The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the ongoing issues surrounding the SF SAFE program. The meeting began with a call for improved communication and timely information sharing from SFPD to the government accountability office (GAO) to facilitate more efficient hearings. A key concern raised was the late delivery of presentations, which prolongs discussions and complicates the decision-making process.

The meeting then shifted to the status of services previously provided by SF SAFE, which has faced scrutiny due to allegations of financial mismanagement. Supervisor Preston emphasized the need for oversight and accountability in the wake of these allegations, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining effective community services. He inquired about the current plan for providing these services, particularly consultations with businesses that had received positive feedback in the past.

In response, SFPD officials outlined their strategy to transition these services in-house through the newly established Community Engagement Division. This division aims to replicate the successful community outreach efforts previously conducted by SF SAFE without relying on external nonprofit organizations. However, budget constraints were noted as a significant challenge in hiring sufficient staff to meet community needs.

The discussion also addressed outstanding payments owed to SF SAFE employees and subcontractors. It was revealed that approximately $78,000 in payments for work performed in December 2024 remained unpaid, and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) has withheld an additional $83,000 pending resolution of the financial mismanagement issues. The lack of a direct contract with the employees complicates the situation, leaving many without compensation for their work.

As the meeting progressed, officials from OEWD were invited to provide further insights into the contract issues and the measures being implemented to prevent similar problems in the future. The session concluded with a commitment to improve reporting on community safety initiatives and to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to meet the demands of the community effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for transparency and accountability within the SFPD and related programs, as well as the importance of maintaining essential services for the community amidst ongoing challenges.