Mayor Lurie’s rosy outlook for S.F. belies what the working class is experiencing

Written By Olivia McHaney

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s first year in office has been heavy on TikTok videos and light on hard truths.

In his State of the City address, Lurie celebrated momentum and “resilience” while the city faces a nearly $1 billion budget deficit that threatens core public services.

Working-class families and residents can’t live off speeches. These affordability promises mean nothing if they’re funded by short-term measures with no clear plan. Lurie’s housing plans could end up making tenants and everyday people pay the price while he dodges questions of where the money should come from.

Budget shortfalls translate into slower transit, fewer services and deeper inequality. Being a real leader of San Francisco means making the tough choices and making the wealthiest contribute their fair share.

If the mayor wants to build something “better,” he should start with a budget that protects public services, invests for the long term and puts working families ahead of billionaires and the real estate industry.

Stephen Lam/S.F. Chronicle

Olivia McHaney
Next

Mandatory Kindergaten Could be a Reality with Prop. 13 Reform