San Francisco implements homelessness contract overhaul and crime reforms

San Francisco is undergoing a significant policy shift under Mayor Daniel Lurie, focusing on crime reduction and the restructuring of homelessness services. Reported major crime fell 24.5 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, with a further 18.3 percent decrease through August 2025.

To address the city’s homelessness and addiction crises, the Lurie administration has launched a multi-year effort to overhaul at least $500 million in annual contracts. The initiative aims to re-award the full portfolio of housing and homelessness services through a competitive process, prioritizing performance measures and outcomes. Officials stated the restructuring may consolidate overlapping programs and shift funding toward high-performing providers to ensure taxpayer resources are managed responsibly.

Lurie’s administration has also taken steps to reduce the prevalence of street disorder by accelerating police hiring and expanding emergency shelter capacity. Earlier this year, following recommendations from San Francisco Superior Court judges, the city moved to cut funding for an ineffective nonprofit diversion program, transferring that work to probation officers.