Additional 8,000 SF city workers to go back to the office 4 days a week
Starting Monday, San Francisco will see an additional 8,000 city workers return to the office for at least four days weekly under Mayor Daniel Lurie's initiative to reach pre-pandemic staffing levels. Local businesses, including Chao Pescao, have prepared for this return by restocking supplies to accommodate increased foot traffic. Currently, about 70% of city employees, or approximately 24,000, work in-person five days a week. The anticipated rise in commuters is critical for transit agencies facing severe budget deficits, with BART projecting a $376 million shortfall by 2027 and Muni facing a $320 million deficit by 2026. SFMTA plans to add service on key routes to manage the influx, noting that Muni's weekday ridership recovery stands at 72%.
BART has introduced enhanced safety measures and cleanliness protocols to promote ridership. SFPD has coordinated with city departments to ensure successful traffic management during this transition. This renewed office presence highlights the ongoing recovery efforts in San Francisco's neighborhoods and business districts.