The Issues
For A Compassionate San Francisco
Our Citizens
“The ultimate moral test of any government is the way it treats three groups of its citizens. First, those in the dawn of life — our children. Second, those in the shadows of life — our needy, our sick, our handicapped. Third, those in the twilight of life — our elderly.”
– Hubert Humphrey
Revitalizing Hope: A Comprehensive Approach to Homelessness
Homelessness
Keith is dedicated to revolutionizing our approach to homelessness in San Francisco. His comprehensive plan aims to secure housing for all 7,754 homeless individuals in our city while simultaneously providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities to re-enter the workforce. Importantly, this ambitious initiative will be achieved without increasing the budget. This initiative promises to enhance our city’s economy and improve the lives of all San Franciscans, creating a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
Securing San Francisco with Dignity
Crime
Our city deserves a police force that embodies the core values of our community: equity, equality, and respect for all individuals. As we strive for meaningful reforms, it’s crucial to recognize the nuanced history of policing and commit to prioritizing community-oriented strategies. This includes fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, implementing effective training programs that emphasize de-escalation and cultural sensitivity, and ensuring accountability and transparency in all aspects of policing. By working together with residents, activists, and policymakers, we can create a safer and more just San Francisco where every person feels protected and respected.
Transforming San Francisco's Housing Landscape
Housing
Our city’s planning code is fundamentally flawed, and the Planning Department’s efforts to overhaul it have consistently missed their mark. Initially slated for completion in 2010 and later postponed to 2020, the project has since seen no substantial updates. Furthermore, despite recent reforms prompted by state housing mandates, the pervasive issue of zoning variances affects nearly every lot in San Francisco, perpetuating a chaotic and inefficient system. It is imperative that we undertake deeper and more comprehensive reforms to establish a coherent and effective housing strategy that will truly benefit our city.
Revitalizing San Francisco's Retail Communities
Economy
Retail is not dead—it’s evolving. The San Francisco Shopping Center and Union Square attract locals, non-residents making shopping excursions, and international tourists. Yet, challenges like homelessness and open-air drug dealing deter visitors, impacting our retail and tourism sectors. San Jose’s recent success in boosting retail and tourism shows us that improvement is possible.
To reclaim our position as a top shopping destination, we must address these issues decisively. By resolving homelessness, curbing open-air drug activities, and enhancing safety, we can rejuvenate our retail centers. If we rebuild our city’s core attractively and safely, people will come.
Enhancing Education For all
Education
The Board of Education’s recall during the pandemic was due to misplaced priorities, like focusing on school names instead of supporting parents in remote learning. Their stance on removing successful charter schools also highlighted a stagnant approach. The recent ballot measure on teaching algebra in 8th grade emphasized the need for student-centered decisions and flexible pathways. To foster a smarter San Francisco, education must prioritize student readiness, inclusivity, and adaptability, expanding initiatives like the “Free City College” program for equitable access to education.
Revamping Tourism and Economic Resilience
Tourism
Tourism is a cornerstone of our city’s prosperity, and my administration will capitalize on this by implementing strategic initiatives to position San Francisco as a top global destination. This involves prioritizing investments in infrastructure and amenities for an enhanced visitor experience, partnering with local businesses on targeted marketing campaigns, advocating for sustainable tourism practices, empowering local entrepreneurs, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and community collaboration, we will uphold San Francisco’s reputation as a welcoming hub of hospitality and opportunity for future generations.
Reclaiming San Francisco's Environmental Leadership:
Environment
San Francisco’s history of environmental stewardship is notable, but recent years have seen a shift away from this legacy due to various factors like expediency and political maneuvering. One significant milestone was securing funding to upgrade our water treatment centers, anticipating changes in water reuse laws by the State that could make us a net producer of clean drinking water. The early mandate by our Board of Supervisors for solar or green roofs also showed foresight in eco-friendly infrastructure. However, challenges arose in housing projects approved during the same period, highlighting a disparity between environmental planning efforts and the pressing demands of the housing sector. Simplifying the housing approval process could redirect resources to prioritize eco-friendly and resilient housing solutions. Reaffirming our commitment to environmental leadership is crucial for a cleaner and better San Francisco.