San Francisco’s comeback is at a ‘fragile moment’ — let’s not blow it
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie delivers his first State of the City address at Rossi Field on Jan. 15. Reported crime is down, and businesses are rising. Can the city maintain the momentum?
The first year of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s administration brought calm and quiet competency to a city long defined by chaotic, insular political fighting. The Board of Supervisors, led by a new moderate majority, proved itself willing to work with — rather than against — the mayor.
This cooperation delivered results.
Last year, reported crime fell to historic lows, with the fewest number of homicides since 1954. Businesses began to return to long-vacant storefronts. Companies are inking yearslong commitments to host their annual conferences in San Francisco. Residents and businesses alike felt the vibe shift. In a recent survey, more than two-thirds of registered San Francisco voters said they think the city is heading in a positive direction.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
“I think it is a really exciting time for San Francisco,” Lurie told the Chronicle editorial board in a wide-ranging conversation this week. In his enthusiasm, the mayor let slip that Nordstrom was seriously considering returning to the city at Union Square, three years after it shuttered two stores at Fifth and Market streets, which spurred Westfield to abandon its namesake mall.
But, Lurie acknowledged, it’s also “a fragile moment for our city.”
We agree.
While Lurie and tech leaders talked President Donald Trump out of sending a wave of federal immigration agents into the city, that threat lingers. Trump also oversaw huge cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs, widening the city’s already large two-year budget deficit to a whopping $936 million.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Yet no one, it seems, can sabotage San Francisco like a San Franciscan. And, after a year of being on their best........
