Mike Ege

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2022 promises to be a lively year at the polls in San Francisco. With recall votes on three school board members and the district attorney, a special election for state assembly and the regular fall elections, there will likely be four separate votes. And a big one in June will include a number of ballot propositions.&nbsp;

2022 promises to be a lively year at the polls in San Francisco. With recall votes on three school board members and the district attorney, a special election for state assembly and the regular fall elections, there will likely be four separate votes. And a big one in June will include a number of ballot propositions.&nbsp;

California’s unique ballot initiative laws mean that voters often confront complicated governance questions that would rarely be put directly to the public in other places. In San Francisco, it’s especially common: over the last ten years, San Francisco voters decided on 102 ballot local measures, compared with 29 in Los Angeles, according to Ballotpedia.

California’s unique ballot initiative laws mean that voters often confront complicated governance questions that would rarely be put directly to the public in other places. In San Francisco, it’s especially common: over the last ten years, San Francisco voters decided on 102 ballot local measures, compared with 29 in Los Angeles, according to Ballotpedia.

Here&#8217;s a look at the policy choices San Francisco voters will likely face on the June 2022 ballot.

Here's a look at the policy choices San Francisco voters will likely face on the June 2022 ballot.

Here&#8217;s a look at the policy choices San Francisco voters will likely face on the June 2022 ballot.

Q: At the last regular meeting of the year, the Board of Supervisors proposed a number of “charter amendments.” What exactly are charter amendments and why do voters decide on them?

Q: At the last regular meeting of the year, the Board of Supervisors proposed a number of “charter amendments.” What exactly are charter amendments and why do voters decide on them?

A: Cities in California can be organized under the general laws of the state, or under a charter adopted by local voters. A charter is a basic law, similar in some ways to a constitution, that allows a city to manage what are called “<a href="https://www.law.berkeley.edu/files/Albuquerque3_-_Foundational_Aspects_of_Charter_Cities.pdf">municipal affairs</a>.” What constitutes “municipal affairs” can be fluid, but it’s supposed to refer to workaday things like the provision of city services.

A: Cities in California can be organized under the general laws of the state, or under a charter adopted by local voters. A charter is a basic law, similar in some ways to a constitution, that allows a city to manage what are called “<a href="https://www.law.berkeley.edu/files/Albuquerque3_-_Foundational_Aspects_of_Charter_Cities.pdf">municipal affairs</a>.” What constitutes “municipal affairs” can be fluid, but it’s supposed to refer to workaday things like the provision of city services.

San Francisco <a href="https://sfpl.org/pdf/libraries/main/sfhistory/archives-and-manuscripts/charter-commission.pdf">first adopted</a> a city charter in 1898. This was replaced by a new charter in 1932, which was amended over 500 times between 1932 and 1994. A new, simplified charter, adopted in a 1995 vote, reduced the amount of text by two-thirds while giving the mayor more power over the administration of departments and the Board of Supervisors more power over the budget and legislation. Since then it has been amended by the voters 89 times, and it remains a lengthy and detailed document dictating policy on matters ranging from changes in transit fares to employee pensions.&nbsp;

San Francisco <a href="https://sfpl.org/pdf/libraries/main/sfhistory/archives-and-manuscripts/charter-commission.pdf">first adopted</a> a city charter in 1898. This was replaced by a new charter in 1932, which was amended over 500 times between 1932 and 1994. A new, simplified charter, adopted in a 1995 vote, reduced the amount of text by two-thirds while giving the mayor more power over the administration of departments and the Board of Supervisors more power over the budget and legislation. Since then it has been amended by the voters 89 times, and it remains a lengthy and detailed document dictating policy on matters ranging from changes in transit fares to employee pensions.&nbsp;

The charter can only be amended by popular vote. Charter amendments can be put on the ballot by a majority vote of the Board of Supervisors, or alternatively, by any group that can get around 50,000 signatures on a petition. The mayor can also introduce charter amendments, which must be approved by the board before being submitted to the Department of Elections.&nbsp;

The charter can only be amended by popular vote. Charter amendments can be put on the ballot by a majority vote of the Board of Supervisors, or alternatively, by any group that can get around 50,000 signatures on a petition. The mayor can also introduce charter amendments, which must be approved by the board before being submitted to the Department of Elections.&nbsp;

How many charter amendments are being proposed? Will they all go to the ballot?

How many charter amendments are being proposed? Will they all go to the ballot?

Right now there are six proposed amendments, including two which seek to shrink the power of the mayor and are likely to be bitterly debated by the board in the coming weeks. Like all legislation, the charter amendments must be approved by the rules committee and then the full board, before being submitted to the Department of Elections by February 25. It’s possible that some could be altered or withdrawn, depending on what transpires during City Hall sources say will likely be tense negotiations.

Right now there are six proposed amendments, including two which seek to shrink the power of the mayor and are likely to be bitterly debated by the board in the coming weeks. Like all legislation, the charter amendments must be approved by the rules committee and then the full board, before being submitted to the Department of Elections by February 25. It’s possible that some could be altered or withdrawn, depending on what transpires during City Hall sources say will likely be tense negotiations.

Are all the upcoming ballot questions charter amendments?&nbsp;

Are all the upcoming ballot questions charter amendments?&nbsp;

No. Some other types of propositions will be on the June ballot, including the recall of District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/recall-election-of-district-attorney-chesa-boudin-heads-to-ballot-in-june-2022/">Chesa Boudin</a> and an initiative sponsored by Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/stefani-proposes-ballot-measure-to-create-independent-victims-rights-office-right-to-counsel-for-domestic-violence-survivors/">Catherine Stefani</a> to create a Victims’ Rights Office and provide legal support for domestic violence survivors. Charter amendments, recalls and initiatives all have different rules for how they are placed on the ballot.

No. Some other types of propositions will be on the June ballot, including the recall of District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/recall-election-of-district-attorney-chesa-boudin-heads-to-ballot-in-june-2022/">Chesa Boudin</a> and an initiative sponsored by Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/stefani-proposes-ballot-measure-to-create-independent-victims-rights-office-right-to-counsel-for-domestic-violence-survivors/">Catherine Stefani</a> to create a Victims’ Rights Office and provide legal support for domestic violence survivors. Charter amendments, recalls and initiatives all have different rules for how they are placed on the ballot.

Two more initiatives, one dealing with <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/Documents/candidates/12012021_UseOfHerbicidesOnCityProperty_TS.pdf">herbicides in city parks</a>, and another on setting <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/Documents/candidates/RefuseCollectionAndDisposalAct_Legal%20Text.pdf">garbage pickup rates</a>, could also make it to the ballot depending on what deadlines they meet, according to Department of Elections staff.

Two more initiatives, one dealing with <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/Documents/candidates/12012021_UseOfHerbicidesOnCityProperty_TS.pdf">herbicides in city parks</a>, and another on setting <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/Documents/candidates/RefuseCollectionAndDisposalAct_Legal%20Text.pdf">garbage pickup rates</a>, could also make it to the ballot depending on what deadlines they meet, according to Department of Elections staff.

Additionally, Supervisor Gordon Mar introduced another initiative, which would make the Public Health Emergency Leave <a href="https://www.natlawreview.com/article/san-francisco-board-supervisors-extends-paid-covid-19-leave">emergency ordinance</a> instituted during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic permanent, at the Supervisors&#8217; Jan. 4 meeting.

Additionally, Supervisor Gordon Mar introduced another initiative, which would make the Public Health Emergency Leave <a href="https://www.natlawreview.com/article/san-francisco-board-supervisors-extends-paid-covid-19-leave">emergency ordinance</a> instituted during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic permanent, at the Supervisors' Jan. 4 meeting.

Additionally, Supervisor Gordon Mar introduced another initiative, which would make the Public Health Emergency Leave <a href="https://www.natlawreview.com/article/san-francisco-board-supervisors-extends-paid-covid-19-leave">emergency ordinance</a> instituted during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic permanent, at the Supervisors&#8217; Jan. 4 meeting.

So what are these Charter Amendments and why are they being put forward?&nbsp;

So what are these Charter Amendments and why are they being put forward?&nbsp;

Here’s the rundown on what each of the six proposed charter amendments would do: &nbsp;

Here’s the rundown on what each of the six proposed charter amendments would do: &nbsp;

<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Create a new City Children’s Agency and Department of Early Childhood, which would replace and absorb the duties of existing agencies; and change the process for providing financial assistance to the San Francisco Unified School District. Sponsored by Mayor Breed and Supervisors Melgar and Mandelman.</li></ol>

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<ol><li>Create a new City Children’s Agency and Department of Early Childhood, which would replace and absorb the duties of existing agencies; and change the process for providing financial assistance to the San Francisco Unified School District. Sponsored by Mayor Breed and Supervisors Melgar and Mandelman.</li></ol>

As <a href="https://sfstandard.com/breed-steps-into-school-fight-proposes-ballot-initiative-to-give-city-more-control/">reported earlier</a> by The Standard, this measure is in part a reaction to recent controversies around the school board and the school district’s collapsing finances. But it will also consolidate services to children and families currently provided by the city, such as pandemic recovery assistance, mentorship and pre-school and after-school programs.&nbsp;

As <a href="https://sfstandard.com/breed-steps-into-school-fight-proposes-ballot-initiative-to-give-city-more-control/">reported earlier</a> by The Standard, this measure is in part a reaction to recent controversies around the school board and the school district’s collapsing finances. But it will also consolidate services to children and families currently provided by the city, such as pandemic recovery assistance, mentorship and pre-school and after-school programs.&nbsp;

<ol class="wp-block-list" start="2"><li>Split the appointing authority for 21 city commissions equally between the Board of Supervisors and the mayor, make mayoral appointments to these and other commissions subject to board approval; and increase the authority of the City Administrator. Sponsored by Supervisors Chan, Ronen, Peskin and Preston.</li></ol>

<ol start="2"><li>Split the appointing authority for 21 city commissions equally between the Board of Supervisors and the mayor, make mayoral appointments to these and other commissions subject to board approval; and increase the authority of the City Administrator. Sponsored by Supervisors Chan, Ronen, Peskin and Preston.</li></ol>

At the December 14 meeting, lead sponsor Connie Chan described it as a “clean government measure” aimed at “political cronyism” and the “pay-to-play culture” that led to major corruption scandals at the Department of Public Works and other city agencies. It’s the most radical of the charter amendments proposed and would substantially increase the Board’s power, all but guaranteeing a contentious approval process.

At the December 14 meeting, lead sponsor Connie Chan described it as a “clean government measure” aimed at “political cronyism” and the “pay-to-play culture” that led to major corruption scandals at the Department of Public Works and other city agencies. It’s the most radical of the charter amendments proposed and would substantially increase the Board’s power, all but guaranteeing a contentious approval process.

<ol class="wp-block-list" start="3"><li>Reorganize the Building Inspection Commission and Department. Sponsored by Supervisors Melgar, Peskin, Ronen and Mandleman.</li></ol>

<ol start="3"><li>Reorganize the Building Inspection Commission and Department. Sponsored by Supervisors Melgar, Peskin, Ronen and Mandleman.</li></ol>

Lead sponsor Myrna Melgar described this as an effort ‘to restore the confidence in the Building Inspection Department’ by, among other things, bringing appointments into a board approval process as done with other commissions. It would also remove dedicated seats for industries on the commission, a much-criticized set-up that she described as a &#8220;conflict of interest&#8221; where &#8220;the regulated are the regulators.&#8221; It’s in reaction to scandals around the agency ranging from <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/09/angus-mccarthy-president-of-dept-of-building-inspection-commission-admits-he-has-private-builders-edit-redraft-dept-of-building-inspection-materials/">highly irregular</a> permits to its failure to debar a “permit expediter” who also happened to be a former commission president and <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/11/rodrigo-santos-was-coddled-by-the-department-of-building-inspection-for-years-now-it-wants-him-gone-but-cant-get-rid-of-him/">was indicted</a> for embezzling from his own clients.&nbsp;

Lead sponsor Myrna Melgar described this as an effort ‘to restore the confidence in the Building Inspection Department’ by, among other things, bringing appointments into a board approval process as done with other commissions. It would also remove dedicated seats for industries on the commission, a much-criticized set-up that she described as a "conflict of interest" where "the regulated are the regulators." It’s in reaction to scandals around the agency ranging from <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/09/angus-mccarthy-president-of-dept-of-building-inspection-commission-admits-he-has-private-builders-edit-redraft-dept-of-building-inspection-materials/">highly irregular</a> permits to its failure to debar a “permit expediter” who also happened to be a former commission president and <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/11/rodrigo-santos-was-coddled-by-the-department-of-building-inspection-for-years-now-it-wants-him-gone-but-cant-get-rid-of-him/">was indicted</a> for embezzling from his own clients.&nbsp;

Lead sponsor Myrna Melgar described this as an effort ‘to restore the confidence in the Building Inspection Department’ by, among other things, bringing appointments into a board approval process as done with other commissions. It would also remove dedicated seats for industries on the commission, a much-criticized set-up that she described as a &#8220;conflict of interest&#8221; where &#8220;the regulated are the regulators.&#8221; It’s in reaction to scandals around the agency ranging from <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/09/angus-mccarthy-president-of-dept-of-building-inspection-commission-admits-he-has-private-builders-edit-redraft-dept-of-building-inspection-materials/">highly irregular</a> permits to its failure to debar a “permit expediter” who also happened to be a former commission president and <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/11/rodrigo-santos-was-coddled-by-the-department-of-building-inspection-for-years-now-it-wants-him-gone-but-cant-get-rid-of-him/">was indicted</a> for embezzling from his own clients.&nbsp;

<ol class="wp-block-list" start="4"><li>Transfer the authority for appointing replacement members of the Board of Supervisors, Board of Education and City College Board of Trustees from the mayor to the Board of Supervisors by majority vote, and extending the timelines for recall elections. Sponsored by Supervisors Peskin, Walton, Ronen, Preston, Chan, and Melgar.</li></ol>

<ol start="4"><li>Transfer the authority for appointing replacement members of the Board of Supervisors, Board of Education and City College Board of Trustees from the mayor to the Board of Supervisors by majority vote, and extending the timelines for recall elections. Sponsored by Supervisors Peskin, Walton, Ronen, Preston, Chan, and Melgar.</li></ol>

In his remarks at introduction, principal sponsor Aaron Peskin described this measure as &#8220;recall reform,&#8221; but neglected to mention the part about removing replacement authority from the mayor. When a Peskin spokesperson was asked about the unusual presentation of his measure, he offered no comment other than to refer to the supervisor’s remarks at the December 14 meeting.

In his remarks at introduction, principal sponsor Aaron Peskin described this measure as "recall reform," but neglected to mention the part about removing replacement authority from the mayor. When a Peskin spokesperson was asked about the unusual presentation of his measure, he offered no comment other than to refer to the supervisor’s remarks at the December 14 meeting.

In his remarks at introduction, principal sponsor Aaron Peskin described this measure as &#8220;recall reform,&#8221; but neglected to mention the part about removing replacement authority from the mayor. When a Peskin spokesperson was asked about the unusual presentation of his measure, he offered no comment other than to refer to the supervisor’s remarks at the December 14 meeting.

<ol class="wp-block-list" start="5"><li>Adopt a policy declaration urging the Retirement Board to divest from all fossil fuel stocks. Sponsored by Peskin, Preston, and Melgar</li></ol>

<ol start="5"><li>Adopt a policy declaration urging the Retirement Board to divest from all fossil fuel stocks. Sponsored by Peskin, Preston, and Melgar</li></ol>

This measure reflects Peskin and allies’ dissatisfaction with progress towards divestment by the Retirement Board, which approves investment decisions for the city pension fund.&nbsp;

This measure reflects Peskin and allies’ dissatisfaction with progress towards divestment by the Retirement Board, which approves investment decisions for the city pension fund.&nbsp;

<ol class="wp-block-list" start="6"><li>Expedite review of certain affordable housing projects. Sponsored by Mayor Breed and Supervisor Safai.</li></ol>

<ol start="6"><li>Expedite review of certain affordable housing projects. Sponsored by Mayor Breed and Supervisor Safai.</li></ol>

This would apply to new buildings with at least 25 dwelling units that are either 100% affordable, or similar market-rate projects which increase the number of on-site inclusionary affordable units by 15%. Builders would also have to comply with city prevailing wage requirements.&nbsp;

This would apply to new buildings with at least 25 dwelling units that are either 100% affordable, or similar market-rate projects which increase the number of on-site inclusionary affordable units by 15%. Builders would also have to comply with city prevailing wage requirements.&nbsp;

Amendments 2 and 4 look like efforts to shift power from the mayor to the Board of Supervisors. What’s going on there?&nbsp;

Amendments 2 and 4 look like efforts to shift power from the mayor to the Board of Supervisors. What’s going on there?&nbsp;

The Supervisors have increasingly turned to the ballot as a mechanism for asserting more control over City Hall. Since 2000, there have been 11 charter amendments aimed in some way at shrinking the Mayor’s power to appoint officials or administer departments. Five of them passed.

The Supervisors have increasingly turned to the ballot as a mechanism for asserting more control over City Hall. Since 2000, there have been 11 charter amendments aimed in some way at shrinking the Mayor’s power to appoint officials or administer departments. Five of them passed.

This article was updated on Jan. 5, 2022.

This article was updated on Jan. 5, 2022.

Explainer: What SF voters need to know about 2022 ballot measures

Sophie Bearman

Annie Gaus

Jon Jacobo, a well-known San Francisco political figure with leadership roles at several local organizations, announced his resignation from a city commission late Friday in the wake of allegations by a local activist that he assaulted and raped her.

Jon Jacobo, a well-known San Francisco political figure with leadership roles at several local organizations, announced his resignation from a city commission late Friday in the wake of allegations by a local activist that he assaulted and raped her.

Formerly a commissioner at the Building Inspection Commission, which sets policy for the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), Jacobo was also asked to resign by Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton.

Formerly a commissioner at the Building Inspection Commission, which sets policy for the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), Jacobo was also asked to resign by Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton.

Sasha Perigo, a student and organizer with the statewide advocacy group Tenants Together, wrote in a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NXZh8TbzOm6jrWtezXNCiZ5rieQ8aVZzXCufOH3Oe1c/edit">document</a> posted to Twitter that Jacobo raped her at his home on April 4, 2021.

Sasha Perigo, a student and organizer with the statewide advocacy group Tenants Together, wrote in a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NXZh8TbzOm6jrWtezXNCiZ5rieQ8aVZzXCufOH3Oe1c/edit">document</a> posted to Twitter that Jacobo raped her at his home on April 4, 2021.

Alongside the allegation, Perigo published records corroborating her account of the incident, including medical and police records, and asked that the story be shared so that other women can avoid being victimized.&nbsp;

Alongside the allegation, Perigo published records corroborating her account of the incident, including medical and police records, and asked that the story be shared so that other women can avoid being victimized.&nbsp;

In a <a href="https://twitter.com/Jon_Jacobo/status/1423828116288393224">statement on Twitter,</a> Jacobo appeared to deny the allegations but announced a leave of absence from work “for the sake of the community, which I owe so much, and to avoid distraction from the important work of addressing and preventing the spread of COVID-19 which has been my mission this past year.”

In a <a href="https://twitter.com/Jon_Jacobo/status/1423828116288393224">statement on Twitter,</a> Jacobo appeared to deny the allegations but announced a leave of absence from work “for the sake of the community, which I owe so much, and to avoid distraction from the important work of addressing and preventing the spread of COVID-19 which has been my mission this past year.”

Hours earlier, Walton had called for Jacobo’s resignation from the Building Inspection Commission and indicated that if Jacobo didn’t resign, the board would take “swift action” for removal.&nbsp;

Hours earlier, Walton had called for Jacobo’s resignation from the Building Inspection Commission and indicated that if Jacobo didn’t resign, the board would take “swift action” for removal.&nbsp;

“My thoughts go out to the victim for her courage and bravery for speaking out on this awful situation that no one should ever experience,” wrote Walton.

“My thoughts go out to the victim for her courage and bravery for speaking out on this awful situation that no one should ever experience,” wrote Walton.

Because commissioners are appointed by the Board of Supervisors or the mayor, removing them from office in cases of misconduct would require a vote by the board, according to San Francisco’s <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GGG-July-2021-FINAL.pdf">Good Government Guide</a>.&nbsp;

Because commissioners are appointed by the Board of Supervisors or the mayor, removing them from office in cases of misconduct would require a vote by the board, according to San Francisco’s <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GGG-July-2021-FINAL.pdf">Good Government Guide</a>.&nbsp;

Angus McCarthy, president of the Building Inspection Commission, told Here/Say in a statement that “we applaud [Perigo’s] bravery for coming forward to share her story and have no tolerance for the behavior that was called out.”

Angus McCarthy, president of the Building Inspection Commission, told Here/Say in a statement that “we applaud [Perigo’s] bravery for coming forward to share her story and have no tolerance for the behavior that was called out.”

In addition to his role at the Building Inspection Commission, Jacobo is a policy director at Tenants and Owners Development Corporation (TODCO), a nonprofit development group that operates several affordable housing sites in and around South of Market.&nbsp;

In addition to his role at the Building Inspection Commission, Jacobo is a policy director at Tenants and Owners Development Corporation (TODCO), a nonprofit development group that operates several affordable housing sites in and around South of Market.&nbsp;

Jacobo also serves as Vice President of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, an influential nonprofit in the Mission District that received five grants from the city totaling more than $500,000 last year, according to public records.&nbsp;

Jacobo also serves as Vice President of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, an influential nonprofit in the Mission District that received five grants from the city totaling more than $500,000 last year, according to public records.&nbsp;

More recently, Jacobo co-founded the Latino Task Force, a group that was instrumental in&nbsp; bringing COVID-19 testing and vaccinations to the Mission during the pandemic. Among other activities, the Latino Task Force participated in a <a href="https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-over-28-million-expanded-covid-19-support-san-franciscos-latino">$28 million initiative</a> last year to advance public health and economic assistance in the Mission’s Latino community, which was hit especially hard by the pandemic.

More recently, Jacobo co-founded the Latino Task Force, a group that was instrumental in&nbsp; bringing COVID-19 testing and vaccinations to the Mission during the pandemic. Among other activities, the Latino Task Force participated in a <a href="https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-over-28-million-expanded-covid-19-support-san-franciscos-latino">$28 million initiative</a> last year to advance public health and economic assistance in the Mission’s Latino community, which was hit especially hard by the pandemic.

In December, the Latino Task Force and Mission Language and Vocational School <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2020/12/neighborhood-notes-new-funding-for-latino-task-force-and-online-events-happening-soon/">were awarded</a> a $500,000 grant from the Department of Public Health to serve residents most impacted by COVID-19.&nbsp;

In December, the Latino Task Force and Mission Language and Vocational School <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2020/12/neighborhood-notes-new-funding-for-latino-task-force-and-online-events-happening-soon/">were awarded</a> a $500,000 grant from the Department of Public Health to serve residents most impacted by COVID-19.&nbsp;

Perigo wrote that she decided to come forward with the allegations after hearing that Jacobo had engaged in similar conduct with other women.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Perigo wrote that she decided to come forward with the allegations after hearing that Jacobo had engaged in similar conduct with other women.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“After a lot of deliberation, I am choosing to talk about my assault publicly specifically because Jon has such a large platform. Jon cannot be allowed to use his platform to victimize women any longer,” wrote Perigo.

“After a lot of deliberation, I am choosing to talk about my assault publicly specifically because Jon has such a large platform. Jon cannot be allowed to use his platform to victimize women any longer,” wrote Perigo.

City commissioner, activist Jon Jacobo resigns following rape allegation

Longtime San Franciscans may unfondly recall the exorbitant rents, bidding wars and evictions that consumed the city’s housing market for much of the past decade.&nbsp;

Longtime San Franciscans may unfondly recall the exorbitant rents, bidding wars and evictions that consumed the city’s housing market for much of the past decade.&nbsp;

Now, with the city poised to fully reopen, some apartment-seekers are seeing unexpected fluctuations in price and availability that bring a faint flicker of déjà vu from the bad old days of San Francisco rents.&nbsp;

Now, with the city poised to fully reopen, some apartment-seekers are seeing unexpected fluctuations in price and availability that bring a faint flicker of déjà vu from the bad old days of San Francisco rents.&nbsp;

“It was absolute chaos,” said David Garfield, who began searching for an apartment in San Francisco in April. “It feels like because things are ramping back up, you have a mixture of weird rental situations right now. There are some people who are sort of still in the COVID mindset&#8230;whereas other people seem to be, in almost Bitcoin-like fashion, betting on the future.”

“It was absolute chaos,” said David Garfield, who began searching for an apartment in San Francisco in April. “It feels like because things are ramping back up, you have a mixture of weird rental situations right now. There are some people who are sort of still in the COVID mindset...whereas other people seem to be, in almost Bitcoin-like fashion, betting on the future.”

“It was absolute chaos,” said David Garfield, who began searching for an apartment in San Francisco in April. “It feels like because things are ramping back up, you have a mixture of weird rental situations right now. There are some people who are sort of still in the COVID mindset&#8230;whereas other people seem to be, in almost Bitcoin-like fashion, betting on the future.”

Garfield, who is in the process of relocating with his wife from Germany for a new job, said they applied for a two-bedroom apartment first listed at $4,300 per month, only to find the price jacked up to $6,500 the following day. Likewise, some landlords with vacant units report that after months of little interest, applications began pouring in in May. Whispers of stiff competition, or even bidding wars for some desirable units, bubbled up on social sites like NextDoor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Garfield, who is in the process of relocating with his wife from Germany for a new job, said they applied for a two-bedroom apartment first listed at $4,300 per month, only to find the price jacked up to $6,500 the following day. Likewise, some landlords with vacant units report that after months of little interest, applications began pouring in in May. Whispers of stiff competition, or even bidding wars for some desirable units, bubbled up on social sites like NextDoor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There is a lot of housing available that our members have been trying to rent unsuccessfully for months, and we’re hearing that over the past month and a half or so they’ve been able to get more of their apartments rented,” said Charley Goss, government affairs manager at the San Francisco Apartment Association.

“There is a lot of housing available that our members have been trying to rent unsuccessfully for months, and we’re hearing that over the past month and a half or so they’ve been able to get more of their apartments rented,” said Charley Goss, government affairs manager at the San Francisco Apartment Association.

On the whole, San Francisco rent prices are still close to 20 percent cheaper than they were before the pandemic. But that trend appears to be reversing fast. Asking rents ticked up to a median of $2,650 for a one-bedroom in May, according to Zumper, an apartment rental platform.&nbsp;

On the whole, San Francisco rent prices are still close to 20 percent cheaper than they were before the pandemic. But that trend appears to be reversing fast. Asking rents ticked up to a median of $2,650 for a one-bedroom in May, according to Zumper, an apartment rental platform.&nbsp;

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Zumper’s data also suggest that changes in asking rents vary by neighborhood. Between January and May 2021, asking rents in some parts of the city, such as Hayes Valley and Noe Valley, continued their <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/rent-fell-in-every-sf-neighborhood-last-year-except-for-two">COVID-induced slide.</a> Potrero Hill, Civic Center and Telegraph Hill, meanwhile, notched the largest rent increases in the same period of time, with median asking rents increasing as much as 5 to 6 percent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Zumper’s data also suggest that changes in asking rents vary by neighborhood. Between January and May 2021, asking rents in some parts of the city, such as Hayes Valley and Noe Valley, continued their <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/rent-fell-in-every-sf-neighborhood-last-year-except-for-two">COVID-induced slide.</a> Potrero Hill, Civic Center and Telegraph Hill, meanwhile, notched the largest rent increases in the same period of time, with median asking rents increasing as much as 5 to 6 percent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Neighborhood dynamics are changing—through COVID and continuing now as we come out of the pandemic, people are considering new neighborhoods,” added a spokesperson for Bungalow, a property management startup that coordinates rentals for about 150 properties or rooms in San Francisco.

“Neighborhood dynamics are changing—through COVID and continuing now as we come out of the pandemic, people are considering new neighborhoods,” added a spokesperson for Bungalow, a property management startup that coordinates rentals for about 150 properties or rooms in San Francisco.

Apartment-seekers say that—at least with some units—they’re facing a sudden feeding frenzy alongside surprising changes in price and availability.&nbsp;

Apartment-seekers say that—at least with some units—they’re facing a sudden feeding frenzy alongside surprising changes in price and availability.&nbsp;

“With the general idea that life is starting to come back, I wanted to lock in something,” said Steve Mohimani, who upgraded from a small studio to a one-bedroom apartment this spring. “The first place I found was gone before I put an application in. I saw it on a Sunday on a whim…by the time I got home, on the same day, it was already rented.”&nbsp;

“With the general idea that life is starting to come back, I wanted to lock in something,” said Steve Mohimani, who upgraded from a small studio to a one-bedroom apartment this spring. “The first place I found was gone before I put an application in. I saw it on a Sunday on a whim…by the time I got home, on the same day, it was already rented.”&nbsp;

Street view of Telegraph Hill. (Photo by Soltan Frédéric/Sygma via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1656" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-542391040-1-2500x1656.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4647"/><figcaption>A view from Telegraph Hill, where rent prices appear to be bouncing back faster than in other parts of San Francisco. I Photo by Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-542391040-1-2500x1656.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4647"/><figcaption>A view from Telegraph Hill, where rent prices appear to be bouncing back faster than in other parts of San Francisco. I Photo by Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Mohimani, who was searching primarily on Craigslist, ultimately leased an apartment in the Haight-Ashbury that came with a two-month rent credit—a type of incentive that surged <a href="https://socketsite.com/archives/2020/10/rental-concession-ante-raised-again-in-san-francisco.html">during the pandemic</a>, and remains somewhat common as owners hustle to get their units leased. But with the market at an uncertain moment, landlords appear to be tinkering with price to see what renters are willing to bear.&nbsp;

Mohimani, who was searching primarily on Craigslist, ultimately leased an apartment in the Haight-Ashbury that came with a two-month rent credit—a type of incentive that surged <a href="https://socketsite.com/archives/2020/10/rental-concession-ante-raised-again-in-san-francisco.html">during the pandemic</a>, and remains somewhat common as owners hustle to get their units leased. But with the market at an uncertain moment, landlords appear to be tinkering with price to see what renters are willing to bear.&nbsp;

“As soon as I saw [the apartment], the price was jacked up to $2,600,” said Mohimani of the unit he wound up leasing. “But I’d saved the PDF of it, and they adjusted it back down.”&nbsp;

“As soon as I saw [the apartment], the price was jacked up to $2,600,” said Mohimani of the unit he wound up leasing. “But I’d saved the PDF of it, and they adjusted it back down.”&nbsp;

Goss added that he’d be surprised to see bidding wars per se at this point, but noted that leasing activity in San Francisco is up. As office workers gain clarity on returning to in-person work, some are opting to double down on the city and to lock in a more desirable, more convenient or better-maintained apartment.&nbsp;

Goss added that he’d be surprised to see bidding wars per se at this point, but noted that leasing activity in San Francisco is up. As office workers gain clarity on returning to in-person work, some are opting to double down on the city and to lock in a more desirable, more convenient or better-maintained apartment.&nbsp;

Others are moving on from a roommate situation into a studio or one-bedroom they can finally afford, or may be returning to San Francisco after temporarily relocating during COVID. Data on address-change requests provided by USPS suggest that a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/u-s-postal-service-data-suggests-significant-population-decline-in-san-francisco">disproportionate outflow</a> of San Francisco residents observed last year has since stabilized.

Others are moving on from a roommate situation into a studio or one-bedroom they can finally afford, or may be returning to San Francisco after temporarily relocating during COVID. Data on address-change requests provided by USPS suggest that a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/u-s-postal-service-data-suggests-significant-population-decline-in-san-francisco">disproportionate outflow</a> of San Francisco residents observed last year has since stabilized.

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“It’s still tough to find everything that you want at the price that you want it, and it&#8217;s suddenly heating back up. The rental companies know that,” added Dan Schulman, who is looking to move from a small studio to a one-bedroom with on-site laundry. “Some of these companies, like RentSFNow, own so many apartments in the city that if they start jacking up the rent, it actually impacts the rest of the market.”

“It’s still tough to find everything that you want at the price that you want it, and it's suddenly heating back up. The rental companies know that,” added Dan Schulman, who is looking to move from a small studio to a one-bedroom with on-site laundry. “Some of these companies, like RentSFNow, own so many apartments in the city that if they start jacking up the rent, it actually impacts the rest of the market.”

“It’s still tough to find everything that you want at the price that you want it, and it&#8217;s suddenly heating back up. The rental companies know that,” added Dan Schulman, who is looking to move from a small studio to a one-bedroom with on-site laundry. “Some of these companies, like RentSFNow, own so many apartments in the city that if they start jacking up the rent, it actually impacts the rest of the market.”

There’s no sign yet of a major price surge, or a return to stratospheric pre-pandemic rents in San Francisco. Local price trends can be tricky to capture accurately over a short time period, a data analyst at Zumper noted. It may take a few more months for the market to bear out what exactly a San Francisco apartment is worth in the post-COVID era of <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/tepid-optimism-sf-office-market-flashes-mixes-signals">flexible work</a>.&nbsp;

There’s no sign yet of a major price surge, or a return to stratospheric pre-pandemic rents in San Francisco. Local price trends can be tricky to capture accurately over a short time period, a data analyst at Zumper noted. It may take a few more months for the market to bear out what exactly a San Francisco apartment is worth in the post-COVID era of <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/tepid-optimism-sf-office-market-flashes-mixes-signals">flexible work</a>.&nbsp;

“I think people really are speculating on an unknown nature of the San Francisco rental market in the near future,” added Garfield, who has not yet secured an apartment at the couple’s initial budget range. “With no mechanism to keep that in check, I think it&#8217;s going to be a mixture of traditional, small landlords just trying to cover their fees or make reasonable profit, and others sort of preying on people with enough income to bid over market, but also concerns about rising prices making it harder.”&nbsp;

“I think people really are speculating on an unknown nature of the San Francisco rental market in the near future,” added Garfield, who has not yet secured an apartment at the couple’s initial budget range. “With no mechanism to keep that in check, I think it's going to be a mixture of traditional, small landlords just trying to cover their fees or make reasonable profit, and others sort of preying on people with enough income to bid over market, but also concerns about rising prices making it harder.”&nbsp;

“I think people really are speculating on an unknown nature of the San Francisco rental market in the near future,” added Garfield, who has not yet secured an apartment at the couple’s initial budget range. “With no mechanism to keep that in check, I think it&#8217;s going to be a mixture of traditional, small landlords just trying to cover their fees or make reasonable profit, and others sort of preying on people with enough income to bid over market, but also concerns about rising prices making it harder.”&nbsp;

“In the pre-COVID days, we sort of knew what [rents] were doing: They were going up and up,” he added. “And now, what happens?”

“In the pre-COVID days, we sort of knew what [rents] were doing: They were going up and up,” he added. “And now, what happens?”

‘Absolute chaos’: San Francisco apartment-seekers see a market suddenly gone haywire

The morning after a recent burglary spree in Union Square, Mayor London Breed zeroed in on the money<meta charset="utf-8">—not what was gained or lost by the thieves and their victims, but rather the impact of such incidents on San Francisco’s massive, yet over-stretched budget.&nbsp;

The morning after a recent burglary spree in Union Square, Mayor London Breed zeroed in on the money<meta charset="utf-8">—not what was gained or lost by the thieves and their victims, but rather the impact of such incidents on San Francisco’s massive, yet over-stretched budget.&nbsp;

&#8220;What happens when people vandalize and commit those level of crimes in San Francisco, we not only lose those businesses, we lose those jobs,” said Breed at a Nov. 20 press conference. “We lose that tax revenue that helps to support our economy that helps to support many of the social service programs that we have in the city in the first place. We can&#8217;t allow that to happen.”

"What happens when people vandalize and commit those level of crimes in San Francisco, we not only lose those businesses, we lose those jobs,” said Breed at a Nov. 20 press conference. “We lose that tax revenue that helps to support our economy that helps to support many of the social service programs that we have in the city in the first place. We can't allow that to happen.”

&#8220;What happens when people vandalize and commit those level of crimes in San Francisco, we not only lose those businesses, we lose those jobs,” said Breed at a Nov. 20 press conference. “We lose that tax revenue that helps to support our economy that helps to support many of the social service programs that we have in the city in the first place. We can&#8217;t allow that to happen.”

As the city crawls out of the pandemic, its roughly $13 billion annual budget hinges in part on the fate of downtown: how quickly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/indoor-mask-mandates-dampen-outlook-for-s-f-s-downtown/">workers return to offices</a>, how many merchants survive, and even sales tax revenue from holiday shoppers and tourists. Prior to the pandemic, Districts 3 and 6—which encompass downtown—generated more than half of the city’s sales tax revenue, along with an outsized portion of business and property taxes.

As the city crawls out of the pandemic, its roughly $13 billion annual budget hinges in part on the fate of downtown: how quickly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/indoor-mask-mandates-dampen-outlook-for-s-f-s-downtown/">workers return to offices</a>, how many merchants survive, and even sales tax revenue from holiday shoppers and tourists. Prior to the pandemic, Districts 3 and 6—which encompass downtown—generated more than half of the city’s sales tax revenue, along with an outsized portion of business and property taxes.

Bolstered by a roaring economy and tourism sector, San Francisco’s annual budget was on a steady upward climb for years, roughly doubling between 2011 and 2021. As the city’s economy boomed, businesses taxes nearly tripled between 2010 and 2020. Over the same period, flourishing tourism and conventions drove hotel and sales taxes past the billion-dollar mark; likewise, rising real estate values helped to push property tax collections, which are based on assessed values per year, to new heights.&nbsp;

Bolstered by a roaring economy and tourism sector, San Francisco’s annual budget was on a steady upward climb for years, roughly doubling between 2011 and 2021. As the city’s economy boomed, businesses taxes nearly tripled between 2010 and 2020. Over the same period, flourishing tourism and conventions drove hotel and sales taxes past the billion-dollar mark; likewise, rising real estate values helped to push property tax collections, which are based on assessed values per year, to new heights.&nbsp;

But COVID knocked much of that growth off track, and San Francisco&#8217;s economy has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-financial-district-merchants-long-recovery-ahead/">slower to recover</a> than other major cities, at least by some measures: In a report published last week, the city’s budget office noted that despite improvements in recent months, hotel occupancy, office visits and trips downtown remained drastically below pre-COVID levels in October. Small business formation remains flat, and convention bookings—typically a cash cow for the city—are very slow.

But COVID knocked much of that growth off track, and San Francisco's economy has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-financial-district-merchants-long-recovery-ahead/">slower to recover</a> than other major cities, at least by some measures: In a report published last week, the city’s budget office noted that despite improvements in recent months, hotel occupancy, office visits and trips downtown remained drastically below pre-COVID levels in October. Small business formation remains flat, and convention bookings—typically a cash cow for the city—are very slow.

But COVID knocked much of that growth off track, and San Francisco&#8217;s economy has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-financial-district-merchants-long-recovery-ahead/">slower to recover</a> than other major cities, at least by some measures: In a report published last week, the city’s budget office noted that despite improvements in recent months, hotel occupancy, office visits and trips downtown remained drastically below pre-COVID levels in October. Small business formation remains flat, and convention bookings—typically a cash cow for the city—are very slow.

During the pandemic, an infusion of federal and state funds helped to close the city’s budget gap<meta charset="utf-8">—but continuing economic malaise spells an uncertain future for San Francisco’s precariously balanced budget.&nbsp;

During the pandemic, an infusion of federal and state funds helped to close the city’s budget gap<meta charset="utf-8">—but continuing economic malaise spells an uncertain future for San Francisco’s precariously balanced budget.&nbsp;

Explore the visualization below to see how key revenue sources have changed over time.

Explore the visualization below to see how key revenue sources have changed over time.

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As to where San Francisco’s money goes, tax and other revenues flow into a highly complex collection of funds—some of which are restricted to specific uses, and others that are discretionary.&nbsp;

As to where San Francisco’s money goes, tax and other revenues flow into a highly complex collection of funds—some of which are restricted to specific uses, and others that are discretionary.&nbsp;

Unlike most other U.S. cities, San Francisco is incorporated as both a city and county. That means it carries out both municipal functions, such as police and fire, and county-level functions, such as courts. San Francisco’s budget also includes so-called “enterprise” departments that generate their own revenues and function much like a business: San Francisco International Airport, Port of San Francisco, Municipal Transportation Agency, the Department of Public Health and the Public Utilities Commission. Service charges, primarily from those departments, make up the city’s single largest source of revenue. Those revenues are restricted, and largely flow back into enterprise funds to support those same departments.

Unlike most other U.S. cities, San Francisco is incorporated as both a city and county. That means it carries out both municipal functions, such as police and fire, and county-level functions, such as courts. San Francisco’s budget also includes so-called “enterprise” departments that generate their own revenues and function much like a business: San Francisco International Airport, Port of San Francisco, Municipal Transportation Agency, the Department of Public Health and the Public Utilities Commission. Service charges, primarily from those departments, make up the city’s single largest source of revenue. Those revenues are restricted, and largely flow back into enterprise funds to support those same departments.

Most of the city’s local tax revenue flows into the General Fund, which reflects discretionary spending that can be adjusted each year as part of the budget negotiation process. Some revenues, however, are restricted to special funds serving a specific purpose<meta charset="utf-8">—like debt repayment, capital projects, or parks and library maintenance<meta charset="utf-8">—that voters have approved over the years. Transfers are authorized flows of money in and out of funds that help balance the city’s budget.

Most of the city’s local tax revenue flows into the General Fund, which reflects discretionary spending that can be adjusted each year as part of the budget negotiation process. Some revenues, however, are restricted to special funds serving a specific purpose<meta charset="utf-8">—like debt repayment, capital projects, or parks and library maintenance<meta charset="utf-8">—that voters have approved over the years. Transfers are authorized flows of money in and out of funds that help balance the city’s budget.

San Francisco’s spending is categorized by use, from public protection and community health to arts and culture. <a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-sankey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to open the full interactive version</a> of the chart below to see the flow of San Francisco&#8217;s money flows through various funds and uses in the current budget cycle.

San Francisco’s spending is categorized by use, from public protection and community health to arts and culture. <a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-sankey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to open the full interactive version</a> of the chart below to see the flow of San Francisco's money flows through various funds and uses in the current budget cycle.

San Francisco’s spending is categorized by use, from public protection and community health to arts and culture. <a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-sankey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to open the full interactive version</a> of the chart below to see the flow of San Francisco&#8217;s money flows through various funds and uses in the current budget cycle.

San Francisco’s money is allocated across 53 departments and agencies with budgets as high as $2.7 billion (Department of Public Health) and as low as $1 million (Board of Appeals) for the fiscal year ending in June.

San Francisco’s money is allocated across 53 departments and agencies with budgets as high as $2.7 billion (Department of Public Health) and as low as $1 million (Board of Appeals) for the fiscal year ending in June.

Every year, the Mayor&#8217;s Office and the Controller&#8217;s Office review revenue forecasts for upcoming years and issue detailed guidance to city departments on the preparation of their budgets. Individual departments then submit their own budget plans to the Controller and the Mayor&#8217;s Office, which consolidates those budget requests into a balanced citywide <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">budget proposal</a>.

Every year, the Mayor's Office and the Controller's Office review revenue forecasts for upcoming years and issue detailed guidance to city departments on the preparation of their budgets. Individual departments then submit their own budget plans to the Controller and the Mayor's Office, which consolidates those budget requests into a balanced citywide <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">budget proposal</a>.

Every year, the Mayor&#8217;s Office and the Controller&#8217;s Office review revenue forecasts for upcoming years and issue detailed guidance to city departments on the preparation of their budgets. Individual departments then submit their own budget plans to the Controller and the Mayor&#8217;s Office, which consolidates those budget requests into a balanced citywide <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">budget proposal</a>.

In June of each year, Supervisors hold a series of hearings with department heads, as well as with members of the public, in order to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-kick-off-13-billion-budget-negotiations/">develop their own budget recommendations</a> and requests for their districts. The Board of Supervisors must approve a final budget by August 1, which then heads to the Mayor’s desk for final signature.&nbsp;

In June of each year, Supervisors hold a series of hearings with department heads, as well as with members of the public, in order to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-kick-off-13-billion-budget-negotiations/">develop their own budget recommendations</a> and requests for their districts. The Board of Supervisors must approve a final budget by August 1, which then heads to the Mayor’s desk for final signature.&nbsp;

In 2020 and 2021, the federal government passed two stimulus bills that allotted hundreds of millions in relief funds to San Francisco and other local governments that saw their revenues evaporate. Those stimulus funds flowed into San Francisco’s general fund, and into individual departments that were either heavily impacted by pandemic, such as the Municipal Transit Agency, or were tasked with emergency response, such as the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, which received an infusion of state and federal monies for emergency shelter last fiscal year.&nbsp;

In 2020 and 2021, the federal government passed two stimulus bills that allotted hundreds of millions in relief funds to San Francisco and other local governments that saw their revenues evaporate. Those stimulus funds flowed into San Francisco’s general fund, and into individual departments that were either heavily impacted by pandemic, such as the Municipal Transit Agency, or were tasked with emergency response, such as the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, which received an infusion of state and federal monies for emergency shelter last fiscal year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-bubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to explore the interactive bubble chart</a> shown below to see each department’s total budget for fiscal 2022, and how it compares to last year.

<a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-bubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to explore the interactive bubble chart</a> shown below to see each department’s total budget for fiscal 2022, and how it compares to last year.

Department-level budgets are categorized by spending categories, fund source, and other details, and are codified in a document called the <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Budget/AAO%20FY2021-22%20%26%20FY2022-23%20-%20FINAL%2020210730.pdf">Annual Appropriation Ordinance</a> each year. That document is the final citywide budget signed by the Mayor in August.&nbsp;

Department-level budgets are categorized by spending categories, fund source, and other details, and are codified in a document called the <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Budget/AAO%20FY2021-22%20%26%20FY2022-23%20-%20FINAL%2020210730.pdf">Annual Appropriation Ordinance</a> each year. That document is the final citywide budget signed by the Mayor in August.&nbsp;

By a wide margin, the largest chunk of spending is compensation for the city’s workforce of roughly 35,000. Salaries and benefits typically make up the largest chunk of department-level spending. Depending on a department’s function, they might also allocate funds to areas like building improvements, capital projects, or grants to nonprofits. Departments also regularly hire other city departments for services like security, legal help, tax preparation, health care, or maintenance. The city’s budget analysts account for that activity through transfers, meaning those purchases are marked as revenue and adjusted later in the final budget preparation.&nbsp;

By a wide margin, the largest chunk of spending is compensation for the city’s workforce of roughly 35,000. Salaries and benefits typically make up the largest chunk of department-level spending. Depending on a department’s function, they might also allocate funds to areas like building improvements, capital projects, or grants to nonprofits. Departments also regularly hire other city departments for services like security, legal help, tax preparation, health care, or maintenance. The city’s budget analysts account for that activity through transfers, meaning those purchases are marked as revenue and adjusted later in the final budget preparation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-treemap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to explore the visualization</a> below to see how much each department plans to spend this year, and what those funds are used for.

<a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-treemap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to explore the visualization</a> below to see how much each department plans to spend this year, and what those funds are used for.

Visualizations by Elbert Wang &amp; Kaitlyn Bartley

Visualizations by Elbert Wang &amp; Kaitlyn Bartley

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