Dem mayor unleashes task force in attempt to rescue crime-ridden city: ‘Restore order to our streets’
San Francisco Mayor David Lurie is taking decisive action to address the challenges facing the city as he launches the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Hospitality Task Force and secures a key vote in support of the Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance. These initiatives come at a critical time as San Francisco struggles with a slow economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SFPD Hospitality Task Force will focus on San Francisco’s business and tourist districts, increasing police presence, dedicating resources to high-traffic areas, and offering support to the hospitality industry. Mayor Lurie emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment for residents and visitors, stating that a thriving commercial center is essential for the city’s comeback.
In recent years, major retailers like Nordstrom and Saks Off Fifth have pulled out of downtown San Francisco due to rising crime and declining foot traffic. The abandonment of the San Francisco Centre mall by Westfield in 2023 further highlighted the challenges facing the city’s economy.
Mayor London Breed, who was voted out of office in November, led San Francisco through a difficult pandemic recovery period. Mayor Lurie, a political outsider and Levi’s heir, took office in January with a focus on cleaning up the streets, enhancing public safety, addressing the drug crisis, creating housing, cutting through bureaucracy, and revitalizing downtown.
The Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance, supported by a 10-1 vote from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, will provide the city with resources to combat the opioid crisis. The ordinance aims to expedite funding and contracting processes to expand treatment options, increase shelter capacity, and implement health initiatives to address the urgent need for action.
Supervisor Matt Dorsey praised Mayor Lurie’s emergency ordinance as a crucial step in addressing the root causes of San Francisco’s challenges. By surging resources to deliver comprehensive solutions, the city aims to restore order on the streets, reduce the appeal of San Francisco as a drug hotspot, and ultimately save lives.
As these initiatives move forward, Mayor Lurie remains committed to fulfilling his promise to work collaboratively with the Board of Supervisors to tackle the critical issues facing San Francisco. By addressing public safety concerns, supporting the hospitality industry, and taking decisive action on the drug crisis, Mayor Lurie is laying the foundation for a brighter future for the city.
Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
