The Bay Agenda: Daniel Lurie's San Francisco

San Francisco’s new mayor, billionaire philanthropist, and political newcomer Daniel Lurie pledged to improve public safety, solve homelessness, and revitalize the city’s economy. Join KALW and leading journalists the day before his inauguration to examine the mayor-elect’s background, transition decisions, and the outlook about how he’ll approach meeting his goals.

Lurie brings experience in philanthropy and community leadership to his new roles. As the founder of Tipping Point Community, a nonprofit that has raised over $350 million to combat poverty in the Bay Area, Lurie has worked on issues including homelessness, housing, and education. During the COVID-19 pandemic his efforts included mobilizing resources for emergency relief in collaboration with government agencies. Lurie’s administration has assembled a team of leaders from technology, public safety, and community development informed by his background in philanthropy and community engagement. 

While Daniel Lurie’s election as San Francisco’s mayor has inspired hope for fresh leadership, it has also sparked skepticism about his ability to tackle the city’s deep-rooted challenges. Critics point to his lack of government experience, questioning whether his background in philanthropy and nonprofit work can translate to managing a large bureaucracy. Concerns also surround his proposals to increase police staffing and declare a fentanyl state of emergency, with some fearing these measures may lead to over-policing without addressing systemic issues. 

Additionally, Lurie’s ties to wealth and privilege have raised doubts about his ability to connect with and prioritize the needs of the city’s most vulnerable populations. With bold goals like cutting homelessness by 50% and revitalizing the struggling downtown economy, skeptics wonder if Lurie’s largely untested leadership can meet the scale and urgency of San Francisco’s problems.

We’ll examine these topics and create space for community conversation about your concerns and hopes for the tenure of the city’s next mayor.

Heather Knight — San Francisco bureau chief for the New York Times, former columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, and co-host of the #TotalSF podcast.

Xueer Lu — Data reporter at Mission Local. For the past year, Xueer has followed mayoral candidate and now Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie on his campaign trail. Xueer is a bilingual journalist fluent in Chinese and English.

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez is President of the Society of Professional Journalists of Northern California and a politics reporter for The San Francisco Standard.  He recently wrote for KQED’s politics team, and previously penned a local political column for the San Francisco Examiner. 

Moderated by Ben Trefny, KALW Executive Producer

Ben Trefny has been part of the KALW family since 2004. His work is currently focused on creating original live events, programming, and building partnerships with like-minded organizations. He oversees KALW's Live Events Studio at 220 Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco where he organizes town hall conversations, film screenings, literature readings, concerts, and fundraisers. He also curates the 111 Minna Street stage for Downtown First Thursdays.

There is a $10 - $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. We're hosting this gathering to help inform the electorate.

Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.

📍 220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI
🚪 Doors open at 6:00
🗣️ Program begins at 7:00
🍕 Free snacks
🍷 Refreshments for donation (and KALW members get their first one on the house)
🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want

Please note:

• The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
• We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
• Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
• If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location

Host or Publisher KALW Public Media