San Francisco’s Resurgence: Mayor Daniel Lurie’s First Year Reignites City’s Hope

San Francisco, a city known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, has long grappled with a complex narrative—one that often juxtaposed its progressive ideals with pervasive urban challenges. Yet, as January 2026 unfolds, a palpable sense of change permeates the air, largely attributed to Mayor Daniel Lurie’s transformative first year in office. Speaking with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl on ‘This Week,’ Lurie offered a candid reflection, asserting that San Francisco is not merely recovering but is definitively ‘on the rise.’

Elected in 2024, Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune and a political outsider, secured the mayoral seat in the fourteenth round of ranked-choice voting, decisively beating incumbent London Breed by a 10-point margin. His campaign was built on a clear, unequivocal pledge: to restore public safety and revitalize a city that had famously struggled to rebound in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. A year into his tenure, it appears he has begun to deliver on that promise, steering San Francisco towards a renewed sense of optimism.

Reclaiming the Streets: A ‘Common Sense’ Approach to Public Safety

One of the most striking aspects of Mayor Lurie’s administration has been his unwavering focus on public safety, underpinned by a philosophy he describes as prioritizing ‘common sense’ over what he felt were sometimes misplaced ‘progressive values.’ This shift in approach has yielded tangible results. According to police statistics, overall crime in San Francisco fell by a remarkable 25% in 2025. More specifically, motor vehicle theft, a scourge that skyrocketed in the city post-pandemic, saw a dramatic 44% drop, reaching a 22-year low for car break-ins.

‘There’s nothing progressive about car break-ins,’ Lurie emphatically told Karl, recalling the disheartening sight of ‘blocks and blocks’ of smashed car windows. His message to potential offenders is clear: ‘Now, today, if you come to San Francisco to commit a crime, we’re going to catch you and we’re going to prosecute you.’ This resolute stance has not only translated into improved statistics but has also fundamentally shifted how residents feel about their city, fostering a sense of security that had long been elusive.

Addressing Homelessness and the Fentanyl Crisis: A New Path Forward

Beyond crime, Lurie inherited the monumental challenges of widespread homelessness and a devastating fentanyl epidemic. He openly acknowledged that the city had been caught ‘flat-footed,’ admitting, ‘We kept putting people with addiction into shelter, into housing, with no support.’ This past year, however, has marked a significant pivot. The administration has moved away from merely ‘handing out drug supplies and letting people kill themselves on the street,’ towards a more comprehensive strategy that integrates support services with housing solutions.

This revised approach is beginning to bear fruit, with the city celebrating the lowest tally of homeless tents in San Francisco since 2019. Furthermore, one of Lurie’s most significant legislative victories was the passage of his Family Zoning Plan. This groundbreaking initiative allows for taller and denser housing developments on the north and west sides of the city, directly addressing the critical lack of affordable housing and laying the groundwork for sustainable urban growth. These efforts underscore a commitment to tackling deep-seated social issues with pragmatic, outcome-oriented policies.

Economic Revitalization and Strategic Partnerships

A thriving city requires a robust economy, and Mayor Lurie has made it a cornerstone of his agenda to bring back the vibrancy that once defined San Francisco’s downtown. Declaring himself ‘pro-small business’ and ‘pro bringing conventions back,’ he has actively engaged with the business community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. He has not shied away from demanding their involvement, urging them to participate in the city’s public schools, arts, and culture, creating a shared responsibility for San Francisco’s future.

This partnership approach extends to securing private funding for new shelter beds, demonstrating a creative blending of public and private resources to address critical needs. Lurie’s vision is one where businesses are not just economic engines but integral partners in the city’s social fabric, contributing to its overall health and well-being. This collaborative spirit aims to reverse the exodus of businesses that characterized previous years, signaling a renewed era of growth and investment.

A Diplomatic Triumph: The Call with President Trump

Perhaps one of the most unexpected yet telling moments of Lurie’s first year was his interaction with then-President Donald Trump. When Trump announced his intention to send the National Guard to San Francisco, a move that could have been politically charged and potentially destabilizing, Lurie demonstrated remarkable diplomatic skill. After direct calls with the business community and a nearly half-hour conversation with the President himself, Trump ultimately changed his mind.

Lurie recounted the exchange, stating, ‘I told [Trump] what I’m telling you, and I’m telling the world that San Francisco is on the rise, our numbers are going in the right direction in terms of our economy, crime is down.’ Despite identifying as a Democrat, born and raised in San Francisco, Lurie emphasized his willingness to ‘work with anybody that wants to help San Francisco.’ This incident not only highlighted his ability to navigate complex political landscapes but also reinforced his core message that the city’s narrative of decline was outdated and rapidly being rewritten.

Lurie’s first year has clearly resonated with the populace. A San Francisco Chronicle poll in July indicated a robust 73% approval rating among registered voters. During his interview with Jonathan Karl, as they walked through the North Beach neighborhood, residents approached the mayor, thanking him for his work and requesting photos, with one woman exclaiming, ‘Best mayor ever!’ These spontaneous interactions paint a picture of a leader connecting with his constituents and restoring public trust.

Mayor Daniel Lurie’s first year in office has undeniably marked a significant turning point for San Francisco. By prioritizing pragmatic governance, fostering collaboration across sectors, and steadfastly addressing core urban challenges, he has initiated a compelling reversal of fortune. While challenges like open-air drug markets persist, his leadership has demonstrably instilled a renewed sense of hope and progress, proving that a city often seen as struggling can indeed find its ‘good vibes back’ through determined, common-sense leadership.