D

City Commissions and Mayoral Authority

Shall the City amend the Charter to limit the total number of commissions the City may have to 65, retaining certain decision-making commissions and dissolving the others unless the Board of Supervisors instead continues any as advisory bodies; give the Mayor sole authority to appoint and remove City department heads; and give the Police Chief sole authority to adopt rules governing police officers’ conduct?

 

This measure requires 50%+1 affirmative votes to pass.

Digest by the Ballot Simplification Committee

The Way It Is Now:

The City currently has about 130 appointed boards, commissions and advisory bodies (commissions). Of the 130 commissions, 44 are established in the Charter and can be changed only by the voters. The rest of the commissions are created by ordinance and typically may be amended or deleted by act of the Board of Supervisors (Board). Under current law:

  • There is no limit on how many commissions the City may have. 
  • Many commissions have decision-making authority. Others are merely advisory. Some decide appeals and other administrative proceedings.
  • Some commissions oversee and set policy for City departments. These commissions generally nominate candidates to serve as department head. The Mayor has authority to appoint the department head solely from the candidates the commission nominates. Generally, only the commission has authority to remove the department head.
  • For many commissions, the Mayor appoints at least a majority of its members and the Board appoints the rest. The Mayor’s appointments are generally subject to Board confirmation or rejection. 
  • The Mayor and Board may remove members from some commissions only for official misconduct.
  • The City pays members of some commissions.
  • The City provides members of some commissions with health care benefits.
  • The Police Commission adopts rules governing police officers’ conduct.

The Proposal:

The proposed measure would make these changes to the City Charter:

  • Limit the City to a total of 65 commissions.
  • Retain 20 Charter commissions, including Police, Fire, Recreation and Park, Municipal Transportation Agency, Public Utilities and Ethics, and those overseeing employee health benefits and retirement. The measure would also allow the City to retain commissions that are required by federal or state law.
  • Remove 24 Charter commissions, including Public Health, Library, Human Rights, Human Services, Arts, Environment, Small Business and Juvenile Probation, subject to the City reauthorizing or restructuring them within the 65-commission limit. The Board could later reestablish these bodies as advisory commissions by ordinance.
  • Establish a five-member task force that would recommend within nine months which commissions should be reauthorized or restructured or dissolved to stay within the 65-commission limit. This task force would be appointed by the Mayor, the President of the Board, the Controller, the City Administrator and the City Attorney.
  • The Board could by ordinance reauthorize or restructure those commissions within the 16-month period after the measure’s effective date to prevent them from being dissolved. The Board could later reestablish and create new commissions, subject to the 65-commission limit. 
  • Require that any commissions the Board reauthorizes, restructures or creates could only advise the Board and Mayor, and have no decision-making authority except as mandated by state or federal law. Decision-making authority would transfer from commissioners to department heads. Authority to decide appeals and other proceedings would transfer to hearing officers.
  • Allow the Mayor to appoint, without Board review, at least two-thirds of the members of reauthorized, restructured or new commissions, and some retained commissions. The Board would have authority to appoint up to one-third of the members of those commissions. The Board and Mayor could each remove the members they appoint for any lawful reason.

Proposition D also would:

  • Prohibit the City from paying commissioners or providing them with health care benefits. 
  • Give the Mayor sole authority to appoint and remove most City department heads. 
  • Give the Police Chief sole authority to adopt rules governing police officers’ conduct. The Police Commission would retain authority to discipline police officers and retain oversight over the Department of Police Accountability.

If Proposition D passes with more votes than Proposition E, then Proposition E would have no legal effect.

A "YES" Vote Means: If you vote "yes," you want to limit the total number of commissions the City may have to 65, give the Mayor sole authority to appoint and remove City department heads, and give the Police Chief sole authority to adopt rules governing police officers’ conduct.

A "NO" Vote Means: If you vote "no," you do not want to make these changes.

Controller's Statement on "D"

City Controller Greg Wagner has issued the following statement on the fiscal impact of Proposition D:

Should the proposed Charter amendment be approved by the voters, in my opinion, it would generate moderate savings ranging from $350,000 to $630,000 annually in stipend and health benefit costs. Additional savings may result from reduced administrative or staff costs as the number of commissions decreases, although at a level that cannot be estimated at this time.

The proposed Charter amendment would limit the City to a total of 65 commissions. Currently, approximately 125 commissions operate in the City, with some commissions established in the City Charter, while others are established by ordinance or other authority. The amendment would remove approximately 27 commissions from the City Charter, while retaining another 22 commissions in the Charter. The City would need to eliminate a total of approximately 60 commissions from some combination of the Charter and other sources to satisfy the 65-commission limit. The proposed Charter amendment would establish the five-member Commission Streamlining Task Force to make recommendations to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors on changing, eliminating, or consolidating the City’s appointive boards and commissions within the 65-commission limit. The Task Force will be appointed by City officials and would have the authority to hire staff and consultants and receive support from the City Attorney and the City Administrator as needed.

All adjudicatory functions of an eliminated commission shall be performed by hearing officers or Administrative Law Judges. For context, this may cost between $450 and $2,000 per hearing.

The Charter amendment would prohibit the City from paying members of these commissions or providing them healthcare benefits. Certain appointive boards and commissions pay stipends to the commissioners on a per meeting basis ranging from $25 to $500 per meeting, while some commissioners are paid between $100 and $500 per month. Not all commissioners receive stipends. For context, in FY 2022-23 the City paid approximately $350,000 for stipends and health benefits for 180 commissioners citywide. These costs could range up to approximately $630,000 if more commission seats were filled and commissions met more often. The proposed Charter amendment would result in cost savings ranging from approximately $350,000 to $630,000 annually.

In addition to commissioner stipends and health insurance, commissions also require staff time from City employees who support commissions’ operations and prepare briefing materials to present at hearings. The amount of staff time needed to support commissions would decrease as the City changes, eliminates, or combines commissions – freeing staff to work on other government functions, although at a level that cannot be determined at this time. To the extent the City hires additional staff to run the Commission Streamlining Task Force, the cost to government may increase.

The average annual operating costs of the 27 commissions that would be removed from the Charter is approximately $85,000 per commission. These operating costs include stipends, health benefits, some staff costs, operating expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses. If all 27 of the commissions removed from the Charter were not recommended by the Task Force for inclusion in the 65-commission limit and fully eliminated, the total savings would be approximately $2.3 million. The total level of savings will depend on which commissions the Task Force recommends for removal to fit within the 65-commission limit. Some of these 27 commissions are staffed by full time employees with an average of 1.5 employees, while others are staffed by employees who split their time between the commission and other responsibilities with an average of .6 employees.

How "D" Got on the Ballot

On July 19, 2024, the Department of Elections certified that the initiative petition calling for Proposition D to be placed on the ballot had a sufficient number of valid signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot.

50,012 signatures were required to place an initiative Charter Amendment on the ballot. This number is equal to 10% of the registered voters at the time a "Notice of Intent to Circulate Petition" was published. A random check of the signatures submitted by the proponents of the initiative petition prior to the July 8, 2024, submission deadline showed that the total number of valid signatures was greater than the number required.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of this measure. Arguments for and against this measure immediately follow. The full text can be found under Legal Text. Some of the words used in the ballot digest are explained in Words You Need to Know.

 

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are printed as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

San Francisco needs change.

Vote Yes on Proposition D to fight corruption and create a more accountable and efficient government.

Our government is dysfunctional and has failed to solve the challenges San Francisco faces from open air drug markets to homelessness. A major reason why are hidden layers of bureaucracy and a bloated commission system.

San Francisco has an absurd number of City commissions. There are approximately 130 commissions and over 1,200 commissioners even though cities like Los Angeles and San Diego have fewer than 50 city commissions each. Many of our commissions are redundant, wasteful, and ineffective. Here are a few examples:

Five separate commissions related to homelessness that have failed to reduce homelessness.

Six commissions related to the Public Health Department, yet we still have a raging fentanyl crisis.

Two commissions overseeing our Public Works Department. One of them was created to oversee a department that doesn't even exist anymore

Many of these un-elected commissions can make big policy decisions behind the scenes. Yet many commissioners are not qualified and have used their positions for self-gain. A few examples of commission corruption and incompetence include:

Commissioners missing meetings, showing up unprepared, and in some cases, falling asleep during commission meetings.

A former Planning Commissioner accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars from developers seeking approval of permits.

City staff literally presenting to a room of empty chairs for the Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board.

The Human Services Commission failed to hold the Human Services Agency accountable for keeping track of $2.5 million of gift cards, some of which went mysteriously missing.

We need to change our commission system and reduce the number. To create a more accountable and efficient government, vote for Proposition D.

Kanishka Cheng 

CEO, TogetherSF Action

Don't be misled by Republican opponents. Yes on E is the right reform for San Francisco!

Yes on E is clear, simple and effective:

  1. Conduct an independent, cost-benefit analysis of every San Francisco commission 
  2. Hold public hearings and develop a plan to consolidate, eliminate and reorganize to make them more effective
  3. Put the plan before voters in November of 2026 to let voters decide

This is the right way to reform city government.

The Republican-supported alternative, Prop D, takes a destructive approach. D completely eliminates the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business and Environment Commissions. D dismantles citizen oversight of police conduct policies. D gives future Mayors unchecked power. D takes power away from everyday San Franciscans. D puts government back behind closed doors, ripe for abuse and corruption.

We are neighborhood groups, environmentalists, union leaders, advocates for children and youth, educators, small business owners, affordable housing advocates, and city leaders who believe government is here to serve people, not special interests.

Please join us in voting Yes on E and No on D.

Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods 

San Francisco League of Conservation Voters 

San Francisco Labor Council 

Coleman Advocates for Children & Youth 

United Educators of San Francisco 

Small Business Forward

San Francisco Tenants Union 

Affordable Housing Alliance 

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin 

Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (ret) 

San Francisco Controller Ed Harrington (ret) 

Judge Ellen Chaitin (ret)

Prop D claims to make government more effective but will in fact drastically reduce public oversight and accountability:

  • Written in secret, with no public hearings or public input
  • Billionaire-funded, with paid petition gatherers providing misleading information
  • Eliminates Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Environment and 19 other voter-approved commissions, undermining key city services
  • Ends citizen oversight over police conduct policies including use of deadly force
  • Reduces checks and balances in city government
  • Gives future Mayors virtually unchecked control, shifting power away from voters
  • Reduces citizen engagement by setting an arbitrary cap on commissions
  • Puts city government back behind closed doors, creating a new breeding ground for corruption
  • Empowers five unaccountable commissioners to determine the future of San Francisco government

Prop D takes a meat ax to dozens of commissions which provide for public participation, oversight and accountability, checks and balances in government, citizen engagement, and transparency.

There’s a better way to streamline our commissions: Yes on E. It mandates an independent, public cost and benefit analysis of every San Francisco commission. After this review, recommendations for eliminating, consolidating and streamlining lower-level commissions will be adopted by the Board. Recommendations for Charter commission reforms will be placed on the November 2026 ballot so that voters can decide.

Please join us in voting Yes on E and No on D.

Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods

San Francisco League of Conservation Voters

San Francisco Labor Council

Coleman Advocates for Children & Youth

United Educators of San Francisco

Small Business Forward

San Francisco Tenants Union

Affordable Housing Alliance

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin

Assemblymember Phil Ting

Mayor Art Agnos (ret)

State Senator Mark Leno (ret)

Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (ret)

Supervisor Sophie Maxwell (ret)

San Francisco Controller Ed Harrington (ret)

Judge Ellen Chaitin (ret)

It is no surprise that the politicians who've benefited from the broken status quo would outright lie about the anti-corruption and good government measure Prop D, which will reform the system they've benefited from for years.

Here are the facts about Prop D:

Drafted in collaboration with think-tank Rose Institute and drew input from labor, neighborhood groups, and residents.

The only government reform measure put on the ballot by voters and not City Hall insiders.

Does not eliminate any commission. Creates an independent task force to conduct a comprehensive and public review of San Francisco's 130 commissions.

Cements civilian oversight over police. The Police Commission will oversee police officer disciplinary cases and oversee Department of Police Accountability.

Enhances checks and balances by ensuring that elected officials, and not un-elected commissioners, are responsible for managing City departments.

Allows for direct removal of un-elected commissioners for corrupt behavior. 

Contrast this with Prop E, which was written in City Hall backrooms by career politicians and does not have any provisions for holding un-elected commissioners accountable.

Most troubling, Prop E gives an un-elected "commission on commissions, composed mostly of City bureaucrats, the power to introduce laws that change our government. Contrary to their claims, Prop E takes power away from voters to reform their government.

Don't be fooled! We need real reform led by residents and not by career politicians.

Yes on D for Decisive Change and No on E for Empty Promises.

KANISHKA CHENG

CEO, TOGETHERSF ACTION

1

Public Safety continues to be a major concern for residents, yet unfortunately, the commission charged with overseeing our police department and that has power to determine SFPD policies, the Police Commission, has been out of lockstep with residents' needs.

The current un-elected Police Commission has demonstrated a lack of commitment to public safety and has continuously sought to limit SFPD's ability to enforce the law. SFPD faces a severe staffing shortage yet the Commission has not developed a formal plan to address the crisis. Furthermore, the Commission has passed policies limiting the SFPD's ability to engage in proactive constitutional policing. 

Even when SF residents have voted to overturn the Commission's misguided policies, the un-elected Police Commission has dragged its feet implementing the voters' will. This past March residents approved Prop E to reform SFPD policies yet the Commission repeatedly canceled meetings and did not start updating SFPD policies to align with Prop E's changes until this July. 

The un-elected Police Commission needs to be reformed to respect the will of voters and actually prioritize residents' desire for public safety. This measure will create accountability for the Police Commission by restricting the Commission's ability to determine SFPD policies and by allowing for direct removal of un-elected Police Commissioners. This measure does preserve the Commission's important civilian oversight functions and the Commission will still handle SFPD officer disciplinary cases and oversee the Department of Police Accountability.

Vote for this measure for a more accountable and public-safety focused Police Commission. 

Thomas Mazzucco 

Former Police Commissioner 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TOGETHERSF ACTION.

 

2

San Francisco has an excessive number of commissions at roughly 130 and over 1,200 commissioners. This is far out of line with comparable cities that have larger populations than San Francisco like Los Angeles and San Diego. Furthermore, many of these commissions are redundant and/or deliver no discernible value to the public. Here are just a few examples: 

Sanitation and Streets Commission originally created for a department that doesn't even exist. Right now then the Department of Public Works has two commissions overseeing its work: Sanitation and Streets plus the Public Works Commission.

7 commissions relates to Public Utilities Commission. 

6 commissions related to the Public Health Department. 

5 commissions related to homelessness, yet there's been no improvement in the City's homeless situation. 

The result of these numerous and overlapping commissions is a tremendous amount of City staff time spent on serving these bodies. A Civil Grand Jury report found that City staff can spend as much as 10% of their time just servicing these commissions. This amounts to thousands of hours of staff time that could be better spent directly serving residents.

It's time for common sense reform of our commission system. Vote for this measure to consolidate and reduce the number of commissions San Francisco has so our City government can focus on residents and not unnecessary bureaucracy. 

Abigail Porth 

Former Human Rights Commissioner 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TOGETHERSF ACTION.

 

3

San Francisco city government has become incredibly dysfunctional. We have one of the largest city budgets in the country, but our city population has shrunk and we have been rated the worst-run city in the United States. We need to overhaul our bloated city commission structure to get things back on track. 

San Francisco has one of the largest number of city commissions in the country -130 city commissions. Los Angeles only has 49. We are by far the most bureaucratic city in the country, with the largest number of city commissions per capita. 

It's time to get rid of the redundant bureaucracy so our government can focus on the issues residents care about from addressing open air drug dealing to homelessness.

Vote for Measure D to reform our commission system and create a government that works for you and not bureaucracy. 

Cyn Wang

Vice President, SF Entertainment Commission*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

4

The status quo in City Hall is simply unacceptable. The independent Civil Grand Jury recommended this year that the commission system "needs significant reform, which includes fewer commissions, centralized oversight".

They reported that "the process for appointing commissioners is overly political" and even found a number of commissioners who fall asleep at meetings, and as many as 20% of commission meetings were canceled. 

This is unacceptable. It's time for real reform. Vote for this measure to reform our commission system. 

Jane Natoli

SF Airport Commissioner*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TOGETHERSF ACTION.

 

5

When it comes to dealing with homelessness, our City government is all talk but no action. Want to know why?

We have 5 different commissions all related to homelessness. There's too many cooks in the kitchen. These commissions range from ineffective at best to actively making our homeless situation worse: 

Some members on one commission are connected to the controversial non-profit Coalition on Homelessness that has sued the City to prevent the enforcement of public camping laws, contributing to the encampment crisis. 

Multiple scandals involving homeless non-profits like Providence Foundation and United Council of Human Services misspending money have occurred under these different commissions.

Despite millions of dollars in increased spending and creation of the Homelessness Oversight Commission in 2022, homelessness actually increased by 7% between 2022-2024. 

It's time to get rid of redundant commissions and consolidate the 5 commissions we have so that we are focused on actually solving the problem instead of just endlessly talking about it. 

Vote for this measure to improve our response to homelessness. Vote for this measure to get San Francisco back on track. 

Lucy Junus 

Vice President, Inner Mission Neighborhood Association 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

6

We have five different commissions and boards who all oversee homelessness policy, while homelessness has increased in our city. We have too much talk, and no action.

Measure consolidates the homelessness commissions so that we are focused on actually solving the problem.

It's time for accountability and action. Vote for Measure to address our homelessness crisis.

Francesca Pastine

President, Inner Mission Neighborhood Association

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TOGETHERSF ACTION.

 

7

No government is perfect. No one expects it to be but it must hold and maintain the public's trust. One reason for that trust to falter is when governments become bloated with unnecessary redundancy. An example of this is San Francisco's commission system.

San Francisco has roughly 130 city commissions, far more than comparable cities with larger populations like San Diego and Los Angeles. Many of these commissions, whose members are un-elected, also have the power to determine policy for City departments and replace top City officials behind the scenes without public scrutiny. 

The lack of transparency and public awareness around the commission system has led to commissions becoming corrupt and rife with unethical behavior. Commissioners in the past have used their positions to enrich themselves and engage in influence peddling at the expense of the public. Some examples include:

Graffiti Advisory Board members trying to sell their graffiti cleaning services to people complaining about graffiti

A former Planning Commissioner accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars from developers seeking permit approval from the Planning Commission

A former Election Commissioner tried to use his position to unfairly get a full-time job as commission secretary

It's time to hold commissioners accountable and clean up the commission system. This measure will reform our commission system by reducing the power of un-elected commissioners, thereby limiting any conflict-of-interests to influence government policy. This measure will also establish mechanisms for directly holding commissioners accountable, ensuring that when commissioners engage in unethical behavior, they can be immediately removed.

Vote for this measure to limit government corruption and begin the process of making San Francisco's government more transparent and accountable!

Ray O'Connor

Captain, Kansas Street Neighborhood Association, Potrero Hill* 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

8

San Francisco is an incredible place filled with smart, motivated people. Our government should reflect that. It should support innovation, creativity and provide a platform for our citizens to succeed. It should give our officials the power to hire and fire and to make decisions in a constantly changing city, and most importantly, we should hold our ELECTED officials accountable if they are not doing their jobs.

If we want our city to recover, we need our city to become more efficient and our leaders more responsible. 

Reducing the staggering amount of commissions that are filled with unelected bureaucrats is a great place to start. There is already too much red tape hindering small business, I've been caught in it multiple times. For things to truly change in SF, our city needs to run leaner and allow our elected officials to make changes without relying on commission after commission to make a decision for them. This measure will not eliminate important safety and accountability groups but it will force the city to reduce the over 130 commissions to the ones we really need vs. the ones that are filled with paybacks for political insiders. 

With our new tightening budget we must ensure resources are pointed to the City’s key issues - not diluted by benefit packages for bureaucrats, nor caught up in review after review by commission after commission. 

This measure gives both the public and the city tools to tackle challenges and get things done. As a small business owner and lifetime resident of SF, I know we can do better. 

Please vote YES on D. 

Max Young 

Small Business Owner & Advocate 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

9

Safety is a civil right, a right that is not being upheld by our un-elected Police Commission. 

Despite facing a severe police staffing shortage, the Commission hasn't adopted a plan to solve the problem. 

Despite an above-average property crime rate, the Commission passed policies that limit police officers' ability to address crime and catch criminals. 

Despite residents voting to reform SFPD policies last March, the Commission delayed implementing the changes until July. 

Every San Francsican deserves safety. It's time for change. 

Vote for Prop D for a Police Commission focused on public safety. 

Marjan Philhour 

Small Business and Community Advocate 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

10

We have 5-separate commissions related to children, which creates confusion, redundancy, and a lack of accountability when it comes to efficiently delivering children services for families in San Francisco.

Let's reduce this redundancy so our City government can focus on effectively providing children services to our families instead of on unnecessary bureaucracy. 

Vote for this measure for better children services for our families. 

Rex Ridgeway 

Public Education Advocate 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TOGETHERSF ACTION.

 

11

Everyone can see it - San Francisco has a rampant homelessness crisis on our streets. Despite years and millions of dollars spent, our local government has failed to tackle the problem. Our government is simply not structured to solve the problem.

We have 5-separate commissions related to homelessness yet all these commissions have failed to improve conditions and have failed to hold homeless nonprofits accountable. Here are just a few examples: 

Homelessness Oversight Commission created in 2022 yet between 2022-2024 total homelessness actually increased by 7% despite increased spending 

Some members of the Our City, Our Home Oversight Committee (yet another homeless commission) are connected to the Coalition on Homelessness, a non-profit whose lawsuit against the City has prevented the enforcement of public camping laws. 

Multiple scandals involving homeless non-profits misspending millions of taxpayer dollars like United Council of Human Services and Providence Foundation.

Our current commission system has failed to tackle our homelessness crisis and in some ways has actually made it worse. We need accountability and transparency.

For better results on homelessness, vote for this measure, which will reduce the # of redundant commissions and create accountability for commissioners. 

Cedric Akbar 

Co-Founder, Positive Directions Equals Change* 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

12

City Commissions have failed to prevent corruption, and in some cases they have even encouraged it. Just a few examples below: 

The Health Commission failed to hold the Department of Public Health accountable for keeping track of $500,000 of gift cards, some that went mysteriously missing. 

The Human Services Commission failed to hold the SF Human Services Agency accountable for keeping track of $2.5 million of gift cards.

The Building Inspections Department under the Building Inspections Commission has been a hotbed of corruption, with two department officials facing felony fraud charges, a department head who resigned due to corruption allegations, and a former commissioner who is serving a 30-month sentence for fraud related to Building Inspection. 

It's time to reform and fight the corruption in the commission system. Vote for measure D to reform our corrupt commission system. 

Jade Tu 

Member, Democratic County Central Committee*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

13

San Francisco has some of the fewest amount of children for a major city in the United States. As a city that prides itself on being diverse and welcoming, we should be more welcoming to families. 

To that end, we need a City government that provides effective children services. Unfortunately, our government has too much red tape. 

We have 5-separate commissions related to children services, which creates confusion and excessive bureaucracy. Furthermore, according to a recent independent Civil Grand Jury report, City Staff can spend as much as 10% of their time just servicing commissions. 

We can and should be doing better for our children and families. 

We need to reform the system. 

Vote for Prop D to reduce our redundant commissions for a government that will focus on actually delivering effective children services instead of red tape. 

Parag Gupta 

Member, SF Democratic County Central Committee*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

14

San Francisco is facing numerous challenges, and unfortunately, our government is not structured to take them on. Our city's excessive number of nearly 130 commissions has created an inefficient and ineffective government that spends too much time serving bureaucracy and not enough time actually serving residents. 

Furthermore, many of the over 1,200 commissioners we have are un-elected and make impactful policy decisions behind the scenes without input from voters or elected leaders. This is an un-democratic and non-transparent form of government that favors cronies and political insiders over the public.

Finally, the sheer number of un-elected commissions and their power create confusion and a lack of accountability in city government. Far too often do un-elected commissions hold up government processes and elected officials finger-point and blame commissions for a lack of progress. We must reform and reign in commissions to create a more accountable government. 

For San Francisco to move forward and solve the problems we face today, we urge you to vote for this much needed good government commission reform measure. This measure will streamline our commission system and take power away from un-elected commissioners. It will create the accountable and transparent city government that residents deserve.

Lanier Coles 

SF Democratic County Central Committee Member*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TOGETHERSF ACTION.

 

15

"Paperwork favors the powerful", and San Francisco's absurd number of City commissions has created a mountain of paperwork that everyday citizens can no longer navigate. City Hall shouldn't only be accessible to those who can pay for it, it belongs to all of us.

At roughly 130 commissions and over 1,200 commissioners our City has far more commissions than cities with larger populations than we do - San Diego with a population of almost 1.4 million has only 49 City commissions. 

These commissions also create a huge amount of waste in our government. Here are just two examples how:

20% of commission meetings were canceled in 2023 alone, wasting City staff time preparing for them. 

City Staff spend as much as 10% of their time servicing commissions, which is thousands of wasted hours. 

It's time to reform this broken system. We need a government that focuses on us residents instead of obscure City Hall insiders. 

Vote for Measure D for a government that works for you. 

Trevor Chandler 

Member, SF Democratic County Central Committee*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

16

San Francisco's government struggles with dysfunction, particularly evident in the fentanyl crisis and slow economic recovery. A significant cause is the bloated commission system. 

San Francisco has around 130 city commissions, far more than larger cities like San Diego and Los Angeles. Many commissioners are un-elected and can set policies for City departments and replace top officials without public oversight. This lack of transparency has made commissions hotbeds of corruption and unethical behavior. Some commissioners have exploited their positions for personal gain and influence. Examples include: 

Graffiti Advisory Board members attempting to sell their graffiti cleaning services to complainants. 

A former Planning Commissioner accepting large sums from developers seeking permit approvals. 

A former Election Commissioner trying to secure a job as commission secretary through his position. 

Reforming the commission system is crucial. This measure aims to reduce the power of un-elected commissioners, limiting their ability to unduly influence government policy. It will also establish mechanisms for holding commissioners accountable, ensuring swift removal for misconduct. 

Vote for this measure to limit government corruption and foster a more transparent and accountable government! 

Chinese American Democratic Club 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

17

San Francisco continues to suffer a housing crisis driven by a shortage of housing. As a representative of the entire city, the Mayor tends to be pro-housing. Unfortunately, the Board of Supervisors can totally stop a Mayor's pro-housing agenda: not only can they appoint their own members to commissions, but they can also veto the Mayor's appointees. This is the same Board of Supervisors which:

Blocked 495 homes at 469 Stevenson Street in 2021, even though the project would not displace anyone and provide affordable homes to low-income seniors. 

Sabotaged the pro-housing ballot measure Proposition D in 2022 to encourage and streamline new housing, by authoring a competing measure, Proposition E. 

Raised taxes on new housing, making it even harder to build, with Proposition I in 2020. 

The Board of Supervisors, which has meddled to block and delay ten-thousands of homes, has too much say on housing in San Francisco. If we want to seriously address our housing crisis, we have to fix the Planning Commission.

Vote YES on D to reform our city commissions so they can focus on solving our housing crisis, not prolonging it. 

YIMBY Action

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

18

The current un-elected Police Commission is a major source of San Francisco's public safety problems.

Despite SFPD's severe staffing crisis and repeated warnings, the Commission has not prioritized and not developed a formal plan for addressing the problem. 

Police Commission has prioritized ideology over public safety and has passed policies restricting SFPD's ability to enforce the law like limiting vehicle pursuits and traffic stops. 

Even when voters have overridden the un-elected Commission's policies, the Commission dragged its feet implementing voter-mandated changes. Voters passed Prop E back in March of this year to reform SFPD policies, but the Police Commission didn't start changing those policies until this July. 

If we want to fix public safety, we need to fix the Police Commission. We need a police force that is accountable to the public and not an un-elected commission. 

Vote for this measure for better public safety. 

Stop Crime Action 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TOGETHERSF ACTION.

 

19

$200,000 and more than 2-years. That is the time and money it took a small business owner to navigate the City's bureaucracy to try to open an ice cream shop. Despite this time and money, the small business owner could not overcome this City's dysfunctional bureaucracy. 

We need to do better for our small businesses. Small businesses add to the fabric of our community and help make San Francisco the City we love and cherish today. 

It's time to help our small businesses succeed. We need to reduce bureaucracy so that we have a City government that supports instead of working against our small businesses.

Vote for Measure D to streamline our City bureaucracy and help our small businesses succeed. 

San Francisco Chamber of Commerce 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TOGETHERSF ACTION.

 

20

Small businesses are an integral part of the fabric of our community and help make San Francisco the city we love. Join us in supporting this common sense measure to restore accountability for our elected and city officials and streamline the decision making process in City Hall. The measure will also cut back on the number of overlapping and redundant city commissions so City Hall is less focused on bureaucracy and more focused on outcomes for residents and our business community.

Vote for this measure to streamline our city bureaucracy and help our small businesses thrive. 

Laurie Thomas 

Executive Director, Golden Gate Restaurant Association 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

 

21

We need better public safety. Unfortunately, we have an unelected body, the Police Commission, that determines police policies behind the scenes with barely any scrutiny from most residents. 

This un-elected commission has prioritized ideology over public safety. A current commissioner has voiced opposition to holding drug dealers accountable by arresting them. Another former commissioner suggested that teenagers should be allowed to have guns for "self-defense." 

These are not the kinds of people who should be deciding public safety policies for our city. 

We must hold the un-elected Police Commission accountable and reform it if we want better public safety for all residents. 

Richmond Dragon League 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TOGETHERSF ACTION.

 

22

Many commissions are held to zero accountability and terrible attendance.

A recent meeting of the Sheriff Department Oversight Board had zero commissioners attending, forcing the department staff to give a report to an empty room. Their first three community input meetings had only one attendee each.

An independent Civil Grand Jury report found that in 2023 alone, roughly 20% of commission meetings were canceled, wasting City staff time preparing for them. 

Time to hold this wasteful and hidden system accountable. Vote for measure D to reform city commissions. 

Bay Area New Liberals 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: TogetherSF Action.

1

The Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF), the largest legal organization in Northern California, urges you to VOTE NO on Proposition D. Improving efficiency by reducing the number of City commissions makes good sense, but Proposition D sets an arbitrary cap of 65 Commissions, and will remove 24 existing Charter commissions, potentially resulting in dramatic and unpredictable changes to San Francisco city government.

Proposition D will curtail sound oversight by the Police Commission and eliminate the Department on the Status of Women, and the Juvenile Probation Commission, which foster citizen accountability for important City functions. We reference these as BASF regularly engages with all three. Quite simply, independent commissions are an important way for the public to weigh in on critical policy-making decisions.

As just one example, the Police Commission has been very effective, achieving national best-practice policies through collaboration with SFPD. If approved by the voters, Proposition D would hollow the Police Commission’s oversight of SFPD and eliminate the long-standing power of the Police Commission to fire the Police Chief. If Proposition D passes, it gives the Chief sole authority to set rules for police officers, thwarting collaborative reform, accountability, transparency, racial justice, and could threaten public safety.

The U.S. Department of Justice, California Department of Justice, and the Court of Appeal have all recognized the critical role of the Police Commission in modernizing and reforming SFPD, curtailing excessive use of force and biased policing and ensuring that SFPD complies with the law. Public safety and the constitutionality of police work are the Police Commission’s main priorities; their informed watchdog role helps assure our city of a more responsive, professional police force.

FOR SOUND OVERSIGHT IN CITY GOVERNMENT, AND PUBLIC SAFETY, BASF URGES YOU TO VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION D.

The Bar Association of San Francisco

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: The Bar Association of San Francisco.

 

2

Small businesses say Yes on E, No on D! 

As small business owners, we strongly support the Small Business Commission's leadership on cutting red tape and making it easier to open and operate our shops. We absolutely oppose Prop D because it ELIMINATES the Small Business Commission and makes it tougher for struggling businesses to survive. We support Yes on E because it keeps the Small Business Commission in our Charter, preserving its role as an independent voice for all small businesses. Small business owners agree: Yes on E, No on D! 

Small Business Forward

Booksmith

Mercury Cafe

VERA Skin Studio

No Shop

Happy House

Gravel & Gold

Bottle Bacchanal

Day Moon

Yo También Cantina

Stephen Cornell Former President, Small Business Commission

David Heller, Geary Blvd. Merchants Association*

Sang Baek Kim, Geary Blvd. Merchants Association*

Daniel Macchiarini, North Beach Business Association*

Henry Karnilowicz, SOMA Merchants Association*

Bill Barnickel, Outer Sunset Merchants Association*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

3

Don't destroy the Arts Commission: Yes on E, No on D. 

San Francisco's vibrant arts community is crucial to our city's identity and economy. The Arts Commission (SFAC) drives this success by securing state and federal funding and providing essential grants and resources to artists, arts organizations, and community projects, while also ensuring that new public buildings and spaces meet high standards of design and aesthetic quality. This support sustains the local arts ecosystem by fueling job creation in creative sectors and related industries, enhancing public spaces, and making arts programming available to all. As arts and culture are essential for San Francisco's economic recovery, SFAC's role is more critical than ever. SFAC's investment in the arts attracts millions of visitors who come to experience our city's unique cultural offerings creating significant economic returns. Yes on E will keep SFAC as a leading force for arts, culture and equity. Prop D would dismantle SFAC by removing it from the Charter, stripping it of its power to oversee arts funding, and promote equity and access. Vote Yes on E, No on D! 

Community Arts Stabilization Trust (CAST) 

Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative 

Arts for a Better Bay Area 

SOMArts

111 Minna Gallery 

Jon Moscone, Arts Consultant

Deborah Cullinan, Former CEO, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) 

Joaquín Torres, SF Assessor Recorder* 

Joen Madonna, Executive Director, ArtSpan*

Julie Phelps, Artist & Executive Director of CounterPulse* 

Raquel Redondiez, Executive Director, SOMA Pilipinas* 

Mabel Teng, Former Supervisor 

Patrick Johnston, Former Arts Commission President

Dorka Keehn, Former Arts Commissioner 

Roberto Ordeñana, Former Arts Commissioner 

Lex Leifheit, Former Arts Commission Staff 

Ani Rivera, Film Commissioner* 

Ed Decker, Artistic Director 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

4

Don't abolish public oversight of San Francisco's libraries. Yes on E, No on D.

The Library Commission was created when voters adopted the City Charter in 1932. Under Proposition D, it would be removed and its duties given exclusively to library staff. The number and location of neighborhood branch libraries, their open hours and budgets, and the policies and priorities that govern their operations could be set without benefit of public participation. That's a mistake. 

As library leaders, we know that the commission provided the effective leadership, oversight and guidance that made the San Francisco Public Library one of the finest in the nation. It ensured that library patrons’ concerns and interests were fully considered before important decisions were reached. It should be retained. Vote No on D.

Jarie Bolander, Library Commissioner*

Charles Higueras, Former Library Commission President

Steve Coulter, Former Library Commission President

Jim Herlihy, Former Library Commission President

Fran Streets, Former Library Commissioner

Donna Miller Casey, Former Library Commissioner

Dale Carlson, Former Library Commissioner

Marie Ciepiela, Former Executive Director, Friends of the Library

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Dale Carlson.

 

5

Maintain citizen oversight of police conduct: Yes on E, No on D

The Police Commission plays a critical role ensuring that our police department is transparent and accountable. Prop D will gut the Police Commission and remove all civilian oversight regarding police conduct policies including the use of deadly force, when body cameras must be activated, and the process for obtaining and executing a search warrant. The Police Department, with the oversight and guidance of the Police Commission, recently submitted 272 reforms to fulfill Department of Justice recommendations. Let's not go backwards on criminal justice reform and accountability. Yes on E, No on D!

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California

Judge Ellen Chaitin (ret)

Judge Julie Tang (ret) 

Mano Raju, Public Defender*

Former Ethics Commission President Paul Melbostad 

Jesus G. Yañez San Francisco Police Dept. Commissioner*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

6

Children, youth and families deserve a voice in government: Yes on E, No on D 

Vote NO on Prop D because it SILENCES the voices of parents, youth and educators on vital issues impacting children and families. Prop D eliminates the Library Commission, Youth Commission, Juvenile Probation Commission, Our Children, Our Families Council, and the Children Youth and Families Advisory Committee.  It's the wrong direction for San Francisco.

Coleman Advocates for Children & Youth

SF Childcare Policy and Advisory Council 

United Educators of San Francisco

Mission Graduates

School Board Vice President Matt Alexander

Community College Trustee Susan Solomon

Margaret Brodkin, Former Director, Dept. of Children, Youth and Their Families

Douglas Styles, CEO Huckleberry Youth Programs*

Kevin Hickey, Chief Program Officer New Door Ventures*

Michelle Cusano, ED Richmond Neighborhood Center*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Yensing Sihapanya.

 

7

Now is not the time to abolish the Commission on the Status of Women: No on D 

Across the country, right-wing MAGA Republicans have banned abortion and attacked women's health care, seeking to defund vital health care organizations like Planned Parenthood. This is the wrong time for San Francisco to go backwards on equal rights for women by dismantling our long-standing Commission on the Status of Women.. Prop D joins with the right-wing battle against women, abolishing the Commission on the Status of Women and weakening the fight for women's rights here in San Francisco. No on D!

Sophia Andary, Commission on the Status of Women* 

Community College Trustee Susan Solomon 

Supervisor Connie Chan 

Former Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer 

Caryl Ito Former President Commission on the Status of Women & Former SFO Airport Commission 

Sonia Melara Former Director of the Department on the Status of Women and Former Police Commissioner 

Esther Marks, Former Planning Commissioner 

Jackie Fielder, Community Advocate 

Roma P. Guy, Social Justice Advocate 

Hene Kelly, Democratic Party Leader 

Sandra Mori, Japantown Community Leader 

Meagan Levitan, former Recreation and Parks Commissioner 

Maria Marily Mondejar CEO of Filipina Women's Network*

Martha Knutzen 

Kate Favetti 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

8

DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE RIGHT-WING BILLIONAIRE EFFORT TO STEAL DEMOCRACY IN SAN FRANCISCO

VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION D

Proposition D was written in secret and circulated by a group funded by billionaires intending to control how our city is governed.

Proposition D takes a page from Trump’s Project 2025 playbook by eliminating 80% of our commissions because they might be independent of the Mayor.

Proposition D takes a meat-ax to our Commissions which are the primary way that San Franciscans can influence and hold our government accountable.

Proposition D gives the Mayor dictatorial power over our Commissions by removing Supervisor review of appointments and allowing the Mayor to remove appointees for any reason.

Under Proposition D, costs will soar, not decrease, as city functions now performed by volunteer commissioners will need to be performed by new city employees.

Proposition D is elitist, discouraging lower-income San Franciscans to be commissioners by eliminating expense reimbursements for their volunteer service.

PROTECT OUR CITY FROM THIS RIGHT-WING TAKEOVER OF SAN FRANCISCO

VOTE NO ON THE RADICAL PROPOSITION D

Doug Engmann

Calvin Welch

Dale Carlson

Sue Hestor

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Douglas Engmann.

 

9

Save our neighborhood voices at City Hall-Vote No on D 

Commissions are the main avenue in San Francisco for public participation, oversight, and accountability. They provide checks and balances in government, citizen engagement, and transparency. Neighborhood groups actively participate in Commissions to help guide city policy on issues in their neighborhoods. Proposition D severely limits our involvement by abolishing voter-approved commissions that are crucial to our neighborhoods such as the Library. Historic Preservation. Small Business. Proposition D gives the Mayor unchecked power over every aspect of city government and policy-such as rezoning- in our neighborhoods without meaningful involvement of the public in the Commission structure. Please vote NO on Proposition D and preserve the rights of neighborhood citizens to participate in the policies affecting our neighborhoods. 

Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods 

Neighborhoods United SF 

Planning Association of the Richmond 

Telegraph Hill Dwellers 

Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council

Richard Grosboll, Former City Commissioner

David Osgood Rincon Point Neighbors Association 

Michelle Cusano, ED Richmond Neighborhood Center* 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

10

PROTECT VULNERABLE YOUTH 

The young people in San Francisco's juvenile justice system are among the most vulnerable and most invisible people in the city. For these youth, oversight and transparency is essential. 

Until the city created the Juvenile Probation Commission, there was no way to even find out how they were doing, much less prevent their abuse and ensure they get the care they need.

Today, the Juvenile Probation Commission sheds light on these young people — and is essential in keeping them safe and keeping the community safe. Vote No on D 

Margaret Brodkin, Juvenile Probation Commissioner* 

Doug Styles, CEO Huckleberry Youth Programs* 

Reverend Dawn Stueckle, Executive Director, Sunset Youth Services*

Toye Moses, African American Chamber of Commerce* 

Dinky Enteen, Deputy Director, Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice* 

Julie Traun, Director, Indigent Defense Administration, Bar Association of San Francisco* 

Richard Ybarra, CEO Mission Neighborhood Centers Inspiring Success* 

Manuel Rodriguez, Juvenile Probation Commissioner* 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Margaret Brodkin.

 

11

Yes on E, No on D: clear choice for more effective city government 

Yes on E mandates an independent, comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of every San Francisco commission to determine how we can streamline government while maintaining transparency, accountability and effectiveness. It then lets voters decide on the final plan in a public election. 

Prop D ELIMINATES over 20 Charter Commissions including the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business and Environment commissions which have been proven effective. Then, it allows a 5-member task force to completely reshape city government without a vote of the people. Vote Yes on E, No on D! 

Former Mayor Art Agnos 

Former State Senator Mark Leno 

Assemblymember Phil Ting

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

12

Yes on E, No on D: the right prescription for San Francisco healthcare 

Public oversight of the Dept. of Public Health is a matter of life and death. Prop D threatens the quality of our hospitals, emergency and mental health services by ELIMINATING the Health Commission. Without a Health Commission, the important voices of medical experts, doctors, and patients will be silenced. Yes on E preserves the Health Commission in the Charter to provide citizen oversight and transparency for our hospitals, emergency medical services, and other health care services. Save lives. Vote Yes on E, No on D! 

National Union of Health Care Workers (NUHW) 

San Francisco Human Services Network 

Anni Chung, Self Help for the Elderly* 

Kathryn Pulkownick, APRN, FNP-C

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

13

San Francisco labor unions are proud to endorse Yes on E, No on D 

The San Francisco Labor Council, representing thousands of San Francisco workers, strongly opposes Prop D and supports Yes on E. Prop D is an anti-Democratic effort designed to silence the voices of everyday workers and citizens. Yes on E is the thoughtful and responsible approach to making city government more effective. Vote Yes on E, No on D! 

San Francisco Labor Council 

United Educators of San Francisco 

LiUNA Local 261 

National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

14

A clear choice for Democrats: Yes on E, No on D

At the national level, Project 2025 is a MAGA project to dismantle democracy.. Here in San Francisco, we face a similar stark choice. Yes on E, the democratic streamlining measure, preserves voter-approved, crucial commissions which give everyday citizens the power to hold the government accountable for results. Prop D, the Together SF ballot measure, demolishes our voter-approved City Charter. It was crafted in secret without a single public hearing, funded by right-wing Republicans, and will put our city government once again in the hands of those who deal behind closed doors and out of reach of most San Franciscans. At a time when dark money in politics and voter disinformation is at an all-time high, independent commissions are a crucial tool to empower San Franciscans to participate in democracy. Vote Yes on E, No on D!

Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club 

Supervisor Shamann Walton 

Supervisor Dean Preston 

Supervisor Connie Chan 

Bart Board President Bevan Dufty

California Democratic Party Vice Chair* David Campos

Former Assemblymember Tom Ammiano 

Former Supervisor John Avalos 

Zaki Shaheen, Political Organizer

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

15

Fight discrimination against Asian and immigrant communities. Yes on E, No on D.

San Francisco is a sanctuary home to a diverse Asian American population, often raised in immigrant families or who are immigrants themselves. In this era of rising discrimination, we need to empower immigrant communities — not weaken them. Yes on E continues to provide civic engagement for immigrant families and empowers immigrants against racial violence through the Immigrants Right Commission. Prop D completely eliminates this commission, along with other commissions that tackle discrimination and racial inequity. Yes on E, No on D!

Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative

Chinese for Affirmative Action 

Raquel Redondiez SOMA Pilipinas Director* 

Anni Chung, Executive Director

Supervisor Connie Chan 

Former Supervisor Norman Yee 

Sandra Lee Fewer, Former Supervisor 

Former Supervisor Mabel Teng 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

16

Forwards, not backwards, on addressing homelessness: No on D! 

San Francisco's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing has a budget of over $600 million every year. Yet until 2023, there was ZERO oversight or accountability. VOTERS CREATED the Homeless Oversight Commission in 2022 to provide oversight, solicit audits, establish performance standards and assess effectiveness. Prop D abolishes this commission just two years after it was created, and puts management of our vital homelessness programs back into darkness. Vote No on D! 

Our City Our Home Coalition 

SF Human Services Network 

Jennifer Friedenbach, Executive Director*,

Catherine Jane Ross, Member Shelter Montor Committee* 

Danielle McVay, Local Homeless Coordinating Board* 

Roma Guy, Social Justice Advocate 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

17

Protect neighborhood voices. Vote NO on D! 

The proposition abolishes valuable city commissions and limits the role of the remaining commissions as the public's avenue for participation and oversight of City departments. 

The Planning Commission is the primary body controlling the size and design of development in our neighborhoods. Currently the Mayor appoints a majority of its members. This measure adds additional mayoral appointments and removes public review and approval by the Board of Supervisors. As planning commissioners we are very concerned that the proposal will discourage participation in the planning process and threaten the role of the public in making important planning decisions 

Most recently the commission has been the sole venue for public input on the proposed massive upzoning, which puts at risk the treasured character of our neighborhoods. Don't destroy the checks and balances on mayoral power at the Planning Commission. 

Esther Marks Former Planning Commissioner 

Doug Engmann Former Planning Commissioner 

Hisashi Bill Sugaya, Former Planning Commissioner 

Dennis Richards, Former Planning Commissioner 

Dennis Antenore, Former Planning Commissioner 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

18

Don't eliminate San Francisco entertainment, a key to revitalization. Yes on E, No on D! 

Entertainment, live music and street fairs in downtown and our neighborhoods are key to the revitalization of our city. The Entertainment Commission is responsible for setting policies and reviewing and approving permits for places of live entertainment, after hours music, street fairs, outdoor events and amplified music. Citizens and neighbors can appear before the Commission to support or express concerns about permitting these activities in their neighborhood. 

Prop D ELIMINATES this important commission which is the vehicle for public review and approval of entertainment in san francisco. VOTE Yes on E, No on D! 

Lexington Club

Bar Part Time

Mothership

Lion's Den Bar and Lounge

Barbarossa Lounge 

Jolene's Bar

Steven Lee, Former Entertainment Commissioner

Stephen Torres, Former Entertainment Commissioner

Laura Thomas Entertainment Commissioner* 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

19

Support the Dignity Fund. Vote Yes on E, No on D! 

The Dignity Fund was developed with grassroot community involvement and garnered over 110 organizational endorsements. It generated strong and enthusiastic support at the ballot box. A key feature was the inclusion of the Dignity Fund Oversight and Advisory Board. Over the years, this body has assured transparency and stakeholder input in the process of legally required planning and funding decisions. The Together SF measure would eliminate this body from the Charter, along with other key policy bodies important to older adults, people with disabilities - the Health Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the Library and so many more. We urge you to vote Yes on E and No on D!

Marie Jobling, Co-chair, Dignity Fund Coalition*

Tony Fazio, Dignity Fund ordinance co-author*

Sandra Mori, member, Dignity Fund Coalition*

Ramona Davies, member, Dignity Fund Coalition*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

20

Protect our environment. Vote Yes on E. No on D! 

In 2024 San Francisco was named The Cleanest Energy City in America because of its energy efficiency and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which have dropped 48% since 1990. The Environment Commission was created by the voters in 1995 and provides oversight and adopts regulations on environmental issues like waste and toxics reduction, green building, urban forestry, unused drug disposal, pesticide use, green business practices and many other climate change programs operated by the Department of the Environment. These issues affect all San Franciscans in every neighborhood who can express their concerns and recommendations directly to the Environment Commission. Prop D would abolish the Environment Commission and severely harm our city's great efforts to preserve the environment. Yes on E will preserve it.

Don't throw away our reputation as the best American city to battle climate change. VOTE Yes on E AND No on D! 

San Francisco League of Conservation Voters 

Johanna Wald, Former Commission on the Environment 

Sarah Wan, Commission on the Environment* 

Jackie Fielder, Climate Advocate 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

21

Save the Historic Preservation Commission. Yes on E, No on D. 

Our architectural, historical, and cultural heritage makes San Francisco a unique and wonderful city. The Historic Preservation Commission was created by the voters in 2008 to guide the city in preserving historic structures and areas while ensuring that preservation is used as a tool to promote growth, revitalization, and the appreciation of our diverse neighborhoods. 

Appointed by the Mayor, the Commission consists of citizens who are knowledgeable in the historic, architectural, aesthetic, and cultural traditions of the City. The Commission recommends buildings and places that are historically or culturally significant to the heritage of San Francisco for designation by the Board of Supervisors. Once designated, the Commission helps regulate those resources during the permit review and entitlement process to protect our heritage. 

Protecting the special places of San Francisco is too important to leave to chance. Keep the Commission that preserves San Francisco's heritage. Vote Yes on E, No on D! 

San Francisco Heritage 

Hisashi Sugaya, Former Historic Preservation Commissioner 

David Wessel, Former Historic Preservation Commissioner 

Courtney Damkoger, Former Historic Preservation Commissioner 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Real Reform, Yes on C, No on D, Yes on E, Coalition of Small Business, Neighbors, and Aaron Peskin.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Douglas Engmann, 2. Robert Anderson, 3. Christin Evans.

 

22

As current and former Youth Commissioners, we are asking that you vote NO on Proposition D because it will remove youth representation in City Hall. 

The Youth Commission is the only voice for youth in City Hall. Since being created by voters in 1996, the Youth Commission has consistently worked with and held politicians accountable on the needs of young people. We've delivered: 

  • Free Muni for All Youth
  • Holding school officials accountable for student safety
  • Expanding summer hours and eliminating late fees for youth in libraries
  • Addressing sexual violence in schools
  • Expanding mental health services for youth

Our Youth Commission has been a model for the state and nation on how to engage young people in local decision-making, and it is a training-ground for our city's future leaders. 

Proposition D puts the existence of the Youth Commission in jeopardy by removing it from the City Charter and allowing politicians to get rid of it entirely. 

Protect youth by voting NO. 

Current and Former Youth Commissioners:*

Valentina Alioto-Pier 

Claire Amable 

Ewan Barker Plummer 

Natalie Gee 

Maureen Loftus

Vanessa Pimentel

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Margaret Brodkin.

 

23

VOTE NO ON THIS POWER GRAB.

This proposed charter amendment pretends to be a way of reducing bureaucracy, but it is, in fact, a significant increase in the power of the Mayor at the expense of the Supervisors, the elected officials closest to the voters. 

Every school civics and U.S. history class emphasizes the significant checks and balances in government at all levels, federal, state, and local. One of those checks and balances is the role of the legislative branch in appointments—major appointments require confirmation by the elected representatives of the people. 

This proposed amendment, in the Section 3.100, paragraph 18, eliminates that important check and balance by giving the Mayor sole authority over appointments and deleting the requirement for approval by the Board of Supervisors.

VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION D.

Robert W. Cherny, Professor emeritus of U.S. History, S.F. State Univ.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Robert W. Cherny.