District 5 in less than 5 minutes – here’s the TLDR of this newsletter:
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Affordable Groceries Act – We announced a November ballot measure to bring city-funded grocery stores and pharmacies back to neighborhoods that have lost them, tackle long-vacant "zombie stores," and expand access to fresh, affordable food across San Francisco. Read more here. -
This Year's Budget – We helped restore millions in funding for neighborhood ambassadors, youth programs, immigrant services, food security, and public safety, while helping balance the City's budget. Learn more here. -
Foreclosure Tax – We partnered with Mayor Lurie to introduce a ballot measure that will raise over $200 million for our city budget, by taxing corporate capital and hedge funds when properties foreclose. Read more here. -
New Laws Passed – The Board approved our legislation protecting LGBTQIA+ people and reproductive freedom from discrimination in housing and employment, while also passing new fire safety protections banning the sale of unsafe lithium-ion batteries. -
One City Day – Join neighbors across San Francisco on July 11 for a citywide day of service to clean parks, support neighborhoods, and strengthen our communities. Sign up here. Keep reading for more 👇
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Dear Neighbor,
One of the concerns I hear most from neighbors is how much harder it's become to do something as basic as buying groceries.
Too many San Franciscans have watched neighborhood grocery stores and pharmacies disappear, leaving empty storefronts behind and forcing families to travel farther, and often pay more, for everyday essentials. At a time when grocery prices continue to rise, access to fresh, affordable food shouldn't depend on what neighborhood you live in.
That's why this month, we announced the Affordable Groceries Act, a November ballot measure to bring grocery stores and pharmacies back to neighborhoods that have lost them. The proposal tackles long-vacant "zombie stores" that sit empty while communities go without, helps convert vacant spaces into neighborhood grocery stores, and creates new tools to make fresh, affordable food more accessible across San Francisco.
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But affordability doesn't stop at the checkout line.
We also partnered with Mayor Lurie to introduce the Foreclosure Tax ballot measure, which will raise over $200 million for our city budget by closing a decades-old exemption that allowed large financial institutions to acquire foreclosed properties without paying a transfer tax. And during this year's budget process, we helped restore millions in funding for neighborhood ambassadors, youth programs, food security, immigrant legal services, and violence prevention, protecting services that families rely on every day.
So whether it's making groceries more affordable, strengthening neighborhoods, protecting essential services, or ensuring fairness, our focus is on delivering practical results that improve everyday life.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we work to build a more affordable, healthier, and stronger San Francisco.
In service,
Bilal Mahmood
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Affordable Groceries Act
Everyone deserves to have fresh, affordable food close to home.
That's why I announced the Affordable Groceries Act, a November ballot measure designed to bring city-funded grocery stores and pharmacies back to neighborhoods that have lost them while lowering food costs for San Franciscans.
The proposal pairs permit streamlining and incentives for new grocery operators with a tax on large corporate chains that leave former grocery stores and pharmacies sitting vacant as "zombie stores." Revenue generated by the measure could be used to support an Affordable Grocery Fund to support the conversion of liquor stores into affordable grocery stores, or to help the City buy property and lease it out to affordable grocers - like Mayor Mamdani is doing in New York!
The Affordable Groceries Act has drawn support from a large coalition including the Food and Agriculture Action Coalition Toward Sovereignty, United Food and Commercial Workers, SEIU Local 87, and Farming Hope and is co-sponsored by Board Supervisors Myrna Melgar, Stephen Sherrill, Chyanne Chen, and Danny Sauter.
Affordable neighborhoods need affordable groceries. This measure is about making sure every family can find the essentials close to home.
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We wrapped our annual budget negotiations last week, and through the leadership of Budget Chair Chan and Mayor Lurie we both closed a $600M deficit and helped save millions in vital services.
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This year my office focused on three priorities - public safety, youth services, and food security. Our office fought to restore funding for neighborhood ambassadors, youth programs in Japantown and the Western Addition, food security initiatives, immigrant services, and violence prevention programs. We also helped secure continued investments in the RESET diversion center, immigrant legal services, and public safety.
Here were some wins in this year's budget:
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Public Safety: $4M secured for ambassadors in SOMA, Tenderloin, Japantown.
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Youth: $2M restored for workforce development in Japantown and Western Addition, and $1M secured for violence prevention in the Tenderloin.
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Food Security & Immigration: $500K in funding restored for food services in the Tenderloin and $2 million for immigrant legal services citywide.
The budget required difficult choices, but I'm proud that we protected programs that make our neighborhoods healthier, safer, and stronger. |
Foreclosure Tax
When large financial institutions profit from foreclosed buildings, they should play by the same rules as everyone else.
That's why I partnered with Mayor Daniel Lurie to introduce the Foreclosure Tax for the November Ballot, closing a decades-old exemption that allowed corporate capital and hedge funds that own large foreclosed properties to avoid San Francisco's property transfer tax. Billions of dollars, left on the table.
The measure protects homeowners and smaller residential properties while ensuring large commercial transactions contribute fairly to the city services we all rely on. Cosponsored by Supervisors Matt Dorsey, Myrna Melgar, Chyanne Chen, Shamann Walton, and Alan Wong and if approved by voters this November, it could generate more than $200 million over the next three years while making our tax code simpler, fairer, and more equitable. |
This month, the Board of Supervisors approved two important pieces of legislation that I authored, and will make San Francisco both safer and more welcoming.
First, we strengthened San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance by protecting people facing out-of-state criminalization related to reproductive healthcare, gender-affirming care, or LGBTQIA+ expression. The legislation ensures that convictions tied to conduct that is legal in California - like accessing an abortion - cannot be used to deny someone housing or employment in San Francisco.
We also passed new fire safety legislation prohibiting the sale of uncertified lithium-ion batteries and powered mobility devices. After devastating fires—including the blaze at 50 Golden Gate that displaced more than 130 residents—this law establishes stronger safety standards and gives the Fire Department new enforcement tools.
Whether protecting people from discrimination or preventing dangerous fires, these measures are about the same goal: making San Francisco a safer, fairer place for everyone.
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The strongest neighborhoods are built by neighbors. On July 11, San Franciscans from every corner of the city will come together for One City Day, a citywide day of service to clean parks, support local neighborhoods, and connect with one another.
Whether you can volunteer for an hour or the whole day, we'd love to have you join us. Together, we can make our city cleaner, stronger, and more connected.
Sign up here.
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Squeaky Clean SweepAfter a small business owner raised concerns about ongoing graffiti, trespassing, and property damage at Warm Planet Bikes on the corner of McAllister and Market, our office coordinated with SFPD and city departments to increase presence in the area and support cleaner, safer streets. While work continues, small improvements, from fresh paint to repaired windows, can make a meaningful difference.
Thank you to Warm Planet Bikes for advocating for the neighborhood and to SFPD for supporting residents and local businesses.
If something in your neighborhood needs attention—street safety, infrastructure, or a quality-of-life issue—please reach out to our office at [email protected].
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Officer Lewin-Tankel Way
This month we unveiled Officer Lewin-Tankel Way in honor of his service, sacrifice, and lasting impact on SFPD, the Tenderloin, and San Francisco. Nearly a decade after being injured in the line of duty while patrolling the Tenderloin by bike, Officer Lewin-Tankel’s resilience continues to inspire. Joined by family, friends, and community partners, we celebrated his legacy and the many lives he’s touched. Thank you to Sergeant Mike Cunnie, Mayor Lurie, and Chief of Policy Steven Betz for helping make this recognition possible.
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Hayes Valley Farmers Market
The first-ever farmers market has opened in Hayes Valley, bringing fresh produce from local farmers directly into the neighborhood. This community-led effort expands access to affordable groceries and creates a vibrant new gathering space. Thank you to Explore Hayes Valley, Hayes Promenade, HVNA, and Andrew Seigner for bringing this vision to life. Open Saturdays from 10 AM–2 PM.
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Club Deluxe Opening
Club Deluxe has officially reopened in Haight-Ashbury. Restored by new owners Christian Beaulieu and Jay Bordeleau, the beloved jazz venue returns with deep roots to its history, and Christian previously worked there as a bartender and musician before leading its revival. Our office was proud to support the permitting and renovation process alongside city partners who helped make this reopening possible.
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Pride Month
We closed out Pride Month at the Pride Parade with a Desi Boy Summer theme — celebrating queer joy, cultural vibrancy, and radical acceptance across the South Asian diaspora.
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SFPAL World Cup at Tenderloin Center
Over 100 Tenderloin youth took part in a World Cup-style soccer tournament in their own neighborhood, ( some of which walked out with World Cup players on game day). Organized through SF Police Activities League and SFPD, the event brought the community together through youth sports and connection. Thank you to all partners who helped create an unforgettable day.
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Summer is here! Grab an iced coffee and join me for our July Coffee Chat.
On Saturday, July 11, I'll be hosting informal one-on-one conversations in the Fillmore, and I'd love to hear what's on your mind. Bring your ideas, questions, neighborhood stories, or just yourself.
These chats are a chance to talk about what's working, what's not, and what you'd like to see in District 5. No agenda, just good coffee and good conversation.
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Intern with Supervisor Mahmood This Fall |
I'm excited to announce that my District 5 Office is now accepting applications for our Fall 2026 Internship Program.
If you're interested in public service, local government, and making a difference in San Francisco, we'd love to hear from you. Interns work alongside my team at City Hall, support constituent services, assist with policy and community engagement, and get a firsthand look at how local government works.
Fall 2026, San Francisco City Hall – Apply Here
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Need help? Don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected]. We’re here to serve!
Let’s work together to make District 5 a better place for all.
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