S.F. supervisors, nonprofits sound alarm on Mayor Luries cuts to free civil legal aid

San Francisco supervisors and nonprofit leaders have condemned Mayor Daniel Lurie's proposed budget cuts, which threaten legal aid and community support programs amid an $818 million budget deficit. Supervisor Connie Chan urged the city to prioritize assistance for vulnerable populations facing federal funding reductions. Lurie has mandated a 15 percent cut across all departments, impacting essential services like those preventing informal evictions and wage theft. Local nonprofits warned that these reductions could exacerbate homelessness, with one organization predicting a 4 percent annual increase in homelessness if cuts proceed. While some programs, such as those for domestic violence, remain secure, general civil legal services face significant threats, with a potential loss of $4.

2 million in funding. Advocates argue that funding legal aid is a long-term investment that saves the city money by preventing homelessness. Numerous clients shared personal stories during a budget committee meeting, illustrating the critical impact of these services. Local leaders are pressing for a reconsideration of the cuts as the budget proposal deadline approaches.