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Dear Neighbor,


Today marks 100 days since I was sworn in to humbly serve you, our constiuents.


As I reflect on those 100 days, I’m reminded of why I campaigned for this position over a year ago. Over the last year, I spoke to many of you about the challenges we face in this district, from safety concerns to overcomplicated permitting processes to the negative narrative of us in the national media. What I heard from many of you is that you are tired – tired of the unsafe conditions, toxic politics, and lack of progress.


Yet, we continue to fight for progress. Why?


Because District 5 is a district built on hope.


Every day, we see our immigrant and refugee communities uplifting one another, our seniors and children thriving in our parks, and our small businesses serving some of the best meals in the city.


We see the joy in our humanity, and the power of resilience.


From this, I drew inspiration on what the focus for my first 100 days would be: safety, good governance, and joy. Here’s how we’ve delivered on those promises:


Safety
On public safety, we’ve made significant progress to address the fentanyl crisis in two ways I campaigned on.




First, we focused on expanding our public safety operations. We advocated for an expansion of the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center, or DMACC, which resulted in increased capacity for public safety operations like the one in
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Jefferson Park , to restore safety to an area of the city that had become unsafe for residents to move freely.





But police-based based actions to safety are necessary, but insufficient. So in March, the Board of Supervisors
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voted in support of my
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Drug Market Intervention (DMI) legislation , which calls on Mayor Lurie to utilize the recently passed Fentanyl Emergency Powers to contract an expert to come to our city and design a comprehensive, community-driven approach to shut down open-air drug markets and create pathways for prevention and intervention. I will continue to engage in conversations with Mayor’s office to move this initiative forward.



Good Governance
Our city is notorious for its lengthy and often cumbersome bureaucratic processes. Many laws that were created with good intentions have had negative unintended consequences for residents and city departments alike.


One in particular caught my eye: San Francisco’s contracting rules are stuck in 1995. Under the current drafting, they assume we still purchase data in physical, paper-based books and manuals. Our city’s contracting terms and conditions are over 30 pages long, while in other cities they are only 5 pages, preventing companies from even engaging with our city to provide the services we need.




That’s why I introduced legislation on Data and Information Subscriptions to modernize our government for the 21st century. It
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passed the Rules Committee this week, with broad support from city departments that will benefit, such as the City Library, Administrator, Assessor-Recorder, and Treasurer. With a small tweak. This legislation allows these city departments to access digital subscriptions more easily so they can better serve residents.




In a similar vein, our city has 1,000+ pages of permitting and building code, making San Francisco the slowest city in California to build housing.

We can all agree this is unacceptable.


In these first 100 days, I requested the Budget and Legislative Analyst Office for a
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comparative study of the permitting process across US cities to help us diagnose what other cities have done well to build housing faster and provide a roadmap for San Francisco’s future.


The study will examine the number and types of permits from other major cities and counties, and how they have successfully reformed post-entitlement permitting processes for small businesses, single-family homes, small multi-family housing projects, and large housing projects to build more quickly. The BLA report is estimated to be completed by the end of summer.




Joy

Last month, we organized the first ever Tenderloin Eid Street Fair, which featured activities for children, a bazaar with local food and artisanal vendors, and a special live performance by
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MC Abdul . The event was timed to celebrate the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal within the Muslim community.


The Tenderloin is home to the largest Muslim population in the city and over 3,500 children, yet there are few activities in the neighborhood centered around them. With the success of this first event to activate the neighborhood alongside community partners, I hope to continue creating events like this for the children and families in our neighborhood.

At the neighborhood level, we applied these principles of safety, good governance, and joy - block by block:

Fillmore/Western Addition



We broke ground at Buchanan Mall for a $34 million renovation, planned with neighbors and local community organizations over the last decade, which will transform the park into a safe, vibrant hub for recreation, arts, culture, and intergenerational connection.


To mitigate impacts from the Safeway closure, we successfully advocated for additional funding for food access programs, which resulted in the Mayor’s office expanding support for Booker T. Washington Community Service Center food justice programs for wider access to services. Additionally we have worked with my colleagues on the Board to introduce legislation that will make it easier for a new grocery store to move into the site.

Lower Haight
During a merchant walk in Lower Haight, I heard from local merchants that there had been a disruption in their street cleaning schedule, leading to less than optimal street cleanliness for months. My office took action to raise this with the Department of Public Works, and thanks to the diligence of DPW, we were able to return a DPW corridor worker back to the area for regular cleanings.

Hayes
In Hayes Valley, my office has partnered with SFCTA to secure funds for a Daylighting project, which will improve safety at intersections by creating a better line of sight between those driving and pedestrians crossing the street. We anticipate project implementation to begin in late summer of this year.
Haight
The Haight is known for its preservation of the unique culture that blossomed in our city through its businesses and events that present this culture in an accessible way for all. Our office is working closely with event organizers to ensure we can continue these traditions and expand events in the neighborhood.
Tenderloin
In late 2024, Urban Alchemy, the organization that provides community ambassadors to the Mid-Market area was at risk of its contract ending abruptly. I worked closely with my colleagues at the board and the Mayor’s office to secure an extension for these workers to continue doing the impactful work that helps keep our community safe.


We know that bringing people together to achieve our goals and set a vision for our community takes intentionality. That’s why my office revived a community meeting in the Tenderloin, known as State of the Streets, in which local community groups gather to share honest dialogue, thoughtful feedback on ongoing projects, and engage in an open space to discuss the community’s priorities.


Nearby, at Civic Center Plaza, we broke ground on a new skate park that is activating the space for children, young adults, and families to spend time outdoors together.

NOPA
The Oak St Bike Lane project, which is fully funded and ready to be built, was paused despite community support. My office advocated to SFMTA for approval and implementation of the project as soon as possible, which will connect our city, increase pedestrian safety, and create much-needed intersection improvements. Earlier this month, SFMTA voted to approve the project and move it forward.



I ran on the promise to propose evidence-based solutions to deliver results and my office is delivering on that promise. We’ve made significant progress during this time and there is still much work to be done.


A lot can change in 100 days. What won’t change is my unwavering commitment to improving our communities for you. Together, I’m confident that we will continue to propel our district into a brighter tomorrow. I look forward to all that we will achieve together.




In service,
Supervisor Bilal Mahmood
In Community



Tax day is normally just another day. But these are not normal times. On this Tax Day, the Board of Supervisors, labor groups, and immigrant rights activists
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came together to reject the IRS sharing confidential taxpayer data with ICE and stand in support of our immigrant community. We gathered to demonstrate our collective power in this critical moment and to show solidarity with undocumented immigrants, sending a clear message that San Francisco stands united against these violations of privacy and human rights.


Now more than ever, we must protect our residents and uphold our Constitutional rights. That's why I introduced legislation at this week’s rally reaffirming our city’s non-cooperation with identity-based registries ordinance, a 2017 law that shows San Francisco will continue to oppose efforts by the federal government to infringe upon the civil rights of our residents. Thank you to AROC, Mission Action, and the African Advocacy Network for endorsing this legislation, which will go before the full Board next Tuesday.






This week, I had the pleasure of joining Tenderloin Community School for Arab American Heritage Month Read-Aloud! Next Tuesday, the board will vote on a resolution I introduced celebrating Arab American Heritage month, if you'd like to share some words during public comment, join us at 2:30pm in the Board Chambers.


Upcoming Events



It's finally here! This Sunday is the 58th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Parade on Sunday, April 20th. To learn more, visit
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sfcherryblossom.org .


I hope to see you there!



Annual Hayes Valley Ham & Eggs Breakfast – April 19th


On Saturday, join for one of Hayes Valley’s most beloved traditions—their annual Ham & Eggs Breakfast! What began as a near-tragic tale from the 1906 earthquake has become a joyful celebration of community, resilience, and history. With pancakes, coffee, firetrucks, and neighbors of all ages (dogs too!), this is the perfect way to kick off spring in San Francisco.


Come hungry, bring the family, and let’s honor the spirit that’s always made Hayes Valley strong.


Transportation Options Workshop for Seniors and People with Disabilities – April 23


The Office of Economic and Workforce Development and the Human Rights Commission, in partnership with SFMTA, are hosting a Transportation Options Workshop in District 5.


The event will take place on Wednesday, April 23 from 2:30–4:00 PM at the Western Addition Senior Center (1390 ½ Turk Street) and will focus on the Shop-a-Round program, which provides shuttle service and discounted taxis for grocery trips in San Francisco.


Eligible attendees — age 65 or older, or individuals with a disability — can apply onsite. The first 25 applicants will also be able to take their program ID photo at the event. A government-issued ID is required to apply.




Join the Hayes Valley Art & Garden Walk – April 26


Looking for a creative and community-filled afternoon? Don’t miss the Hayes Valley Art & Garden Walk on Saturday, April 26 — a celebration of local artists, green spaces, and neighborhood spirit.


Hosted by Hayes Valley Art Works, this event is still welcoming artists and venues through April 18, so there’s still time to get involved!


We’re excited to support this unique community gathering and hope to see you there.






Creative Edge Lab just launched its 3rd cohort of participants ages 17- 35. Students get introductory hands-on training in the following areas: interior design, fashion design, culinary arts, and business development. They are also seeking mentors, guest speakers and volunteers. Scan the QR code to learn more!



Help Shape the Role of San Francisco’s First Inspector General
Last November, San Francisco voters approved Proposition C to create the role of Inspector General within the Controller’s Office—an important step forward for transparency and accountability in our City government.


Now, the Controller’s Office is seeking input from the public as they design this new office. I encourage you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help shape how this critical position will serve San Franciscans.


📝
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Fill out the survey here — open through May 20.


Let’s work together to build a City government that’s more responsive, effective, and equitable for all.









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District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood

415-554-7630

mailto:[email protected]?subject=
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