San Francisco supervisors are moving toward a five-year pause on a controversial high-rise condo sprinkler retrofit mandate that residents say could cost $200,000–$300,000 per unit. The delay would push the permit deadline from 2027 to 2032 while the city studies feasibility and possible exemptions.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a $590 million emergency bridge loan to keep Bay Area transit service running while the region works toward long-term ballot measures in November 2026 — including San Francisco’s proposed Muni parcel tax.

A new Recology + Public Works pilot adds “pizza drop off” bins at Washington Square Park designed to fit whole pizza boxes—an inexpensive, targeted fix for a real litter problem (and a test of whether SF can do basic street operations well).

After SFUSD’s new labor deal, a teacher argues the district must finally close or merge under-enrolled schools to avoid deeper cuts to educators and classroom quality. With enrollment down for years and state scrutiny still looming, the real choice is orderly consolidation now—or chaotic layoffs later.

BART says its new “next generation” fare gates are converting more riders into paying customers — bringing in an estimated $10 million per year and reducing station damage and maintenance needs. Turns out a small portion of riders can cause a lot of problems, and fixing that can make a big difference for everyone.

Planning Commissioner Kathrin Moore will pay a $12,000 ethics fine after voting on projects tied to an architecture firm that regularly paid her retirement income.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan says he’s running for governor, arguing his “build capacity fast + enforce rules with accountability” approach on homelessness and public safety can scale statewide — and positioning himself as a blunt critic of Sacramento’s status quo.

San Francisco Superior Court is escalating its standoff with the Public Defender over refusing new felony cases, raising the risk of delays—and even releases—when defendants can’t get counsel.

Mayor Daniel Lurie appointed housing advocate Ruth Ferguson to the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees, filling the seat vacated by Alan Wong. It’s a vote-respecting pick that can help refocus the board on accountability and stable finances.

San Francisco’s Commission Streamlining Task Force is weighing staff recommendations to eliminate dozens of boards and commissions and simplify how the city governs, following a year of public meetings and dozens of staff reports.

Supervisor Bilal Mahmood has proposed a 2026 charter amendment to fix San Francisco's term limit loophole, which lets serve unlimited non-consecutive terms.

Mayor Daniel Lurie is asking departments to find $400 million in permanent cuts to help close a $936 million deficit, as federal Trump-era reductions and long-standing structural problems squeeze San Francisco’s budget.

San Francisco now sends $1.63 billion a year—over 10% of its budget—to nonprofit contractors, up from $809 million in 2019. While shelters, housing, and treatment capacity have expanded, oversight and impact measurement have not kept pace. GrowSF argues the city must pair robust services with transparent, outcome-based accountability for every major contract.

SFUSD’s finances have improved enough to move from a “negative” to a “qualified” budget certification, putting the district on track to regain local control by March 2026—if leaders follow through with additional cuts and avoid new cost escalations.

With many classrooms sitting empty, SFUSD is considering merging some schools to reduce costs and improve instruction. Superintendent Maria Su and the Board of Education are sketching out a multi‑year “Strong Schools” plan that could consolidate under‑enrolled campuses by 2027–28 to keep the district solvent and redirect dollars back into classrooms.

Think tank releases 10 recommendations to improve and streamline San Francisco's 548-page city charter.

Connie Chan's legislation requiring permits to replace longtime businesses moves forward, despite expert opposition.

Federal prosecutor who sent Mohammed Nuru to prison will lead new office.

Mayor Lurie combines two-hour parking limits with permits and $12.9M housing program for compassionate enforcement.

Mayor Lurie eliminates absurd rule requiring screens to park in your own driveway.

Lurie's deputy overruled staff evaluations to award a $5.9M contract to OpenGov over cheaper, higher-rated Clariti for PermitSF overhaul.

Sacramento fixes a problem of its own making, reversing failed decriminalization policies.

New verification of residency for homeless cash assistance recipients

Chief assistant treasurer placed on leave after whistleblower alleges personal relationships influenced major city contract.

Jessica MacLeod has Joined the Lurie Administration as SF's first Chief of Strategy and Performance to drive data-driven accountability across city departments.

Sherrill and Lurie announce free firearms storage at police stations to prevent domestic violence tragedies.

Near-unanimous legislative support for Mayor Lurie's state-local partnership to crack down on retail theft and boost nightlife.

Mayor's latest PermitSF package eliminates driveway parking fines, streamlines ADUs, and cuts fees for major developments.

Ethics Commission proposes raising individual contribution cap from $500 to $1,000 for first time since the 1980s.

Former supervisor rallies labor groups against Mayor Lurie’s housing initiative, warning of a potential ballot fight in 2026.

Mayor Lurie secures state cooperation to tackle homeless camps on freeway property, expanding enforcement capabilities with measurable results.

The return-to-office mandate was originally set to take effect in April 2025, but was delayed to August after two unions fought the policy. It's finally happening.

Thursday night, the Board of Supervisors approved the city budget, marking a shift towards fiscal discipline and a renewed focus on core services. But does it go far enough?

Here's why you should join a commission, what the process looks like, and how to get started.

A primer on San Francisco’s commissions, boards, and task forces.

A legislative package introduced by the Mayor and six Supervisors aims to cut red tape for small businesses by eliminating unnecessary permits, shortening timelines, and modernizing outdated rules.

$332M meant to pay for expenses from other city departments is left unused in city accounts.

In response to aging leadership, local Democrats suggest a voluntary retirement age for elected officials.

Facing an $818 million deficit and potential federal funding reductions, Mayor Lurie instructs city departments to identify further budget cuts.

The Civil Grand Jury investigates various topics in SF government. Uncover wasteful spending, identify ineffective programs, or audit our emergency preparedness.

GrowSF Talent will work to find and support the next generation of political leaders.

Cynthia Dai fails to win a seat on the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force after no-show at Rules Committee hearing on March 24.