San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie discusses city's progress during his first year in office

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has marked his first year in office with a mix of progress and ongoing challenges. The city reports a drop in crime, fewer homeless encampments, and new business activity, though some areas still face difficulties.

Crime rates have fallen across San Francisco, with Union Square seeing a 30% reduction and the Financial District a 40% decline. Mayor Lurie credits the improvement to technology like license plate readers and drones deployed as first responders. Despite this, he admits more work is needed, particularly at night in the Tenderloin and Mission District.

Homeless encampments have also decreased, from 245 in January to 162 by December. The city has expanded support by adding 500 new shelter and recovery beds, aiming to provide more drug treatment options. Business activity shows mixed trends. While some companies, including Walgreens and CVS, have scaled back their presence, others like Nintendo and Pop Mart have opened new locations. Retailers such as Uniqlo and Zara are also planning to return, and Union Square saw increased foot traffic over the weekend. Small business owners in Chinatown report smoother permit processes and safer streets under Lurie’s leadership. Lurie remains optimistic about the future, pointing to major events like the 2026 Super Bowl and World Cup as potential economic boosts for the city.

The mayor’s first year has brought measurable changes, including lower crime and fewer encampments. However, challenges remain, particularly in certain neighbourhoods at night. With new businesses moving in and major events on the horizon, the city is preparing for further growth in the coming years.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie discusses city's progress during his first year in office