Building a Functional and Accountable City Hall
San Francisco’s inability to effectively deliver on improved street conditions, public safety, homelessness, and economic recovery are symptoms of the city’s government structure. While the city faces big challenges that are not unique to San Francisco, like the effects of a global pandemic and the influx of a deadly new drug, our city government is failing to effectively meet this moment.
San Francisco is failing in several major structural areas, and many parts of the city charter are ineffective and outdated. In order to change the status quo in our city, we must reform its structure.
The Way it is Now
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Mayoral Power is Limited
The Mayor has executive authority, but this power has been eroded over time to the point of ineffectiveness.
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Commissions Dilute Accountability
Over reliance on unelected commissioners to oversee and set policy for departments leads to lack of accountability for elected officials.
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Supervisors Don’t Solve Citywide Problems
District-elected supervisors are incentivized to only work to better their neighborhoods, rarely coordinating to address citywide problems like homelessness.
3 Keys to a Future We Want to See
A Mayor Who Can Govern
A Mayor with the power to actually appoint department heads, direct policy, and lead the city effectively.
Reformed Commissions
Fewer, streamlined commissions in San Francisco that don’t directly enact policy.
A Functional Board of Supervisors
At-large seats are added to the existing district seats on the Board of Supervisors, combining local representation while prioritizing citywide issues.
