SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Despite national turmoil within the Democratic Party, liberals in San Francisco are expressing optimism about the newly elected Mayor Daniel Lurie. His approach, which emphasizes collaboration, aims to address long-standing issues that have plagued the city, including contentious political disputes and chaotic urban environments.
Daniel Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune and the founder of an anti-poverty nonprofit, won the mayoral election in November, defeating incumbent London Breed after investing nearly $10 million of his own funds into the campaign. His victory signaled a desire from voters for a government that actively works to resolve issues, particularly amidst San Francisco’s challenges of empty downtown areas, rampant open-air drug use, and extensive tent encampments.
Now in his position, Lurie is noted for his personable demeanor, frequently engaging with merchants, residents, and the unhoused community outside City Hall. He has made an effort to reach out to city supervisors, including those who previously clashed with Breed, to solicit their opinions on complex local challenges.
In a recent interview commemorating his first 100 days in office, Lurie claimed progress is being made. "I was elected to turn this city around," he stated, insisting that he is committed to generating results for all residents of San Francisco. Some elected officials are hopeful about a return to productive collaboration after years of political gridlock, with progressive Supervisor Connie Chan noting that she has engaged in more discussions with Lurie than she did with Breed.
Frustrations over persistent issues like car break-ins and retail theft culminated in the ousting of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin in June 2022, alongside the approval of measures aimed at extending police powers the following year. Lurie has inherited a city with a decline in reported crime and visible homelessness, thanks in part to Breed’s initiatives for increased housing.
While Lurie's policy agenda mirrors his predecessor's focus on more police presence and enhanced shelter and treatment options, he benefits from being a fresh face with no political ambitions beyond his current office. He has proposed initiatives to expedite fentanyl legislation, aiming to enhance behavioral health programs and expand shelter availability by adding 1,500 new beds.
Lurie also emphasizes engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness. He often stops his car to speak with them, offering assistance even when resources may not be immediately available. He has clearly articulated his stance on public safety, emphasizing that certain behaviors are no longer acceptable, particularly due to concerns from families about their safety.
His new policies concerning public drug use have garnered mixed reactions. Some left-leaning leaders have accepted a degree of compromise with Lurie, supporting legislation that grants him more authority to combat the fentanyl crisis. However, advocates have expressed concerns about his new restrictions on distributing drug paraphernalia, which they fear may hinder efforts to address addiction effectively.
Lurie’s background as a nonprofit founder working to alleviate poverty endears him to many, while his family’s connections to San Francisco's historical and economic landscape—as an heir to Levi Strauss & Co.—position him uniquely within the city. In tapping affluent allies from the tech world to help revitalize downtown, he faces criticism about the potential overreach of corporate influence in city governance.
Addressing the significant budgetary challenge ahead, Lurie faces an estimated $800 million deficit over the next two years and has indicated a readiness to make difficult financial decisions. As debates arise over his leadership strategies, more initiatives may be put to the test—for instance, Supervisor Jackie Fielder’s recent proposal aimed at securing the right to shelter for children, which could conflict with Lurie’s current policy restricting homeless families to a 90-day stay in shelters.
