Mayor Lurie unveils new S.F. budget proposal tackling massive deficit

Mayor Daniel Lurie proposed a $15. 9 billion budget for San Francisco, targeting a $782 million deficit while preserving funding for critical departments such as police, fire, and emergency management. The budget includes cuts to 1,400 city positions, with approximately 100 layoffs and most cuts affecting vacant roles due to a hiring freeze. Nonprofit contracts will be reduced by $200 million over two years, impacting vital services for communities in need. Lurie stated, “We must face the historic $817.

5 million budget deficit that we inherited head-on,” acknowledging the difficult decisions required. The proposal sets aside $400 million in anticipation of federal funding cuts, including $267 million in FEMA funds. Lurie aims to reallocate funds from Proposition C, previously rejected by the Board of Supervisors, but now may find support from a more cooperative board. The mayor’s office confirmed that its budget has grown despite losing vacant positions, indicating a focus on core services. The budget reflects an effort to stabilize the city’s finances amid ongoing fiscal challenges.