San Francisco, a city steeped in rich history and cultural significance, is currently facing a pivotal moment as it prepares for its upcoming mayoral election. The race, set to begin with early voting on October 7, 2024, is bringing to the forefront the pressing issues of housing affordability, crime, and public safety that have been plaguing the city in recent years.
Founded in 1776 and shaped by events like the California Gold Rush and the devastating 1906 earthquake, San Francisco has long been a symbol of resilience and innovation. However, the city now grapples with challenges that threaten its reputation as a thriving urban center. Among major U.S. cities, San Francisco currently holds the highest office vacancy rate at approximately 32%, according to recent data from real estate company JLL.
The political landscape of this famously liberal city is experiencing a shift, with moderate-centrist Democrats gaining popularity. This change is reflected in recent ballot measures that have introduced new police surveillance technology and mandatory drug screening for recipients of city public assistance. These developments suggest a growing concern among voters about public safety and the need for more stringent measures to address urban issues.
Incumbent Mayor London Breed, who has been leading the city since a special election in 2018, faces four major opponents, all Democrats. An August 2024 poll by the San Francisco Chronicle showed Breed in the lead, followed by moderate Democrats Mark Farrell, a former interim mayor, and Daniel Lurie, a philanthropist with ties to the Levi's fortune. Progressive-left candidates Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safai trailed in the poll.
Crime and public safety have emerged as top priorities for voters, surpassing even housing affordability and homelessness. Breed has highlighted a 32% year-over-year decrease in crime rates, attributing this improvement to increased police resources and better-deployed surveillance technologies. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the city's challenges.
The issue of homelessness remains a significant concern in San Francisco, a city known for its high median household income. Recent studies indicate that around 8,000 people in the city are homeless, though some advocates argue this figure may be an undercount. Breed's administration has implemented controversial homeless tent sweeps following a June 2024 Supreme Court ruling that found banning encampments constitutional.
Housing development has also been a point of contention. San Francisco is struggling to meet state-mandated housing goals, which require adding 82,000 new units between 2023 and 2031. As of July 2024, only about 500 new units had received permits, triggering a state law to streamline the approval process. Breed acknowledges the challenges, stating, "Many of our policies have made it very difficult to build, more expensive, and easier for people to oppose housing opportunities."
As the election approaches, candidates are presenting diverse approaches to addressing the city's problems. Lurie, who has outspent all other candidates by contributing more than $6 million from his own wealth, emphasizes the need for more aggressive action on homelessness. Meanwhile, progressive candidate Peskin criticizes the current administration's approach, arguing that homeless individuals are simply being moved from one neighborhood to another.
San Francisco's unique character, from its iconic Golden Gate Bridge to its historic cable car system and vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission District, continues to captivate residents and visitors alike. As the city faces these pressing challenges, the outcome of this mayoral race will play a crucial role in shaping San Francisco's future and determining how it balances its progressive values with the need for practical solutions to urban issues.
"We have the systems. It's working the way it should."
As the election draws near, San Francisco's voters will have the opportunity to choose the leadership they believe can best guide their city through its current challenges and towards a brighter future, all while preserving the unique charm and innovation that have long defined this remarkable urban center.