Mayor Lurie takes credit for immigrant legal funding he had little to do with

Mayor Daniel Lurie announced on August 5 that he secured $3. 4 million for immigrant legal defense, claiming it as a significant step for the immigrant community. However, the funding came from the Crankstart Foundation, which had awarded the grant to the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office after they applied months earlier. Critics, including former supervisors, noted that Lurie’s role was largely ceremonial, as he merely sponsored the legislation needed to accept the grant. This legislation, known as "accept and expend," is a routine process, with 78 similar laws introduced over the past year.

Additionally, Lurie declined to renew $878,000 in funding provided by former Mayor London Breed, representing a de facto cut in resources for immigrant defense groups. Lariza Dugan-Cuadra, executive director of Carecen, highlighted the urgent need for funding in light of increasing federal enforcement actions. The mayor's spokesman reiterated that Lurie led the legislative effort but did not clarify any additional contributions to securing the grant. Crankstart’s team expressed confusion over the mayor’s press release, indicating a disconnect in communication.