Statement of the Executive Committee of the San Francisco Democratic Party Regarding Mayor Daniel Lurie’s Proposed Budget

June 3, 2025

We support in large part Mayor Daniel Lurie’s proposed budget, released last Friday, which demonstrates bold leadership during a time of unprecedented fiscal challenge. Faced with a nearly $900 million deficit and ongoing uncertainty around future federal support, the Mayor has taken meaningful steps toward achieving long-term financial stability. His plan addresses structural budget issues, realigns city spending to reflect current realities, and remains grounded in San Francisco’s core values.

Notably, the budget fully funds our public safety agencies and street cleaning services while making substantial investments in behavioral health, homelessness, and legal support for our immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities. These priorities reflect our shared commitment to a more equitable and compassionate city.

However, we are very concerned about the proposed reduction of city jobs currently held by San Francisco employees. These workers are more than line items on a spreadsheet. They are the human infrastructure of our local government. Their institutional knowledge, specialized skills, and deep commitment to public service are vital to the City’s success. Cutting these roles not only disrupts lives and livelihoods but also risks weakening the long-term capacity of government to meet the needs of residents. We appreciate the significant steps that Mayor Lurie has made in achieving nonprofit contracting reform through the current budget but we are also concerned about the tradeoff between those budgetary savings and the potential loss of experienced professionals who have chosen public service over more lucrative private sector roles.

The San Francisco Democratic Party will always stand with working people and their unions. We understand that fiscal responsibility and social responsibility must go hand in hand. A city without financial stability cannot meet the needs of its residents, especially working-class residents, but a city that undervalues its workforce undermines its own foundation.

We urge the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors, and labor leaders to work together to close the budget deficit in a way that preserves our public workforce and avoids layoffs. San Francisco is defined by the people who serve it, and their continued dedication is essential to the City’s recovery and long-term strength. 

Signed,
The Executive Committee of the San Francisco Democratic Party

Nancy Tung
Chair, San Francisco Democratic Party

Dan Calamuci
Vice Chair, San Francisco Democratic Party

Cedric Akbar
Vice Chair, San Francisco Democratic Party

Emma Hare
Vice Chair, San Francisco Democratic Party

Michael Lai
Finance Director, San Francisco Democratic Party 

Michael Chen
Internal Operations Director, San Francisco Democratic Party

Lanier Coles
External Operations Director, San Francisco Democratic Party 

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