Ballot Analysis

Proposition A seeks approval for a $790 million bond to fund essential infrastructure repairs and improvements in San Francisco’s public schools, including building a new central kitchen. With the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) currently unable to finance these capital improvements within its budget due to its large deficit, Prop A is positioned as an important investment to ensure safe, up-to-date facilities for San Francisco students and staff.  

This measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of the SFUSD.

This measure requires 50% +1 of the votes to pass.

Proposition B seeks to secure $390 million through a General Obligation bond, primarily focused on enhancing the City’s healthcare infrastructure and shared urban spaces.

Key Features of Proposition B

• Seismic Upgrades: A significant portion of the funding will be allocated for essential seismic upgrades at critical healthcare facilities, including San Francisco General Hospital and Laguna Honda. This investment aims to ensure the safety and resilience of these critical services in the event of an earthquake.
• Urban Infrastructure Improvements: Prop B includes $135 million designated for urban infrastructure and public space enhancements. This funding will focus on:

• • Road Repairs: Addressing the City’s aging roadways to improve safety and accessibility.
  • Street Safety Initiatives: Implementing measures to make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Improvements to Union Square: Enhancing one of the City’s most iconic public spaces to benefit both residents and visitors.

• Support for Homeless Shelters: The measure allocates $50 million specifically for homeless shelters and interim housing solutions. This funding aims to provide immediate support for vulnerable populations and address the ongoing homelessness crisis in San Francisco.

Passing Proposition B is crucial for strengthening the City’s infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and providing necessary resources for those in need. By securing this funding, San Francisco can take meaningful steps toward building a safer and more supportive community for all its residents.

This measure was placed on the ballot by the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors.

This measure requires 66.6% +1 of the votes to pass.

Proposition D is a significant move towards government efficiency and accountability in San Francisco. The measure is designed to streamline governance by reducing the complexity of the City’s commission system and shifting decision-making authority.

Key Features of Proposition D

• Reduction of City Commissions: San Francisco has twice the number of commissions as Los Angeles despite being a fraction of its size. This measure proposes reducing the number of city commissions from 130 to 65. This consolidation aims to simplify governance and improve efficiency in city operations.
• Shifting Authority: Decision-making power will be shifted from these commissions to department heads, allowing for more direct and responsive management of city services.
• Restoration of Mayoral Accountability: Proposition D restores the Mayor’s ability to directly hire and fire department heads, enhancing executive control over City departments and improving accountability.

By reducing the number of commissions and enhancing the authority of department heads, Proposition D seeks to create a more efficient and accountable city government.

Proposition D was placed on the ballot through the signature-gathering process by an outside group.

This measure requires 50% +1 of the votes to pass.

Proposition E is a controversial ballot measure that proposes creating a “Commission on Commissions” to study the proliferation of city commissions in San Francisco.

Key Features of Proposition E

• Commission on Commissions: This measure aims to analyze the reasons behind the high number of commissions within city government. The goal is to understand their roles and effectiveness.
• No Guaranteed Changes: Importantly, Proposition E does not ensure any specific actions or changes to streamline government operations. It is primarily a study initiative.
• Political Context: Sponsored by Board President Aaron Peskin, Proposition E is a strategic maneuver to undermine Proposition D, which seeks to reduce the number of commissions and streamline decision-making. If Proposition E receives more votes than Proposition D, only Proposition E will pass, thwarting the reforms intended by Proposition D.

Proposition E’s true intent is to distract from meaningful reforms in Proposition D, a competing measure. Creating yet another layer of bureaucracy without guaranteeing actual improvements in governance is not progress.

Proposition E was placed on the ballot by the Board of Supervisors.

This measure requires 50% +1 of the votes to pass.

Proposition F addresses San Francisco’s critical staffing challenges within the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) while supporting experienced officers nearing retirement. 

Key Features of Proposition F

• Retirement Benefits for Active Officers: The measure allows officers eligible for retirement benefits to continue working while receiving those benefits in addition to their salary. This provision helps retain seasoned officers on the force.
• Bridging Staffing Gaps: By enabling experienced officers to remain on duty, Proposition F aims to bridge the gap in staffing levels until the SFPD can successfully recruit and train new officers.
• Cost Management: The costs associated with this measure are largely offset by a reduction in the use of overtime, which can be a significant financial burden for the department. By keeping experienced officers on the job, the department can better manage its budget while maintaining adequate staffing levels.

Proposition F represents a strategic approach to workforce management within the SFPD, addressing both immediate staffing needs and the financial implications of overtime. By retaining experienced officers, the measure seeks to enhance community safety and operational effectiveness in the long term.

Proposition F was placed on the ballot by the Board of Supervisors.

This measure requires 50% +1 of the votes to pass.

Proposition L seeks to impose an additional gross receipts tax on rideshare and autonomous vehicle companies with over $500,000 in gross receipts in the City on top of the current 1.5%-3.25% tax already designated for local transit agencies. Prop L would permanently raise prices on rideshare services, which riders would largely bear. A robust public transit system is necessary for the City to thrive. Still, it is best accomplished by developing a comprehensive service and funding plan rather than one-off partial fixes that make living and working here more expensive.

Proposition L was placed on the ballot through the signature-gathering process by an outside group.

This measure requires 50% +1 of the votes to pass and receive more votes than Prop M, the comprehensive business tax measure also on the November ballot.

Proposition O is focused on ensuring safe and legal access to reproductive health care for residents of San Francisco, as well as individuals traveling to the City for these essential medical services.

Key Features of Proposition O

• Access to Reproductive Health Care: The measure guarantees that all San Franciscans and those from outside the City have safe and legal access to a full range of reproductive health care services. This is crucial for supporting individuals’ rights to make informed choices about their health.
• Strengthening San Francisco’s Competitive Advantage: By maintaining robust access to reproductive health care, San Francisco aims to strengthen its competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talent. A commitment to comprehensive health services is a key factor for individuals and families considering relocation to the City.

Proposition O is not just about health care; it reflects San Francisco’s dedication to reproductive rights and its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all. By ensuring access to essential health services, the measure supports the community’s overall well-being and enhances the City’s appeal as a destination for skilled professionals.

Proposition O was placed on the ballot by Mayor Breed.

This measure requires 50% +1 of the votes to pass.