San Francisco Board of Supervisors Approves Two-Year Budget amid Layoffs and Service Cuts

The San Francisco Public Works meeting held on July 21, 2025, focused on the recent budget negotiations and their implications for city operations. The meeting began with a recap of the budget process, highlighting the approval of a two-year budget plan by the Board of Supervisors, which passed with a 10 to 1 vote. The mayor has until August 1 to sign the budget, which aims to address an $800 million deficit.

Despite efforts to maintain key positions and funding for essential services, the approved budget includes two layoffs at Public Works and a reduction in the public toilet program, cutting the number of pit stop locations from 30 to 17. The budget also resulted in the loss of 44 vacant positions. However, the department received funding for 10 new positions dedicated to street cleanliness and restored 8 positions, totaling 18 full-time equivalents (FTEs) to support neighborhood street teams.

The meeting also celebrated significant achievements in street maintenance, with Public Works exceeding its goal of paving 500 blocks by completing 561 blocks in the last fiscal year. This accomplishment contributes to maintaining San Francisco's pavement condition index (PCI) score of 75, which is higher than the regional average. The city has resurfaced 71% of its nearly 13,000 blocks over the past 15 years, reflecting a strong commitment to roadway maintenance.

Additionally, the curb ramp program exceeded its goal by constructing 845 curb ramps, with 224 completed by the Public Works team. The meeting concluded with a look ahead to upcoming community beautification events, emphasizing the department's ongoing efforts to engage with residents and improve city neighborhoods.

Overall, while the budget cuts present challenges, the meeting underscored the department's resilience and commitment to maintaining essential services and infrastructure in San Francisco.