Departments blow off Lurie again. Plus: DCCC gives out endorsements

<p>In a repeat of Mayor  Daniel Lurie ’s  first frustrating budget cycle  last year, a significant chunk of City Hall departments are once again failing to meet his reduction targets. Of the roughly 50 departments that have posted 2026-27 budgets, 18 haven’t tightened their belts enough, according to Power Play’s review of  submissions  to the mayor’s office. Last year at this time, 22 agencies did not meet the mark. The city’s budget remains dire , with a two-year deficit of $877 million, according to the  latest estimate . That’s a fair chunk of the roughly $16 billion in annual expenses. And that’s not tallying the total cost of actions by President  Donald Trump , who has threatened to  withhold SNAP benefits  and whose One, Big, Beautiful Bill aims to  curtail Medicare spending . In December, Lurie  ordered departments  to come up with $400 million in reductions, including eliminating discretionary programs, restructuring departments, reducing citywide work orders by 10%, centralizing duplicative expenses, and proposing near-term investments to save money in the long term. The mayor’s office gave each department a “reduction target.” While some departments have bowed to the mayor’s demands and hit their marks, others are refusing to go along and are articulating their reasons in writing.  In City Hall bureaucratese, they’re essentially telling Lurie to go kick rocks. Resistors include the San Francisco Fire Department, which argued in its budget submission that meeting the mayor’s mandates would harm emergency response time. The department is asking for $385.6 million — $11 million more than its target and $7 million more than it was allotted last year.  “Any reduction of that scale would have material impact to the front-line emergency services that the department is responsible for,” the department wrote.  The police are asking for $693.7 million — $11.3 million over the target — though SFPD staff noted that ongoing negotiations with the police union may change the financial landscape. The pushback on budget cuts by the fire and police departments is not necessarily surprising considering the mayor’s priority of funding public safety agencies. But they’re not alone.  Departments that haven’t fully hacked away at their budgets include the Agency for Human Rights, Ethics Commission, Human Services Agency, and War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. Mayor’s ofice spokesperson  Kate Poltrack  said federal budget cuts are driving the city’s deficit to historic levels. “Our office will work collaboratively” with departments and others, she said, “to deliver a responsible budget that prioritizes core service.” Turning in budgets that don’t do as the mayor asks is a common tactic by city departments, and last year such maneuvers bore fruit: The district attorney’s office and other public safety agencies  were spared cuts  after playing chicken with Lurie. Not every department saw success with the strategy, though: After departments like Homelessness and Supportive Housing refused his order,  Lurie seized control of their budgets  and slashed them anyway.  — J.F.R. and G.G. Got tips? Send to us at  powerplay@sfstandard.com . Programming note: Power Play will be off Sunday. PROTESTER VS. PRESSER:  A Wednesday press conference called by Lurie, Supervisor  Bilal Mahmood,  and the Building & Construction Trades Council’s  Rudy Gonzalez  saw 10 protesters chanting “Tax the rich” throughout. The half-hour briefing was supposed to celebrate  a proposal to spur development .  But the chant took a darker turn. During Gonzalez’s speech, a woman was heard yelling “Tax the Jews” and “Tax Israel,” a video obtained by Power Play shows. While the video does not show the protesters, the antisemitic shouts can be heard coming from a single person.  “Suggesting that Jews are wealthy is a tired trope, and targeting our community at an event focused on creating economic opportunity for San Franciscans is decidedly antisemitic,” Lurie said afterward. “I will never accept hate directed at the Jewish community or any community in our city. Those are not San Francisco values — we’re better than that.” San Francisco’s Democratic Socialists of America chapter, whose members were part of the protest, said in a statement that the culprit was not affiliated with their group: “DSA members and other protesters asked her to stop, but she refused. We want to be clear that whatever hate she holds isn’t shared by DSA members, and we categorically reject antisemitism.” (DSA has been highly critical of the U.S. government’s support for Israel.)  Christin Evans , a small-business owner who attended the protest, told Power Play that the woman who made the remarks was a passerby.  — G.G. DCCC ENDORSEMENT:  San Francisco’s political establishment revealed its preferences Wednesday night for the June election, as the Democratic County Central Committee issued its coveted endorsements. On the June ballot: supervisor races in Districts 2 and 4, a school board seat, a judicial contest, and two ballot measures: an earthquake safety bond and one that would strengthen  term limits . Three incumbents — Supervisors  Stephen Sherrill  and  Alan Wong , along with school board President  Phil Kim  — secured the DCCC’s endorsement. Since 2024, the governing body of the local Democratic Party has shifted from a progressive majority to a more moderate and YIMBY-aligned body, and both Sherrill and Wong have been given the stamp of approval for supporting Lurie’s upzoning plan. Sherrill’s main challenger in District 2,  Lori Brooke , drew some support, including from former supervisor and DCCC member  Michela Alioto-Pier . In District 4, Wong’s opponents,  Natalie Gee  and  Albert Chow,  won backing from some members. But Wong’s incumbency, along with Lurie’s influence, had solidified his path to endorsement. In the judicial race, prosecutor  Phoebe Maffei  received the nod over public defender  Alexandra Pray .  Both of the ballot measures sailed through with “yes” endorsements, but the  controversial term-limit charter amendment  resulted in a closer vote.  — H.L. LOVE ME NOT:  Speaking of the west side’s electoral slugfest: Wong, Gee and Chow will duke it out Thursday at a District 4 candidate forum hosted by Sunset United Neighbors. Other candidates are getting the cold shoulder:  David Lee,  the San Francisco State University politics professor and theater performer  Jeremy Greco.   Greco is a newcomer, so that’s not a surprise. But Lee has run for both state Assembly and for supervisor of the Richmond. He has raised more than $31,000. While it’s not as much as Wong’s $72,000 or Gee’s $143,000, once he receives public financing, he will be on even footing.  So why exclude him?  Insiders note that moderate Democrats think of Lee as a spoiler, pulling attention, donations, and other resources away from his fellow moderate-aligned District 1 candidate  Marjan Philhour , and contributing to their collective loss in 2020 against Supervisor  Connie Chan . There’s speculation that moderate-aligned groups may be afraid Lee will play spoiler for Wong, with whom he’d naturally share votes. Selena Chu , a board member of SUN, told Power Play there’s a simple reason for excluding other candidates: The group polled its members on who they wanted to see at their forum, and Lee polled at 2%. While Chu declined to provide numbers for the other candidates, she said Wong, Gee, and Chow polled far higher. Ultimately, Chu said, the group wanted to ensure that working families aren’t stuck at a political event for hours. “How early do D4 people sleep? Quite early. We want to be respectful to our membership. We hope [Lee] understands,” she said.  — J.F.R.  DESIGN BATTLE:  The never-ending saga over the Great Highway is entering its final, farcical phase. Supporters of reopening the roadway to cars have filed paperwork seeking another ballot measure, launching a campaign called “Great Highway for everyone.” They’ve  rolled out a logo  featuring a family of four strolling along the beach at sunset, seemingly enjoying the coastline. Backers of Sunset Dunes say the imagery only helps their cause. “It appears that even Sunset Dunes opponents recognize that San Franciscans love our coastal park free of car pollution and danger,” said  Lucas Lux , president of Friends of Sunset Dunes. “Please give them our thanks for designing a campaign graphic for us.” But the trolling didn’t stop there. Lux and his supporters quickly unveiled a redesigned, AI-generated version of the logo — depicting a traffic-choked roadway lined with cars and exhaust fumes. “Here’s one they can use that shows what they’re actually advocating for,” Lux said. The text at the bottom of the AI-altered logo: “Are we seriously still talking about this?” Jamie Hughes , the campaign spokesperson, said Lux should get his eyes checked, noting that  the family in the original image is on the beach, not in the park. “As seen with the ‘Sunset Dunes project,’ clearly their only focus continues to be making a mockery of our beautiful coast.”  — H.L. Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly included Public Works in a list of departments that did not meet its budget target from the mayor last year.</p>

Controversial SF judge to face last-minute challenger in June election

<p>A former state attorney, now in private practice, is running to unseat a controversial judge on the San Francisco Superior Court. Anthony Tartaglio, 39, a workers rights attorney who spent five years as a deputy attorney general, filed paperwork Tuesday morning to challenge Judge Michelle Tong, a frequent target of complaints from the San Francisco district attorney’s office and advocates for tough-on-crime judicial rulings. “I’m running for Superior Court judge because justice and the rule of law are essential to keeping San Francisco safe and vibrant,” Tartaglio said in a statement.  A graduate of UC Law San Francisco, Tartaglio began his legal career as an intellectual property lawyer before serving under state Attorneys General Xavier Becerra and Rob Bonta. As a workers rights attorney, he has clients that include municipal employees who blow the whistle on public corruption. Tartaglio’s wife, Natassia Kwan, also a private practice attorney, previously worked for the city attorney’s office and was active in the Stop Asian Hate movement. Tong’s controversies Tartaglio said his decision to run was inspired in part  by a November story in The Standard  detailing a child’s abduction that occurred after Tong ruled that the child could travel to Kazakhstan with his mother for two weeks. They never returned, and the child’s father blamed Tong for the abduction. The Chronicle  first reported  on the case in 2024. During Tong’s brief assignment to criminal court, she faced more challenges from the district attorney’s office than any other jurist, according to public records obtained by The Standard. The DA can challenge judicial assignments in the hopes of being assigned someone else — a strategy known as “judge-shopping.”  But Ellen Chaitin, a retired judge, wrote in  an op-ed  that the district attorney’s “blanket disqualification” of Tong would undermine the independence of the judiciary. Tong spent 17 years at the San Francisco public defender’s office before being elected to the bench in 2020. She handles  civil harassment and traffic court cases , considered the least desirable assignments in the city’s court system. “It’s a privilege and an honor to serve San Francisco and its constituents,” Tong said Tuesday. “I am looking forward to serving another six-year term.” Tong has opened a committee for her reelection campaign with $100,000, half from her and half from family members. Facing Tartaglio’s campaign, she will begin fundraising efforts, she said.  Tong has faced criticism from moderate political groups. The nonprofit Stop Crime SF, which runs a judicial watch program, gave Tong its lowest score on a late-January  report card . Tartaglio’s entry is likely to make this the only contested judicial race on the June ballot. All recent efforts to unseat sitting judges have been unsuccessful. In the 2024 election cycle, amid heightened public-safety concerns, two attorneys challenged two incumbent judges  but failed . In 2018, four progressive attorneys sought to unseat incumbent judges, and  all fell short. More than a dozen judges are up for reelection this year; if they face no challengers, they will be automatically reelected to six-year terms and will not appear on the ballot.</p>

In fiery interview, former Gov. Jerry Brown blasts SF term-limit ballot measure

<p>Former Gov. Jerry Brown doesn’t often speak up about local issues these days. But something spurred him to break his silence this week — and it had nothing to do with Minneapolis. Brown, 87, who lives on a ranch in Colusa County, is speaking out against  a proposed San Francisco charter amendment  that would bar anyone who has served two full terms as a supervisor or mayor from ever running for those offices again. “I think a lifetime ban is a bad idea,” Brown said in a fiery phone interview with The Standard. “It’s a proposal that doesn’t deserve the dignity of the whole process of a charter amendment.” Brown was first elected as California’s governor in 1975, serving two terms, and returned to office after winning two additional terms in the 2010s. The San Francisco proposal would not affect the governor’s office or state-level races. Brown said it is rare for an elected official to serve, leave office, pursue other work, and then decide to run again. He argued that the proposal from Supervisor Bilal Mahmood stigmatizes people simply because they choose to serve, effectively declaring them “unworthy to ever submit yourself to the voters again.” “That doesn’t seem like a normal charter amendment process,” he said. “It seems very odd.” He emphasized that experience matters in governing. “As somebody who’s done that — coming back to the governorship after many years — I brought a wealth of knowledge and experience that was very valuable,” Brown said. “To just throw that away for some ideological preference makes no sense to me.” Brown also dismissed the proposal’s stated goal of  boosting younger representation  as “total nonsense,” saying San Francisco has openings for supervisors in every election cycle. Brown was born in San Francisco and still cares about local issues and reads local news. “I’ve got a lot of family in San Francisco. I go to San Francisco a couple times a month, and of course, I know a lot of people that I grew up [with] there,” he said. His father, Pat Brown, served as San Francisco District Attorney and as Governor. Mahmood’s proposal has a majority of the Board of Supervisors as cosponsors, making it likely to advance to the June ballot. The Rules Committee voted Monday to forward the measure to the full board, which is expected to vote on it next week. At the Rules Committee hearing, Supervisor Shamann Walton proposed expanding the provision from just supervisors and mayor to include other major citywide elected offices, such as district attorney and city attorney. His effort failed to get two votes to progress to the full board. In a statement, Mahmood defended the proposal. “I respect the 50 years of service that Gov. Brown gave to the state of California,” the supervisor said. “But right now San Francisco needs new ideas and new leaders and that will come when we close the term-limit loophole.” In recent history, only former Supervisor Aaron Peskin has left the board and returned, successfully winning reelection in 2015. Mahmood has denied that the proposal is intended to block Peskin from running again, but the former board president said he feels targeted — if not flattered by the attention. “Of all of the important things going on,” Peskin said, “it’s embarrassing to watch these supervisors behave like vindictive, anti-democratic Republicans.” Brown said if voters want to reelect Peskin, they should be able to do it. “Who’s the board to say they can’t?” Brown said.</p>

A San Francisco congressional candidate has a not-so-secret weapon: Being Chinese

DA alleges nonprofit staffers pocketed money meant to repair homeless shelter

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="flex flex-row gap-x-md"></div><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/joe-fitzgerald-rodriguez/">Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez</a></span><time datetime="2026-01-02T22:56:37.669Z">Published Jan. 02, 2026 • 2:56pm</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Two staffers connected to a San Francisco homelessness nonprofit have been charged with defrauding the city, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins’ office announced Friday.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The DA’s office charged Kenisha Roach, former client manager for the nonprofit Providence Foundation, with felony counts of misappropriation of public monies and grand theft, and Robert Lacy, the owner of Will Do It Construction, with presenting a false claim and incorrect use of a contractor’s license with intent to defraud. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The Providence Foundation received millions in city funds to operate housing sites, including the Oasis Inn, a navigation center, and a support center for formerly homeless seniors.</p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The pair allegedly pocketed $115,000 intended for the repair of the Oasis, a homeless shelter for families. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Roach and Lacy on Friday pleaded not guilty to the charges.</p></div><div class="w-full bg-warm-gray-50 border border-warm-gray-300 rounded-xl flex flex-col gap-md px-lg py-[20px]"><div class="flex flex-row text-medium leading-[1.1] text-black font-inter gap-xs"><span class="italic font-normal">More about</span><a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/nonprofits/"><span class="font-bold underline decoration-highlight decoration-[3.2px]">Nonprofits</span></a></div><ul class="flex flex-col gap-md"><li class="flex flex-row gap-sm pb-md border-b border-warm-gray-300"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/12/29/poor-magazine-homefulness-project-sf-cesar-chavez/" tabindex="-1"><div class="flex-none w-[90px] h-[60px] overflow-hidden"><img alt='A diverse group of people stand close together outdoors, some smiling and making gestures, with a "For Sale" sign and graffiti on a wall behind them.' class="object-cover w-full h-full lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="5197" loading="lazy" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_6h8ok4cuhl3tjaet88h2gnge0t/-S3840x2561-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_6h8ok4cuhl3tjaet88h2gnge0t/-S3840x2561-FPNG 1x" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 7791 5197'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="7791"/></div></a><a class="h-fit" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/12/29/poor-magazine-homefulness-project-sf-cesar-chavez/"><h3 class="text-medium sm:text-lg leading-[1.3] font-medium text-warm-gray-900 font-ivar-headline">An Oakland nonprofit just bought a ‘pizza slice’ of land in SF. Here’s why </h3></a></li><li class="flex flex-row gap-sm"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/12/10/decentered-arts-folsom-st-nonprofit-space/" tabindex="-1"><div class="flex-none w-[90px] h-[60px] overflow-hidden"><img alt="Two women stand smiling in a bright room with green floors, surrounded by potted plants and colorful abstract paintings on the white walls." class="object-cover w-full h-full lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="1739" loading="lazy" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_3je625kl3d3k3bm2hv4ehrog0v/-S3840x2560-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_3je625kl3d3k3bm2hv4ehrog0v/-S3840x2560-FPNG 1x" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 2608 1739'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="2608"/></div></a><a class="h-fit" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/12/10/decentered-arts-folsom-st-nonprofit-space/"><h3 class="text-medium sm:text-lg leading-[1.3] font-medium text-warm-gray-900 font-ivar-headline">This arts org lost venues, so it decided to open its own</h3></a></li></ul></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The purported scheme was a two-person job: After city officials approved contracts between Providence Foundation and the city to improve the Oasis in 2022, Roach approved Lacy to conduct the work. Lacy later presented to Roach invoices for those services from his construction company, the DA said. Roach allegedly knew that the work, which included replacing deadbolts and repainting exterior walls, hadn’t been completed.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Whenever Lacy’s firm was paid, he would allegedly send Roach thousands of dollars in what the DA’s office called “kickbacks.” Lacy was later hired by Providence as a client manager.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">City Attorney David Chiu moved to bar Providence Foundation <u><a data-post-id="bea6ebf6-5879-4219-bf7c-38909f8e3196" href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/san-francisco-homelessness-scandal-providence-foundation/">from doing business with the city</a></u> in 2024 after the alleged scheme was discovered. But late last year, after the foundation removed its executive director and other employees and <u><a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/troubled-homeless-shelter-operator-20824187.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">admitted to wrongdoing<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u>, the city backed off. As of 2022, the organization had $7.2 million in city grant agreements.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“The individuals referenced were former employees and are no longer affiliated with the Providence Foundation,” Dexter Hall, interim executive director of the organization, said in a statement. “Today, Providence is focused on the future.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In its statement, the foundation committed to conducting third-party audits, recruiting board members who are experts in government compliance, and overhauling its policies to prevent fraud. It also reached a $1 million settlement with the city.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The dust-up at Providence was the latest in a slew of nonprofit scandals in San Francisco. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Sheryl Davis resigned in 2024 as executive director of the Human Rights Commission <u><a data-post-id="17e9ce56-6e1a-4b2c-ab4a-70d02ae1a664" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/08/25/san-francisco-sheryl-davis-dream-keeper-initiative-criminal-investigation/">amid allegations of financial misconduct</a></u> in disbursing funds for the multimillion-dollar Dreamkeeper Initiative. Last year, the nonprofit Parks Alliance dissolved <u><a data-post-id="d6b719ce-5b88-4a68-92a9-a0154a78ce66" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/06/18/san-francisco-parks-alliance-nonprofit-scandal-justin-probert/">amid allegations of financial malfeasance</a></u>, walking away from thousands of dollars it owed to community groups.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Roach and Lacy’s next court date is scheduled for mid-February.</p></div></div>

Supervisor pushes 2026 measure barring ex-lawmakers from running again … and again

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="flex flex-row gap-x-md"></div><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/han-li/">Han Li</a></span><time datetime="2025-12-15T14:00:00.000Z">Published Dec. 15, 2025 • 6:00am</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">A San Francisco supervisor wants to permanently lock the doors to City Hall for termed-out colleagues who boomerang back into their old jobs after a break from politics. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Freshman Supervisor Bilal Mahmood said he will announce a 2026 ballot measure Monday alongside members of the San Francisco Young Democrats that would limit supervisors and mayors to two four-year terms, arguing that the current rules make it difficult for fresh faces to get into politics. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“This is about the next generation and equal access to the opportunity to run for office,” he said. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The city charter bans former supervisors and mayors from serving more than two consecutive terms but allows them to run for office again after sitting out an election cycle. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Mahmood noted that last year’s elections ushered in several new members on the board, which now includes <u><a data-post-id="7e1f4feb-62aa-4f51-b7b8-e81a74846fa5" href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/18/sf-board-of-supervisors-2024/">six millennials</a></u>. He said the younger board has already helped balance a budget, while passing laws to build more housing and increase public safety.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The measure appears to target former Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, an old-school progressive who termed out this year after dominating San Francisco politics for two decades. Peskin remains a thorn in the sides of Mayor Daniel Lurie and other moderate Democrats at City Hall, and his opponents worry that he could stage a comeback in 2028.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Mahmood denied that his proposal is about Peskin. “No one should be able to exploit the loophole to run for a third term,” he said. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Supervisors have the authority to place a measure on the ballot, normally with four votes. Because Mahmood’s proposal would amend the charter, he needs five cosponsors, which he claims he has secured. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The measure would not apply to other citywide elected offices, including district attorney, city attorney, treasurer, sheriff, public defender, and assessor-recorder.</p></div><h2 class="heading-block article-body text-left">Peskin: ‘I’m flattered’</h2><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">While Mahmood is pitching his measure as a much-needed reform, it’s unclear how much of an effect it would have, considering how rare it is for former supervisors and mayors to term out and return to the same City Hall position. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Since San Francisco returned to district elections 25 years ago, Peskin has been the only supervisor to <a href="https://sfbos.org/former-supervisor-aaron-peskin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">serve more than two terms<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a>. He was first elected in 2000 and served on the board for eight years, then took a seven-year hiatus before returning in 2015. He unsuccessfully ran for mayor last year after terming out again, and moderates fear he might challenge his successor, Supervisor Danny Sauter, in 2028.</p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="Aaron Peskin presides over a Board of Supervisors meeting." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="1707" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S3840x2561-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S640x427-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S750x500-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S768x512-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S828x552-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S1024x683-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S1080x720-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S1200x800-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S1920x1280-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S2048x1366-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_r4bul2p779657f7tm2orh3ar2d/-S3840x2561-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 2560 1707'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="2560"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">Former Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin dominated local politics for two decades and remains a thorn in the sides of Mayor Daniel Lurie and other moderates.<span class="image-caption-divider"> | </span><span class="image-credit"><span class="sr-only">Source: </span>Justin Katigbak/The Standard.</span></figcaption></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Peskin on Friday told The Standard he feels targeted by Mahmood’s effort. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“If it only applies to one person, it seems like a huge waste of space on the ballot,” Peskin said while enjoying a brownie at Caffe Trieste, his de-facto clubhouse in North Beach. “But I’m flattered. I have no plans to run for any office.”</p></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Former Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, who served two terms representing the Marina and Pacific Heights from 2004 to 2011, was rumored this year to be eyeing a 2026 campaign for her old seat. She said in an interview that she wouldn’t run again but criticized the proposal as limiting voter choice.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“Further restricting term limits in San Francisco only serves to restrict candidate debate and the ultimate choice of the voters,” Alioto-Pier said. “At the end of the day, voters choose who they want to represent them, and nothing plays a bigger role than a well-organized campaign and a well-fought race.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Mahmood’s effort coincides with a campaign by two board members of the San Francisco Young Democrats to <u><a data-post-id="1a9157ff-4839-4dd4-a731-a81759d3b487" href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/12/12/term-limits-loophole-san-francisco-politicians/">change the city’s term-limit rules</a></u> with a June 2026 ballot measure, an effort the pair announced Friday in an op-ed in The Standard.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The coalition behind the effort is holding a rally Monday at City Hall to “end this practice once and for all.” Mahmood is expected to attend and announce his proposal. </p></div><div class="w-full bg-warm-gray-50 border border-warm-gray-300 rounded-xl flex flex-col gap-md px-lg py-[20px]"><div class="flex flex-row text-medium leading-[1.1] text-black font-inter gap-xs"><span class="italic font-normal">More about</span><a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/board-of-supervisors/"><span class="font-bold underline decoration-highlight decoration-[3.2px]">Board of Supervisors</span></a></div><ul class="flex flex-col gap-md"><li class="flex flex-row gap-sm pb-md border-b border-warm-gray-300"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/12/15/moderate-political-group-attacks-supervisors-who-voted-lurie-s-upzoning-plan/" tabindex="-1"><div class="flex-none w-[90px] h-[60px] overflow-hidden"><img alt='Four serious-faced people, three women and one man, appear in a panel discussion with a red "VOTED NO" stamp and the "grow SF" logo in the corner.' class="object-cover w-full h-full lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="1222" loading="lazy" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_accani85ud2cvfn5q67q4j6p25/-S3840x2168-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_accani85ud2cvfn5q67q4j6p25/-S3840x2168-FPNG 1x" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 2164 1222'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="2164"/></div></a><a class="h-fit" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/12/15/moderate-political-group-attacks-supervisors-who-voted-lurie-s-upzoning-plan/"><h3 class="text-medium sm:text-lg leading-[1.3] font-medium text-warm-gray-900 font-ivar-headline">Moderate political group attacks supervisors who voted against Lurie’s upzoning plan</h3></a></li><li class="flex flex-row gap-sm pb-md border-b border-warm-gray-300"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/12/12/san-francisco-daniel-lurie-budget-donald-trump-layoffs/" tabindex="-1"><div class="flex-none w-[90px] h-[60px] overflow-hidden"><img alt="A man with short dark hair and a serious expression faces right, with two blurred figures in the background." class="object-cover w-full h-full lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="666.6666666666666" loading="lazy" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_bic0blmc6d2i37opt5nl266g3b/-C100.00%25x100.00%25%2C0.00%25%2C0.00%25-S2048x1365-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_bic0blmc6d2i37opt5nl266g3b/-C100.00%25x100.00%25%2C0.00%25%2C0.00%25-S1024x683-FPNG 1x, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_bic0blmc6d2i37opt5nl266g3b/-C100.00%25x100.00%25%2C0.00%25%2C0.00%25-S2048x1365-FPNG 2x" style="color:transparent;aspect-ratio:1.5;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 1000 666.6666666666666'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="1000"/></div></a><a class="h-fit" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/12/12/san-francisco-daniel-lurie-budget-donald-trump-layoffs/"><h3 class="text-medium sm:text-lg leading-[1.3] font-medium text-warm-gray-900 font-ivar-headline">Lurie orders $400M in city budget cuts amid worsening deficit</h3></a></li><li class="flex flex-row gap-sm"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/12/09/commissions-streamlining-task-force-unions/" tabindex="-1"><div class="flex-none w-[90px] h-[60px] overflow-hidden"><img alt='A large crowd holding signs that read "FIX OUR CITY" during a protest or rally, with many wearing blue and purple.' class="object-cover w-full h-full lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="2001" loading="lazy" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_lj6dj16ss152l6sdbrmsunh93u/-S3840x2561-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_lj6dj16ss152l6sdbrmsunh93u/-S3840x2561-FPNG 1x" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 3000 2001'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="3000"/></div></a><a class="h-fit" href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/12/09/commissions-streamlining-task-force-unions/"><h3 class="text-medium sm:text-lg leading-[1.3] font-medium text-warm-gray-900 font-ivar-headline">Voters wanted SF government to change. These powerful interests want the opposite</h3></a></li></ul></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“San Francisco stands for progress. But our city charter stands for something else: a policy that lets termed-out politicians wait in the wings and reclaim their seats, again and again,” the petition’s organizers, Ruth Ferguson and Adrianna Zhang wrote. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Mahmood said working with the coalition that’s pushing the 2026 measure has inspired him to clear a path for a new generation that wants change. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">While Mahmood said his effort is about creating more opportunities to shape the city’s political future, he noted President Donald Trump’s public musings about seeking a third term as part of his motivation.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“San Francisco leadership is committed to two terms,” Mahmood said. “We want to send a clear message to Washington: Two terms, and you’re done.”</p></div></div>

Lurie orders $400M in city budget cuts amid worsening deficit

Uh-oh: Lurie says city deficit could reach $1B under Trump cuts

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="flex flex-row gap-x-md"></div><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/gabriel-greschler/">Gabe Greschler</a></span><time datetime="2025-12-05T00:36:25.301Z">Published Dec. 04, 2025 • 4:36pm</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">San Francisco’s dire budget deficit could soar to nearly $1 billion in 2026, Mayor Daniel Lurie said Thursday, an increase to an already historic shortfall that prompted city layoffs and nonprofit cuts this year.  </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“Last year was bad,” Lurie said during a discussion at Wired’s The Big Interview <a href="https://events.wired.com/big-interview-2025/agenda" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">event at The Midway<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a>. “This coming year is gonna be worse.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Lurie attributed the shortfall in part to President Donald Trump’s<b> </b>One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its impact on the city’s healthcare budget. The Standard <a data-post-id="8796ed57-f632-4f5a-89a7-79c234e3844d" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/11/25/san-francisco-budget-deficit-big-beautiful-bill-trump-health-care/">reported</a> in November that Trump’s legislation could subtract $400 million from city coffers, and tens of thousands of San Franciscans are at risk of losing Medi-Cal coverage under the cuts. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“I’m focused on what I can control,” said Lurie. “And of course, if we can work with our federal and state officials who go to D.C. and help us, I will do that.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Lurie inherited a challenging financial situation at City Hall when he took office in January, one that required balancing a roughly $780 million deficit via tough negotiations over the summer. The shortfall was <a data-post-id="05c530d2-65a5-4876-b7f5-83011c4dd3ec" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/30/san-francisco-budget-screwed-lurie/">caused</a> by a confluence of factors, including increasing wages for City Hall workers, a high number of property tax reassessments, and a lack of one-time funding to plug the deficit. The city measures its deficits in two-year intervals.</p></div><div class="flex flex-col p-md xl:px-lg bg-warm-gray-50 border border-warm-gray-200 rounded-xl" data-count="1"><div class="flex flex-row gap-x-xs text-black text-md"><span class="italic">Listen to</span><span class="font-bold underline underline-offset-[7.5%] decoration-highlight decoration-[20%]">The Standard Podcasts</span></div><div class="border-t border-warm-gray-200 my-md"></div><div class="flex flex-col gap-y-xxs"><div class="flex flex-row justify-between items-center"><span class="bg-warm-gray-200 text-text-primary px-xs py-xxs rounded-2xl text-xs uppercase">Pacific Standard Time</span><span class="text-xs text-text-secondary uppercase">Wednesday, Nov. 26</span></div><div class="flex flex-row justify-between gap-x-sm"><div class="flex flex-col gap-y-xs items-start"><h3 class="text-sm text-text-primary font-semibold line-clamp-3 can-hover:hover:opacity-60"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/pacific-standard-time/2025/11/26/lurie-sunset-beya-alcaraz/">How dead mice delivered Lurie his first big fail</a></h3><div class="relative"><button aria-controls=":R2db8p6536:" aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="dialog" class="button button-blue button-xxs text-sm text-semibold flex flex-row gap-x-xs items-center" type="button">Listen </button><div aria-hidden="true" aria-labelledby=":R2db8p6536H1:" class="z-[1001] p-lg bg-white fixed md:absolute motion-safe:transition-all motion-safe:duration-300 md:motion-safe:duration-150 bottom-0 md:-bottom-xxs w-full md:w-[393px] flex-col gap-md shadow-default rounded-t-[40px] md:rounded-2xl hidden translate-y-full md:translate-y-none opacity-0 pointer-events-none md:scale-75 left-0" hidden="" id=":R2db8p6536:" role="dialog"><div class="flex items-center justify-between gap-md"><h1 class="font-bold text-text-primary" id=":R2db8p6536H1:">Select Your Platform</h1><button type="button"><span class="sr-only">Close</span></button></div><ul aria-label="Platforms" class="flex flex-wrap gap-sm"><li class="flex-1"><a class="!no-underline hover:!shadow-none px-xxs py-md rounded-lg bg-warm-gray-50 border border-warm-gray-100 flex flex-col items-center gap-xxs text-action font-medium text-xs" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0O6fRBg5pRhQ90fCmpXXOf?si=47c2911298fa44f3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><span class="h-[32px] flex items-center"></span>Spotify<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></li><li class="flex-1"><a class="!no-underline hover:!shadow-none px-xxs py-md rounded-lg bg-warm-gray-50 border border-warm-gray-100 flex flex-col items-center gap-xxs text-action font-medium text-xs" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-dead-mice-delivered-mayor-lurie-his-first-big-fail/id1852068818?i=1000738525241" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><span class="h-[32px] flex items-center"></span>Apple Podcasts<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></li></ul></div></div><div class="fixed top-0 bottom-0 left-0 right-0 transition-opacity bg-warm-gray-900 md:bg-transparent -z-50 opacity-0 pointer-events-none"></div></div><a class="block w-[100px] h-[100px] min-w-[100px] min-h-[100px] can-hover:hover:opacity-80" href="https://sfstandard.com/pacific-standard-time/2025/11/26/lurie-sunset-beya-alcaraz/" tabindex="-1"><img alt="A man in a suit stands at a podium with a San Francisco seal, looking toward a digitally stylized woman in a blazer against an orange and blue backdrop." class="object-cover object-center rounded-lg h-full w-full !aspect-square lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="2000" loading="lazy" sizes="300px" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S3840x2560-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S80x53-FPNG 80w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S120x80-FPNG 120w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S240x160-FPNG 240w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S350x233-FPNG 350w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S450x300-FPNG 450w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S512x341-FPNG 512w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S640x427-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S750x500-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S768x512-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S828x552-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S1024x683-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S1080x720-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S1200x800-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S1920x1280-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S2048x1365-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_494nht6emd5ofcvha160hr3733/-S3840x2560-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 3000 2000'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="3000"/></a></div></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Lurie’s not-so-rosy estimate could foreshadow more cuts in 2026. This year’s budget deficit resulted in approximately 40 layoffs — a <a data-post-id="43a08598-6143-4ef4-ac7d-44298b3f6746" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/06/26/san-francisco-budget-government-population-daniel-lurie/">small slice</a> of the city’s workforce — and a reduction of about $185 million in nonprofit<b> </b>contracts and spending. Lurie also instituted a hiring freeze at City Hall, although public safety jobs were <a data-post-id="5340987c-3f3b-40d5-890e-a22055b54ca1" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/09/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-hiring-budget-deficit/">exempted</a>. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Details of next year’s budget challenges will become clearer in the coming weeks. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Lurie this month is expected to announce the mayor’s annual budget instructions, which provide guidance to departments on how much money the city has to work with and whether they need to make cuts. Last year, Mayor London Breed asked agencies to cut their<b> </b>budgets by 15%; some departments accomplished this, while others received an increase. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">This year’s budget, which the Board of Supervisors and Lurie finalized<b> </b>in July, included increased appropriations to the police, sheriff, and district attorney, despite the fiscal shortfall. Those budget bumps came after<b> </b>Lurie, who was elected on a pro-law enforcement platform, promised to prioritize public safety during his 2024 mayoral campaign.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“I cannot control what’s happening in D.C.,” Lurie said. “I can’t control what’s happening in Sacramento. I can only make sure that we spend our dollars more effectively and efficiently.”</p></div></div>

She’s ba-aack: Recalled Alameda County DA Pamela Price to run again

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="flex flex-row gap-x-md"></div><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/george-kelly/">George Kelly</a> and <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/michael-mclaughlin/">Michael McLaughlin</a></span><time datetime="2025-12-04T17:56:31.927Z">Published Dec. 04, 2025 • 9:56am</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Pamela Price announced Thursday that she will run to reclaim the Alameda County district attorney’s office in 2026, two years after voters recalled her from the position.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Price, a former defense attorney, was elected district attorney in 2022 on a campaign that touted reform and progressive values. But critics decried what they saw as lenient policies while crime spiked during the pandemic.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In announcing her return to politics ahead of a press conference scheduled for noon Thursday, Price sounded as if she would take a firmer hand this time.</p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“I am fighting for real solutions that stop the shootings, strengthen prevention efforts, and protect every neighborhood in this county,” she said in a statement.</p></div><figure class=""><div class="flex justify-center"></div></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Standing with supporters at a Hayward church, Price told reporters that she would stand up for vulnerable communities, including Latino residents whose civil rights she said have been violated, and expressed solidarity with Palestinian families.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The former district attorney, who made history as the county’s first Black woman to hold the position when she was elected in 2022, cast herself as a defender against billionaire influence in local politics. She blamed a single wealthy donor and “his wannabe wealthy friends” for spending millions of dollars to remove her from office in 2024. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“In 2025, we see the carnage to our federal government caused by the billionaire class at the federal level,” Price said.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Ursula Jones Dickson, a former Superior Court judge, was selected by the county Board of Supervisors in January to serve the remainder of Price’s term, which ends in early 2027. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In a statement Thursday morning, Jones Dickson touted her unanimous appointment by county board of supervisors and the support she said she had earned from a board supermajority, as well as all of the county’s mayors, Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez and Rep. Eric Swalwell.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“When I was unanimously appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve as District Attorney, I inherited a demoralized office and a charging backlog of more than 2,000 cases,” she said. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“We’ve done a lot of work to turn the District Attorney’s office around, and that work will continue for as long as I am District Attorney.”</p></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Pointing to Price’s recall, Jones Dickson added that “[s]he’s welcome to make the case, less than a year after that recall, that they were wrong. I trust the judgment of Alameda County voters.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Since the recall, which passed with 62% of the vote, Price has launched a podcast and Substack, “Pamela Price Unfiltered,” that focus on public policy and politics. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">A <a href="https://pamelapriceunfiltered.substack.com/p/the-truth-about-crime-in-oakland" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Substack post<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a> written by community activist Tur-Ha Ak and shared Monday by Price calls out “false narratives to demonize and undermine the leadership of progressive women of color” around crime in Oakland.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“The rise in violent crime, the spikes in shootings, the surge in murders, the explosion of homelessness, and the illegal dumping crisis, all of this began, spiked, and persisted under Libby Schaaf and Nancy O’Malley,” the post says. “Not under the progressive women of color who came later. Not under the newer leadership that walked straight into crises they didn’t create.”</p></div></div>

Lurie’s D4 pick once called for defunding police. Moderates are hoping he’s evolved

Asian Art Museum

Office of the City Administrator

Adult Probation Department

Airport

Arts Commission

Office of the Assessor-Recorder

Board of Appeals

Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

Office of the City Attorney

Department of Children, Youth and Their Families

Controller's Office

Planning Department

Civil Service Commission

District Attorney's Office

Department of Building Inspection

Department of Early Childhood

Department of Emergency Management

Department of Police Accountability

Department of Public Health

Department of Public Works

Office of Economic and Workforce Development

Environment Department

Ethics Commission

Fine Arts Museums

Fire Department

Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

Human Rights Commission

Department of Human Resources

Human Services Agency

Health Service System

Juvenile Probation Department

Public Library

Municipal Transportation Agency

Office of the Mayor

Public Defender's Office

Police Department

Port

Public Utilities Commission

Recreation and Park Department

Department of Elections

Retirement System

Rent Board

Sheriff's Department Office of Inspector General

Sheriff's Department

Department of Technology

Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector

War Memorial

Department on the Status of Women

General City Responsibilities

General Administration & Finance

Culture & Recreation

Community Health

Human Welfare & Neighborhood Development

Public Works, Transportation & Commerce

Public Protection

SF Civil Grand Jury

The Abatement Appeals Board provides a final review process for City permitting decisions. It ensures fair and efficient adjudication of permit-related disputes before an impartial panel. The board holds authority to make binding decisions on appeals concerning notices of abatement.

Abatement Appeals Board

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 1

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 2

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 3

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 4

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 5

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 6

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 7

The Access Appeals Commission provides final reviews for a wide range of City permitting decisions. It ensures an efficient, fair, and expeditious permit issuance process through an impartial panel. The commission holds authority to make binding decisions on appeals related to City permits.

Access Appeals Commission

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 1

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 2

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 3

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 4

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 5

The Adult Day Health Care Planning Council advises on the development and improvement of adult day health care services. It provides expertise in healthcare planning, policy recommendations, and program evaluation. Key responsibilities include assessing community needs and advising on service delivery enhancements.

Adult Day Health Care Planning Council

Adult Probation Department supervises individuals on probation and facilitates their reintegration into the community. It provides reentry and rehabilitative services, including victim restitution and financial assistance for crime victims. The department values public safety, offender rehabilitation, and community partnerships.

Cristel Tullock

The Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Crafts Examiners evaluates arts and crafts applicants and monitors program compliance. It conducts studio visits and public screenings to ensure adherence to established criteria. Members also revise program criteria and undertake additional tasks as needed.

Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Crafts Examiners

The Advisory Council on Human Rights advises on anti-discrimination laws and racial equity initiatives. It provides expertise on reparations and public policy impacts on Black communities. It guides efforts to establish partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities in San Francisco.

Advisory Council on Human Rights

San Francisco Airport manages air traffic operations and ensures safe aircraft movement. It provides parking facilities and maintains airport infrastructure to accommodate travelers and staff. The department oversees ground transportation and coordinates with airlines for efficient passenger services.

Mike Nakornkhet

The Airport Commission oversees policy and strategic planning for San Francisco International Airport. It makes key decisions on airport development projects and financial management. It ensures compliance with regulations and collaborates on initiatives like terminal naming.

Airport Commission

Airport Commission Commissioner 1

Malcolm Yeung

Jose F. Almanza

Mark Buell

Susan Leal

Airport Director

Animal Care and Control Department manages animal sheltering, adoption, and emergency response services. It enforces animal-related laws and regulations, ensuring the humane treatment and safety of animals. The department also provides public education on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

Animal Care and Control Department

Virginia Donohue

Animal Care and Control Department, Director

The San Francisco Arts Commission oversees the integration of arts into city life and ensures public access to cultural experiences. It makes decisions on public art programs and allocates grants to support local artists and performances. The commission actively shapes policies affecting the arts ecosystem in San Francisco.

Arts Commission Commissioner 1

Arts Commission Commissioner 2

Arts Commission Commissioner 3

Arts Commission Commissioner 4

Debra Walker

Suzanne Ferras

Jessica Rothschild

Seth Brenzel

JD Beltran

Marcus Shelby

J Riccardo Benavides

Nabiel Musleh

Charles (Chuck) Collins

Lydia So

Arts Commission Commissioner 15

San Francisco Arts Commission invests in a vibrant arts community and shapes cultural policy. It enlivens the urban environment through public art programs and supports diverse artistic expressions. The commission facilitates meetings and discussions to engage the community in cultural development.

Ralph Remington

Arts Commission, Director of Cultural Affairs

The Asian Art Commission determines policy and administers the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. It oversees museum operations and collaborates with the Asian Art Museum Foundation on fundraising efforts. Commissioners ensure the museum's strategic direction and financial sustainability.

Asian Art Commission

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 1

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 2

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 3

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 4

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 5

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 6

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 7

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 8

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 9

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 10

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 11

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 12

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 13

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 14

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 15

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 16

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 17

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 18

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 19

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 20

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 21

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 22

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 23

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 24

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 25

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 26

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 27

Asian Art Museum showcases Asian art and culture through exhibitions and educational programs. It offers diverse collections and hosts special events to engage the community. The museum fosters cultural appreciation and understanding by providing access to its extensive art collections.

Dr. Soyoung Lee

Asian Art Museum, Director

The Assessment Appeals Board #1 hears property tax assessment appeals in San Francisco. It evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers and the Assessor to determine property values. The Board has the authority to make final decisions on assessments regardless of property type or value.

Assessment Appeals Board #1

Assessment Appeals Board #1 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #1 Commissioner 2

Richard Lee

Stephen Wasserman

Adena Gilbert

Paul Bellar

Quirina Mitchell

Hilary Winslow

The Assessment Appeals Board #2 adjudicates property tax assessment appeals for San Francisco taxpayers. It evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers and the Assessor to determine accurate property values. The Board exercises authority to render final decisions on residential properties and specific real estate assessments.

Assessment Appeals Board #2

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 2

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 3

Claire Ervin Lee

Louisa Mendoza

Joyce Lewis

Nicholas Goldman

Michelle Domingo

The Assessment Appeals Board #3 provides a platform for San Francisco taxpayers to contest property tax assessments. It conducts hearings where evidence from both taxpayers and the Assessor is evaluated. The Board makes binding decisions on property assessments based on presented evidence.

Assessment Appeals Board #3

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 2

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 3

Marc Dickow

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 5

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 6

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 7

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 8

Assesses property, applies exemptions, collects transfer taxes, and records official documents.

Assessor-Recorder

Joaquín Torres

The Ballot Simplification Committee ensures voter materials are clear and understandable. It reviews and revises ballot language to accurately reflect propositions and measures. The committee advises on simplifying complex legal and technical terms for voter comprehension.

Ballot Simplification Committee

The Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee provides policy advice on planning and land use matters in Zone 2 of Bayview Hunter's Point. It offers expertise in land use policies, zoning issues, and urban development. The committee advises the Board of Supervisors, City Boards, and commissions on relevant projects and initiatives.

Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee

The Behavioral Health Commission advises on mental health policy implementation and quality service delivery. It reviews and advocates for effective mental health services, ensuring policies meet community needs. It educates stakeholders to integrate mental health considerations into broader health strategies.

Behavioral Health Commission