alamo Square and Japantown.&nbsp;

As part of the new deployment plan, 14 officers will patrol the Central Police District, which includes Union Square, Market Street, Powell Street, Chinatown, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Mission Police District, Park Police District and Richmond Police District will see two additional officers, respectively. The Northern Police District will have six additional patrols around the Palace of Fine Arts, Alamo Square and Japantown.&nbsp;

Tourism is a major cash cow for San Francisco: In 2019, visitors spent over $10 billion, supported more than 86,000 jobs and fueled $820 million in city taxes and fees, according to the San Francisco Travel Association (SF Travel). Tourism spending plunged 80% in 2020, and city revenue associated with tourism fell nearly 67% to $273 million.

Tourism is a major cash cow for San Francisco: In 2019, visitors spent over $10 billion, supported more than 86,000 jobs and fueled $820 million in city taxes and fees, according to the San Francisco Travel Association (SF Travel). Tourism spending plunged 80% in 2020, and city revenue associated with tourism fell nearly 67% to $273 million.

SAN FRANCISCO - MAY 23:  Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, May 23, 2021. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1320085736-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6371"/><figcaption>Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf on Sunday, May 23, 2021. | Photo via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1320085736-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6371"/><figcaption>Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman's Wharf on Sunday, May 23, 2021. | Photo via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1320085736-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6371"/><figcaption>Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf on Sunday, May 23, 2021. | Photo via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

A report <a href="https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco%E2%80%99s-2020-tourism-figures-reflect-devastating-loss-during-pandemic-year">released in March</a> estimated that total visitation will not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023, and that total visitor spending may not recover until 2025. International travel is expected to recover more slowly than domestic travel.&nbsp;

A report <a href="https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco%E2%80%99s-2020-tourism-figures-reflect-devastating-loss-during-pandemic-year">released in March</a> estimated that total visitation will not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023, and that total visitor spending may not recover until 2025. International travel is expected to recover more slowly than domestic travel.&nbsp;

“The recovery is going to be long and slow and painful,” said SF Travel President and CEO Joe D’Alessandro. “But it is absolutely essential that visitors to San Francisco feel safe when they come here and they have a great experience.”

“The recovery is going to be long and slow and painful,” said SF Travel President and CEO Joe D’Alessandro. “But it is absolutely essential that visitors to San Francisco feel safe when they come here and they have a great experience.”

The 26 additional officers are intended to deter crimes that frequently target tourists, and to make arrests as swiftly as possible when crimes do happen.&nbsp;

The 26 additional officers are intended to deter crimes that frequently target tourists, and to make arrests as swiftly as possible when crimes do happen.&nbsp;

“You’ll see [officers] in the Marina and the Palace of Fine Arts. A word to people breaking into cars around the Palace of Fine Arts: You will be caught,” said Scott.&nbsp;

“You’ll see [officers] in the Marina and the Palace of Fine Arts. A word to people breaking into cars around the Palace of Fine Arts: You will be caught,” said Scott.&nbsp;

For the upcoming budget cycle, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved additional police overtime pay and 135 new officers over two years. Scott had originally asked for 200 new officers to address a staffing shortage and make up for an expected wave of retirements.&nbsp;

For the upcoming budget cycle, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved additional police overtime pay and 135 new officers over two years. Scott had originally asked for 200 new officers to address a staffing shortage and make up for an expected wave of retirements.&nbsp;

The police department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">expects to lose</a> 111 officers between fiscal years 2021 and 2022, and another 80 in the year following, Scott told the Board of Supervisors in March. Scott pointed to a <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/SFPDStaffingStudyReport20210304.pdf">March 2020 study</a> by an independent consulting firm, Matrix Consulting, that described SFPD’s patrol staffing as “severely inadequate” and recommended 2,176 full-time officers. SFPD currently has about 1,780 sworn officers.&nbsp;

The police department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">expects to lose</a> 111 officers between fiscal years 2021 and 2022, and another 80 in the year following, Scott told the Board of Supervisors in March. Scott pointed to a <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/SFPDStaffingStudyReport20210304.pdf">March 2020 study</a> by an independent consulting firm, Matrix Consulting, that described SFPD’s patrol staffing as “severely inadequate” and recommended 2,176 full-time officers. SFPD currently has about 1,780 sworn officers.&nbsp;

Sargent Caraway takes a moment after investigating the shooting and robbery on O’Farrell Street in San Francisco on June 10, 2021.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/OFarrellShooting-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4555"/><figcaption>Sargent Caraway takes a moment after investigating the shooting and robbery on O’Farrell Street in San Francisco on June 10, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

The 26 officers deployed to tourist zones will be largely funded by overtime, and the 135 officers approved in the upcoming budget will help the department “not shrink,” according to Scott, and perhaps to grow slightly if fewer officers retire than expected.&nbsp;

The 26 officers deployed to tourist zones will be largely funded by overtime, and the 135 officers approved in the upcoming budget will help the department “not shrink,” according to Scott, and perhaps to grow slightly if fewer officers retire than expected.&nbsp;

“I want to stress that these additional deployments under this plan will supplement, not subtract from, our existing citywide deployment,” Scott said on Monday. “We’re going through some challenging times right now and we had to make some tough decisions. I want to thank the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors for giving us additional overtime this year.”&nbsp;

“I want to stress that these additional deployments under this plan will supplement, not subtract from, our existing citywide deployment,” Scott said on Monday. “We’re going through some challenging times right now and we had to make some tough decisions. I want to thank the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors for giving us additional overtime this year.”&nbsp;

During the budget process, critics of SFPD asserted that new, non-police responses to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-fire-department-could-soon-place-emergency-psychiatric-holds/">street-level concerns</a>—such as the various <a href="https://sfstandard.com/board-of-supervisors-pledges-to-create-new-homelessness-response-team-but-details-remain-murky/">street response teams</a> funded in the upcoming budget cycle—should reduce the need for police funding. Meanwhile, some business and other community leaders have urged more police patrols amid rising concerns over property crimes, attacks on seniors and other high-profile incidents.&nbsp;

During the budget process, critics of SFPD asserted that new, non-police responses to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-fire-department-could-soon-place-emergency-psychiatric-holds/">street-level concerns</a>—such as the various <a href="https://sfstandard.com/board-of-supervisors-pledges-to-create-new-homelessness-response-team-but-details-remain-murky/">street response teams</a> funded in the upcoming budget cycle—should reduce the need for police funding. Meanwhile, some business and other community leaders have urged more police patrols amid rising concerns over property crimes, attacks on seniors and other high-profile incidents.&nbsp;

“We’re very pleased that additional officers are deployed here, and I can see from my experience yesterday, it was great to be in Chinatown and great to be in the city,” said Larry Yee, President of the Hop Wo Benevolent Association and a member of the Police Commission.&nbsp;

“We’re very pleased that additional officers are deployed here, and I can see from my experience yesterday, it was great to be in Chinatown and great to be in the city,” said Larry Yee, President of the Hop Wo Benevolent Association and a member of the Police Commission.&nbsp;

At a press conference last week, Breed and Scott painted a <a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/20988260/sfpd-compstat-midyear-presentation-final.pdf">mixed picture</a> on crime in San Francisco, pointing to a drop in reported auto break-ins and larceny theft alongside a rise in burglaries and shootings. On Monday, Breed expressed frustration with the perception—among some locals and tourists—that the city is unsafe.

At a press conference last week, Breed and Scott painted a <a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/20988260/sfpd-compstat-midyear-presentation-final.pdf">mixed picture</a> on crime in San Francisco, pointing to a drop in reported auto break-ins and larceny theft alongside a rise in burglaries and shootings. On Monday, Breed expressed frustration with the perception—among some locals and tourists—that the city is unsafe.

“In almost every single instance when there was a violent attack, this police department&#8230;has made arrests and I’ve asked the press and others to make it clear to the public that you will not get away with committing these horrible acts in our city,” said Breed on Monday.

“In almost every single instance when there was a violent attack, this police department...has made arrests and I’ve asked the press and others to make it clear to the public that you will not get away with committing these horrible acts in our city,” said Breed on Monday.

“In almost every single instance when there was a violent attack, this police department&#8230;has made arrests and I’ve asked the press and others to make it clear to the public that you will not get away with committing these horrible acts in our city,” said Breed on Monday.

The new officer deployment plan is one of several initiatives aimed at improving public safety in high-traffic parts of San Francisco.&nbsp;

The new officer deployment plan is one of several initiatives aimed at improving public safety in high-traffic parts of San Francisco.&nbsp;

In the Tenderloin and Mid-Market areas, SFPD boosted its officer presence alongside a team of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tenderloin-and-mid-market-improvement-plan-met-with-high-hopes-and-some-skepticism/">“community ambassadors”</a> trained to de-escalate conflict, address trash and other sanitation concerns and act as a helpful neighborhood presence.&nbsp;

In the Tenderloin and Mid-Market areas, SFPD boosted its officer presence alongside a team of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tenderloin-and-mid-market-improvement-plan-met-with-high-hopes-and-some-skepticism/">“community ambassadors”</a> trained to de-escalate conflict, address trash and other sanitation concerns and act as a helpful neighborhood presence.&nbsp;

In Union Square, the city plans to add community ambassadors in conjunction with new public art and events programming to enliven the shopping and tourism corridor.&nbsp;

In Union Square, the city plans to add community ambassadors in conjunction with new public art and events programming to enliven the shopping and tourism corridor.&nbsp;

“To the 15 million or so visitors that come to the city each year, we want you to know: This is a safe city; this is a great city,” added Scott.&nbsp;

“To the 15 million or so visitors that come to the city each year, we want you to know: This is a safe city; this is a great city,” added Scott.&nbsp;

SF leaders to tourists: ‘This is a safe city’

With funding for homelessness poised to grow, San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) is still laboring to get money out the door and has not established a system for tracking how effectively funds are spent.&nbsp;

With funding for homelessness poised to grow, San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) is still laboring to get money out the door and has not established a system for tracking how effectively funds are spent.&nbsp;

Top brass at HSH, which administers most of its services through outside service providers, said at a hearing on Thursday that while the department has made strides in hiring since an audit last year, a large chunk of budgeted funds goes unspent. 

Top brass at HSH, which administers most of its services through outside service providers, said at a hearing on Thursday that while the department has made strides in hiring since an audit last year, a large chunk of budgeted funds goes unspent.

“Underspending has been a challenge since the creation of the department,” said HSH Director Shireen McSpadden, who assumed the post just weeks ago. 

“Underspending has been a challenge since the creation of the department,” said HSH Director Shireen McSpadden, who assumed the post just weeks ago.

In August 2020, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9537386&amp;GUID=EBDD466E-BFCC-4B7B-A961-DCB8B73101E6">an audit </a>by the Budget &amp; Legislative Analyst found that about 17 percent of the department’s budget for contracts went unspent each year between 2016 and 2019. That amounted to tens of millions in unused funds, which have simply carried over into future years.

In August 2020, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9537386&amp;GUID=EBDD466E-BFCC-4B7B-A961-DCB8B73101E6">an audit </a>by the Budget &amp; Legislative Analyst found that about 17 percent of the department’s budget for contracts went unspent each year between 2016 and 2019. That amounted to tens of millions in unused funds, which have simply carried over into future years.

The department’s budget has grown significantly since it was first created in 2016. In its first year of operation, its budget was $116 million. During COVID, it swelled to more than $850 million owing to an infusion of federal and state COVID funds. The department’s budget amounts to more than a billion dollars over the next <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HSH-FY21-23-Budget-Briefing-Deck_FINAL.pdf">two fiscal years</a>, with $671 million budgeted next year and $596 million the following year.&nbsp;

The department’s budget has grown significantly since it was first created in 2016. In its first year of operation, its budget was $116 million. During COVID, it swelled to more than $850 million owing to an infusion of federal and state COVID funds. The department’s budget amounts to more than a billion dollars over the next <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HSH-FY21-23-Budget-Briefing-Deck_FINAL.pdf">two fiscal years</a>, with $671 million budgeted next year and $596 million the following year.&nbsp;

Last year’s audit revealed chronic understaffing, with 26 percent of budgeted positions sitting vacant. It also found that HSH had no internal policy for evaluating service providers who receive funds, noting “widespread inconsistencies” in program monitoring. The department could only produce monitoring reports for nine of 20 contracts that the budget analysts requested. 

Last year’s audit revealed chronic understaffing, with 26 percent of budgeted positions sitting vacant. It also found that HSH had no internal policy for evaluating service providers who receive funds, noting “widespread inconsistencies” in program monitoring. The department could only produce monitoring reports for nine of 20 contracts that the budget analysts requested.

Over the next two years, HSH’s budget includes about $465 million in contracts with community-based organizations. According to a city database, HSH’s largest awards in fiscal 2020 went to Tenderloin Housing Clinic, Episcopal Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Tides Center, a self-described nonprofit accelerator.&nbsp;

Over the next two years, HSH’s budget includes about $465 million in contracts with community-based organizations. According to a city database, HSH’s largest awards in fiscal 2020 went to Tenderloin Housing Clinic, Episcopal Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Tides Center, a self-described nonprofit accelerator.&nbsp;

An update presented on Thursday showed that the department has made strides in filling vacant positions, with vacancies falling to 9 percent as of June 30. But unspent funds remain stubbornly high, with about $28 million going unspent in fiscal 2021, or about 14 percent of HSH’s contract budget. San Francisco’s fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30.   

An update presented on Thursday showed that the department has made strides in filling vacant positions, with vacancies falling to 9 percent as of June 30. But unspent funds remain stubbornly high, with about $28 million going unspent in fiscal 2021, or about 14 percent of HSH’s contract budget. San Francisco’s fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30.

“We certainly want the underspending to be at a minimum&#8230;in my experience there’s always a little bit of underspending as you’re standing up new programs,” said McSpadden, who previously led San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.&nbsp;

“We certainly want the underspending to be at a minimum...in my experience there’s always a little bit of underspending as you’re standing up new programs,” said McSpadden, who previously led San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.&nbsp;

“We certainly want the underspending to be at a minimum&#8230;in my experience there’s always a little bit of underspending as you’re standing up new programs,” said McSpadden, who previously led San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s homeless population has grown in recent years, with biennial point-in-time counts showing an increase of 17 percent to 8,035 <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019HIRDReport_SanFrancisco_FinalDraft-1.pdf">between 2017 and 2019</a>. The city canceled its 2021 point-in-time count due to COVID, but state data suggest a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/more-than-10-000-people-sought-homeless-services-in-sf-last-year-a-40-jump-over-2019">continued surge</a> in homelessness last year.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s homeless population has grown in recent years, with biennial point-in-time counts showing an increase of 17 percent to 8,035 <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019HIRDReport_SanFrancisco_FinalDraft-1.pdf">between 2017 and 2019</a>. The city canceled its 2021 point-in-time count due to COVID, but state data suggest a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/more-than-10-000-people-sought-homeless-services-in-sf-last-year-a-40-jump-over-2019">continued surge</a> in homelessness last year.&nbsp;

Federal, state and local resources are pouring into initiatives to address the growing crisis.&nbsp;

Federal, state and local resources are pouring into initiatives to address the growing crisis.&nbsp;

Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/06/california-newsom-budget-deal/">agreed on a $12 billion spending plan</a> on homelessness and affordable housing, $1 billion of which will be allocated to cities and counties over the next two years. In addition to federal COVID funds, which have been directed to the city’s shelter-in-place hotel program and other emergency uses, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will grant more than <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-receive-18-7m-in-federal-funds-to-combat-homelessness">$18 million in direct aid to San Francisco</a> for rent vouchers and other homelessness prevention efforts.

Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/06/california-newsom-budget-deal/">agreed on a $12 billion spending plan</a> on homelessness and affordable housing, $1 billion of which will be allocated to cities and counties over the next two years. In addition to federal COVID funds, which have been directed to the city’s shelter-in-place hotel program and other emergency uses, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will grant more than <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-receive-18-7m-in-federal-funds-to-combat-homelessness">$18 million in direct aid to San Francisco</a> for rent vouchers and other homelessness prevention efforts.

Locally, $234 million in funds from <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Proposition_C,_Gross_Receipts_Tax_for_Homelessness_Services_(November_2018)">Proposition C</a>, a tax passed in 2018 that was<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11837613/proposition-c-court-win-delivers-nearly-500-million-for-san-franciscos-homeless-but-how-will-it-be-spent"> tied up in litigation</a> until last year, will be carried forward into next year’s budget. HSH has not yet presented a spending plan for those funds, which have been held in reserve throughout the litigation process, but plans to do so in collaboration with the Our City Our Home committee, which advises on spending of Prop C funds.

Locally, $234 million in funds from <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Proposition_C,_Gross_Receipts_Tax_for_Homelessness_Services_(November_2018)">Proposition C</a>, a tax passed in 2018 that was<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11837613/proposition-c-court-win-delivers-nearly-500-million-for-san-franciscos-homeless-but-how-will-it-be-spent"> tied up in litigation</a> until last year, will be carried forward into next year’s budget. HSH has not yet presented a spending plan for those funds, which have been held in reserve throughout the litigation process, but plans to do so in collaboration with the Our City Our Home committee, which advises on spending of Prop C funds.

Alongside an expected rise in homelessness spending, some state officials have pushed for greater accountability in how funds are spent.&nbsp;

Alongside an expected rise in homelessness spending, some state officials have pushed for greater accountability in how funds are spent.&nbsp;

A state audit published in February 2021 <a href="http://auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2020-112.pdf">lambasted </a>California’s &#8220;disjointed&#8221; response to homelessness. The state currently has no centralized system for tracking and evaluating service providers, and some Continuums of Care—regional planning entities that coordinate homelessness services—do not employ best practices in evaluating services, according to the audit.&nbsp;

A state audit published in February 2021 <a href="http://auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2020-112.pdf">lambasted </a>California’s "disjointed" response to homelessness. The state currently has no centralized system for tracking and evaluating service providers, and some Continuums of Care—regional planning entities that coordinate homelessness services—do not employ best practices in evaluating services, according to the audit.&nbsp;

A state audit published in February 2021 <a href="http://auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2020-112.pdf">lambasted </a>California’s &#8220;disjointed&#8221; response to homelessness. The state currently has no centralized system for tracking and evaluating service providers, and some Continuums of Care—regional planning entities that coordinate homelessness services—do not employ best practices in evaluating services, according to the audit.&nbsp;

A state bill, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB816">AB-816</a>, seeks to require a statewide analysis of homelessness spending and sets forth a goal of reducing homelessness by 90 percent by 2028. Among other changes, the bill would establish a Homelessness Inspector General and mandate specific goals for local governments in reducing homelessness.

A state bill, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB816">AB-816</a>, seeks to require a statewide analysis of homelessness spending and sets forth a goal of reducing homelessness by 90 percent by 2028. Among other changes, the bill would establish a Homelessness Inspector General and mandate specific goals for local governments in reducing homelessness.

As part of Mayor London Breed’s broader homelessness plan, HSH aims to add up to 4,000 new housing placements, amp up anti-eviction programs, support two new safe parking sites and cap rents at supportive housing sites at 30 percent of a renter’s income. Some of the specific line items in HSH’s budget drew scrutiny, such as a $15 million program to maintain about 270 <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/supervisor-s-proposal-to-mandate-housing-expand-safe-sleeping-sites-met-with-skepticism">sanctioned tents</a>.&nbsp;

As part of Mayor London Breed’s broader homelessness plan, HSH aims to add up to 4,000 new housing placements, amp up anti-eviction programs, support two new safe parking sites and cap rents at supportive housing sites at 30 percent of a renter’s income. Some of the specific line items in HSH’s budget drew scrutiny, such as a $15 million program to maintain about 270 <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/supervisor-s-proposal-to-mandate-housing-expand-safe-sleeping-sites-met-with-skepticism">sanctioned tents</a>.&nbsp;

“I think what I hear over and over again from my constituents about homelessness in San Francisco is: How is it that we spend so many hundreds of millions, billions of dollars, on homelessness and our street conditions&#8230;are so bad?” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman at Thursday’s hearing.&nbsp;

“I think what I hear over and over again from my constituents about homelessness in San Francisco is: How is it that we spend so many hundreds of millions, billions of dollars, on homelessness and our street conditions...are so bad?” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman at Thursday’s hearing.&nbsp;

“I think what I hear over and over again from my constituents about homelessness in San Francisco is: How is it that we spend so many hundreds of millions, billions of dollars, on homelessness and our street conditions&#8230;are so bad?” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman at Thursday’s hearing.&nbsp;

The department has made “significant strides” in program monitoring since last year’s audit, according to McSpadden, and is beginning to draft standardized performance metrics for service providers. That will be completed in 2024, she said.

The department has made “significant strides” in program monitoring since last year’s audit, according to McSpadden, and is beginning to draft standardized performance metrics for service providers. That will be completed in 2024, she said.

Flush with funding, homelessness department shows persistent underspending

Mayor London Breed unveiled a sweeping budget proposal that will help the city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic while tackling deep-rooted issues such as homelessness, she said in a speech on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed unveiled a sweeping budget proposal that will help the city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic while tackling deep-rooted issues such as homelessness, she said in a speech on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Speaking at Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground in Chinatown, Breed hailed San Francisco’s success in tamping down COVID-19 cases and outlined her budget priorities for the upcoming budget cycle, which include investments in housing and shelter, mental health and overdose response, public safety and newer initiatives such as guaranteed income and childcare.&nbsp;

Speaking at Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground in Chinatown, Breed hailed San Francisco’s success in tamping down COVID-19 cases and outlined her budget priorities for the upcoming budget cycle, which include investments in housing and shelter, mental health and overdose response, public safety and newer initiatives such as guaranteed income and childcare.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I can finally declare with pride and confidence that we are literally out of the woods," said Mayor London Breed.</blockquote>

<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I can finally declare with pride and confidence that we are literally out of the woods,&#8221; said Mayor London Breed.</blockquote>

After more than a year of COVID-19 restrictions, and with local tax revenues significantly <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sf-s-budget-surplus-grows-but-big-risks-remain">weakened as a result</a>, San Francisco is set to receive roughly $650 million in federal aid that makes it possible for the city to balance its budget without laying off public workers. San Francisco operates on a two-year budget cycle, and the Mayor’s office allocated $13.1 billion for the fiscal year ending in June 2022, followed by $12.8 billion the following year.&nbsp;

After more than a year of COVID-19 restrictions, and with local tax revenues significantly <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sf-s-budget-surplus-grows-but-big-risks-remain">weakened as a result</a>, San Francisco is set to receive roughly $650 million in federal aid that makes it possible for the city to balance its budget without laying off public workers. San Francisco operates on a two-year budget cycle, and the Mayor’s office allocated $13.1 billion for the fiscal year ending in June 2022, followed by $12.8 billion the following year.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/HLedKMFCHJYJ0nnJMrgPEockYO3sYFL3aycYLccm7NChoUTRnk_CsaXPZiamD13Rvx87ktjnSzuTimCyWYFQBKW6rQL1JYXvtLjkyj8BsgiU2JxMTLYX04jTi5JTswTzrpcu95yp" alt=""/><figcaption>Mayor London Breed shakes hands with constituents after announcing her proposed city budget for the next two years. | Annie Gaus for Here/Say </figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-public-safety">Expanding Public Safety</h2>

core/heading

<h2 id="h-expanding-public-safety">Expanding Public Safety</h2>

Amid a spate of attacks on seniors and Asian-American residents, Breed touted several new programs aimed at expanding public safety—with and without police officers.&nbsp;

Amid a spate of attacks on seniors and Asian-American residents, Breed touted several new programs aimed at expanding public safety—with and without police officers.&nbsp;

Breed noted high turnover in San Francisco’s police department, saying that about 80 of San Francisco’s 2200 police officers leave the force annually. Breed proposed two new academy classes to &#8220;keep our ranks stable,” allow consistent beat patrols in neighborhoods <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-boost-police-safety-patrols-in-tenderloin-and-mid-market">such as the Tenderloin</a> and make the <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/demographics">department more diverse</a>.

Breed noted high turnover in San Francisco’s police department, saying that about 80 of San Francisco’s 2200 police officers leave the force annually. Breed proposed two new academy classes to "keep our ranks stable,” allow consistent beat patrols in neighborhoods <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-boost-police-safety-patrols-in-tenderloin-and-mid-market">such as the Tenderloin</a> and make the <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/demographics">department more diverse</a>.

Breed noted high turnover in San Francisco’s police department, saying that about 80 of San Francisco’s 2200 police officers leave the force annually. Breed proposed two new academy classes to &#8220;keep our ranks stable,” allow consistent beat patrols in neighborhoods <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-boost-police-safety-patrols-in-tenderloin-and-mid-market">such as the Tenderloin</a> and make the <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/demographics">department more diverse</a>.

The Mayor’s proposed budget also includes $65 million over two years to fund non-police interventions, including community-based patrols, a “safety ambassador” program <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">planned for downtown and Union Square</a>, and a new Office of Justice Innovation dedicated to crafting non-police responses to safety concerns. Breed also hopes to expand so-called <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/02/us/mental-health-police-response-go-there/index.html">street crisis response teams</a>—who assist individuals in distress in lieu of police officers—from seven planned response teams to 14 total.&nbsp;

The Mayor’s proposed budget also includes $65 million over two years to fund non-police interventions, including community-based patrols, a “safety ambassador” program <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">planned for downtown and Union Square</a>, and a new Office of Justice Innovation dedicated to crafting non-police responses to safety concerns. Breed also hopes to expand so-called <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/02/us/mental-health-police-response-go-there/index.html">street crisis response teams</a>—who assist individuals in distress in lieu of police officers—from seven planned response teams to 14 total.&nbsp;

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

<h2 id="h-tackling-homelessness">Tackling Homelessness</h2>

With $1 billion in federal, state and local funding, Breed aims to dramatically reduce homelessness by expanding housing and shelter options alongside behavioral health services.

With $1 billion in federal, state and local funding, Breed aims to dramatically reduce homelessness by expanding housing and shelter options alongside behavioral health services.

“We have the chance to make a fundamental change,” said Breed, saying that her proposal will help steer more unhoused people into permanent, stable housing while reducing the number of unsanctioned encampments on the street. According to a public dashboard circulated by the Mayor’s office, the number of tents <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sf-tents-drop-to-pre-pandemic-levels-but-homelessness-challenges-loom">dropped by about two-thirds</a> between April 2020 and April 2021.&nbsp;

“We have the chance to make a fundamental change,” said Breed, saying that her proposal will help steer more unhoused people into permanent, stable housing while reducing the number of unsanctioned encampments on the street. According to a public dashboard circulated by the Mayor’s office, the number of tents <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sf-tents-drop-to-pre-pandemic-levels-but-homelessness-challenges-loom">dropped by about two-thirds</a> between April 2020 and April 2021.&nbsp;

Under a <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/stories/s/Homelessness-Recovery-Plan/jgih-75eg#:~:text=In%20July%202020%2C%20Mayor%20London,account%20our%20most%20vulnerable%20residents.">homelessness recovery plan</a> published last year, Breed aims to add at least 6,000 new placements—a combination of shelters, supportive housing and alternative sites—and fund the “largest expansion of permanent supportive housing in over 20 years.”&nbsp;

Under a <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/stories/s/Homelessness-Recovery-Plan/jgih-75eg#:~:text=In%20July%202020%2C%20Mayor%20London,account%20our%20most%20vulnerable%20residents.">homelessness recovery plan</a> published last year, Breed aims to add at least 6,000 new placements—a combination of shelters, supportive housing and alternative sites—and fund the “largest expansion of permanent supportive housing in over 20 years.”&nbsp;

In the upcoming budget cycle, Breed also hopes to fund 640 new treatment beds for substance use and behavioral health issues, boost case management and support services and expand operations at San Francisco’s Behavioral Health Access Center, which serves as an entry point for the city’s addiction treatment and mental health care systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the upcoming budget cycle, Breed also hopes to fund 640 new treatment beds for substance use and behavioral health issues, boost case management and support services and expand operations at San Francisco’s Behavioral Health Access Center, which serves as an entry point for the city’s addiction treatment and mental health care systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Funding An ‘Equitable Recovery’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-an-equitable-recovery">Funding An ‘Equitable Recovery’</h2>

<h2 id="h-funding-an-equitable-recovery">Funding An ‘Equitable Recovery’</h2>

Breed’s budget proposal includes $477 million in spending over the next two years for initiatives intended to accelerate the city’s economic recovery and increase opportunities for communities hit particularly hard by the pandemic.&nbsp;

Breed’s budget proposal includes $477 million in spending over the next two years for initiatives intended to accelerate the city’s economic recovery and increase opportunities for communities hit particularly hard by the pandemic.&nbsp;

With the goal of driving an “equitable recovery,” Breed plans to continue funding the <a href="https://sf-hrc.org/sites/default/files/Dream%20Keeper%20Initiative_One%20Pager.pdf">Dream Keepers</a> initiative, <a href="https://sf-hrc.org/city-fund-reallocation-dream-keeper-initiative">a program</a> created last year in the wake of the George Floyd protests, that seeks to reallocate $120 million from law enforcement funding to San Francisco’s Black and African-American communities.&nbsp;

With the goal of driving an “equitable recovery,” Breed plans to continue funding the <a href="https://sf-hrc.org/sites/default/files/Dream%20Keeper%20Initiative_One%20Pager.pdf">Dream Keepers</a> initiative, <a href="https://sf-hrc.org/city-fund-reallocation-dream-keeper-initiative">a program</a> created last year in the wake of the George Floyd protests, that seeks to reallocate $120 million from law enforcement funding to San Francisco’s Black and African-American communities.&nbsp;

The Mayor’s budget also includes funding for job training programs, child care for women re-entering the workforce after the pandemic and a planned expansion of the city’s universal basic income pilot, which is currently <a href="https://sf-hrc.org/city-fund-reallocation-dream-keeper-initiative">targeted at local artists</a> affected by the pandemic. Breed also hopes to allocate $144 million to “lay the groundwork” for a universal childcare program in San Francisco, including childcare subsidies, workforce compensation for providers, child health and wellbeing programs, and mental health support for students.

The Mayor’s budget also includes funding for job training programs, child care for women re-entering the workforce after the pandemic and a planned expansion of the city’s universal basic income pilot, which is currently <a href="https://sf-hrc.org/city-fund-reallocation-dream-keeper-initiative">targeted at local artists</a> affected by the pandemic. Breed also hopes to allocate $144 million to “lay the groundwork” for a universal childcare program in San Francisco, including childcare subsidies, workforce compensation for providers, child health and wellbeing programs, and mental health support for students.

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

<h2 id="h-the-budget-process">The Budget Process </h2>

The Mayor and the Board of Supervisors will spend the next several weeks <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Budget_Hearing_Calendar.pdf">debating and revising the budget</a>, with Supervisors expected to release their budget priorities on June 8.

The Mayor and the Board of Supervisors will spend the next several weeks <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Budget_Hearing_Calendar.pdf">debating and revising the budget</a>, with Supervisors expected to release their budget priorities on June 8.

Alongside Breed’s speech on Tuesday, the San Francisco Controller’s Office released a <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Budget/AAO%20FY2021-22%20%26%20FY2022-23%20-%20INTERIM%20MAYOR%20-%202021-05-27%201430%20FINAL.pdf">full, 315-page breakdown</a> of the proposed two-year budget.&nbsp;

Alongside Breed’s speech on Tuesday, the San Francisco Controller’s Office released a <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Budget/AAO%20FY2021-22%20%26%20FY2022-23%20-%20INTERIM%20MAYOR%20-%202021-05-27%201430%20FINAL.pdf">full, 315-page breakdown</a> of the proposed two-year budget.&nbsp;

Over the next month, individual city departments will present their own budgets, and budget analysts will issue reports for review by policymakers. The public will have an opportunity to weigh in at a hearing scheduled for June 25.

Over the next month, individual city departments will present their own budgets, and budget analysts will issue reports for review by policymakers. The public will have an opportunity to weigh in at a hearing scheduled for June 25.

Final budget deliberations will begin at the end of June, and Breed will sign the budget by August 1.

Final budget deliberations will begin at the end of June, and Breed will sign the budget by August 1.

Mayor Breed unveils $13B budget plan aimed at ‘equitable recovery’

The Standard Staff

Check out the following link for the latest entries in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/midterm-election-san-francisco-supervisors-ballot-measures/">The Standard’s Election Day Live Blog</a>. See below for entries from earlier in the day.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Check out the following link for the latest entries in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/midterm-election-san-francisco-supervisors-ballot-measures/">The Standard’s Election Day Live Blog</a>. See below for entries from earlier in the day. </h2>

4:57 p.m. | No Long Lines at City Polling Places

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4:57 p.m. | No Long Lines at City Polling Places </h3>

If you&#8217;re following election coverage from other states, you&#8217;ve probably seen reports of long lines and lengthy wait times to vote. That&#8217;s not the case in San Francisco. A quick look at the&nbsp;<a href="https://sfelections.org/tools/map_poll_time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SF Elections map</a>&nbsp;helps explain why.

If you're following election coverage from other states, you've probably seen reports of long lines and lengthy wait times to vote. That's not the case in San Francisco. A quick look at the&nbsp;<a href="https://sfelections.org/tools/map_poll_time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SF Elections map</a>&nbsp;helps explain why.

If you&#8217;re following election coverage from other states, you&#8217;ve probably seen reports of long lines and lengthy wait times to vote. That&#8217;s not the case in San Francisco. A quick look at the&nbsp;<a href="https://sfelections.org/tools/map_poll_time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SF Elections map</a>&nbsp;helps explain why.

The city is carpeted with polling places, and many San Franciscans receive mail-in ballots ahead of the vote. Currently, almost all polling places have no wait—although they may get busier as the workday ends.

The city is carpeted with polling places, and many San Franciscans receive mail-in ballots ahead of the vote. Currently, almost all polling places have no wait—although they may get busier as the workday ends.

&#8220;I moved here from Colorado, (and) what I find amazing is how many polling places there are,&#8221; poll worker Tom Japhet told The Standard at the polling place in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church.&nbsp;

"I moved here from Colorado, (and) what I find amazing is how many polling places there are," poll worker Tom Japhet told The Standard at the polling place in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church.&nbsp;

&#8220;I moved here from Colorado, (and) what I find amazing is how many polling places there are,&#8221; poll worker Tom Japhet told The Standard at the polling place in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church.&nbsp;

4:34 p.m. | Rare Pro-Life Poster Found in San Francisco

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4:34 p.m. | Rare Pro-Life Poster Found in San Francisco</h3>

A rare “No on Prop 1” sign hangs on the fence of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in the Latino Cultural District of the Mission District in San Francisco on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. | Kevin V. Nguyen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionBlog-NoProp1SIgn-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91043"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rare “No on Prop. 1” sign hangs on the fence of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in the Latino Cultural District of the Mission District in San Francisco on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. | Kevin V. Nguyen</figcaption></figure>

Social justice murals can be found all over the Latino Cultural District in the Mission District, but a rare “No on Prop. 1” poster was spotted Tuesday afternoon at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Prop. 1 would add the right to abortion and contraceptive use to the California constitution.

Social justice murals can be found all over the Latino Cultural District in the Mission District, but a rare “No on Prop. 1” poster was spotted Tuesday afternoon at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Prop. 1 would add the right to abortion and contraceptive use to the California constitution.

4:20 p.m. | Your Election Day 4-20 Break

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4:20 p.m. | Your Election Day 4-20 Break</h3>

Election Day can be stressful—especially when it’s the fourth one in a calendar year. If you’re freaking out about the fate of a 244-year-old democracy or just really invested in yet another ballot measure regarding dialysis, you might want a nice diversion. Here are some <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/hilarious-nonpartisan-tweets-to-keep-you-from-screaming-on-election-day/">nonpartisan tweets</a> to take a quick breather before we jump back into the fray.

Election Day can be stressful—especially when it’s the fourth one in a calendar year. If you’re freaking out about the fate of a 244-year-old democracy or just really invested in yet another ballot measure regarding dialysis, you might want a nice diversion. Here are some <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/hilarious-nonpartisan-tweets-to-keep-you-from-screaming-on-election-day/">nonpartisan tweets</a> to take a quick breather before we jump back into the fray.

3:48 p.m. | Where Should the City Put Its Money?

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3:48 p.m. | Where Should the City Put Its Money?</h3>

core/video

Delia Cullen, an 84-year-old city resident, voted today at a garage at 483 Ellington St.&nbsp;with conservative issues on her mind.&nbsp;She said the city spends too much money on programs for the homeless when it should be funding schools and transit.

Delia Cullen, an 84-year-old city resident, voted today at a garage at 483 Ellington St.&nbsp;with conservative issues on her mind.&nbsp;She said the city spends too much money on programs for the homeless when it should be funding schools and transit.

3:20 p.m. | An SF Tradition—Garage Polling Places

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3:20 p.m. | An SF Tradition—Garage Polling Places</h3>

It’s practically a San Francisco tradition: opening a polling place in a residential garage. For real estate manager Samuel Palmer, this is at least his 10th time hosting one at his Potrero Hill home—he’s lost count. So, what’s kept Palmer returning for more?

It’s practically a San Francisco tradition: opening a polling place in a residential garage. For real estate manager Samuel Palmer, this is at least his 10th time hosting one at his Potrero Hill home—he’s lost count. So, what’s kept Palmer returning for more?

“Democracy,” he said. “If you still believe in democracy, I kinda still believe you have to do this.”

“Democracy,” he said. “If you still believe in democracy, I kinda still believe you have to do this.”

Oh yeah. One more reason: “My wife and I are forced to tidy up our garage,” he adds with a laugh. Around 10 people have filled out ballots in person, while over 30 have dropped mail-in ballots into the ballot box.

Oh yeah. One more reason: “My wife and I are forced to tidy up our garage,” he adds with a laugh. Around 10 people have filled out ballots in person, while over 30 have dropped mail-in ballots into the ballot box.

3:10 p.m. | First-Generation San Franciscans Learn Through Doing

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3:10 p.m. | First-Generation San Franciscans Learn Through Doing</h3>

Isabel A., left, and and Mitsumi S., right, are both seniors at Lincoln High School, and are participating in their first ever election. Both students won’t be able to vote until next year, but when they do, they will be the first in their families to do so. The two students clocked into their shift at San Francisco Fire Station #7 at 6 a.m. and are staying until polls close at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. | Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionBlog-Firestation-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90960"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Isabel A. (left) and Mitsumi S—seniors at Lincoln High School—are participating in their first-ever election. Both students&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;be able to vote until next year, but they said they will become the first in their families to do so. | Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Isabel A. and Mitsumi S. are both seniors at Lincoln High School participating in their first-ever election. They said they were recruited to work this cycle when county staff visited their civics class.

Isabel A. and Mitsumi S. are both seniors at Lincoln High School participating in their first-ever election. They said they were recruited to work this cycle when county staff visited their civics class.

SF leaders to tourists: ‘This is a safe city’

Flush with funding, homelessness department shows persistent underspending

Mayor Breed unveils $13B budget plan aimed at ‘equitable recovery’

Live blog: SF firefighters and private citizens open their garages for democracy

At the Granada Hotel, a rush to house the homeless comes at the expense of elderly tenants

Search Results for: tenderloin

SF leaders to tourists: ‘This is a safe city’

Flush with funding, homelessness department shows persistent underspending

Mayor Breed unveils $13B budget plan aimed at ‘equitable recovery’

Live blog: SF firefighters and private citizens open their garages for democracy

At the Granada Hotel, a rush to house the homeless comes at the expense of elderly tenants