London Breed’s Legacy: A Retrospective on Her Tenure as San Francisco Mayor
London Breed, the first African-American woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco, announced her departure from office while celebrating the opening of a new community center in Sunnydale. This center reflects her commitment to neighborhoods like Sunnydale that have historically lacked representation in city leadership.
Focus on Community and Housing Initiatives
Breed’s dedication to enhancing community facilities is evident with the establishment of a new community center in Sunnydale, featuring a Boys and Girls Club, communal kitchen, and recording studio. Additionally, plans for 1,700 new units of affordable housing aim to enable residents to continue living in their hometown.
In a December interview, Breed emphasized her goal of providing representation to underserved communities, saying, “Elected officials don’t seem to be interested in taking the kind of risk you would have to take as a mayor to choose communities that may not be as vocal.”
A Steep Path to Leadership
Before becoming mayor, Breed served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for over five years, where she represented District 5, including neighborhoods like Hayes Valley and the Western Addition. Her personal background, raised by her grandmother in public housing, heavily influenced her governance approach.
Emergency Response and Public Health Management
Taking office amidst unprecedented challenges, Breed’s tenure was marked by crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. In February 2020, she was among the first major city leaders to declare a state of emergency, a move credited with mitigating potential spikes in infections. Her decisive actions contributed to San Francisco achieving one of the lowest COVID death rates among major U.S. cities.
Confronting the Fentanyl Crisis
As San Francisco grappled with a dire fentanyl-overdose epidemic, Breed initially championed harm reduction strategies. Her administration focused on distributing overdose-reversal drugs and advocating for safe consumption sites. However, as the crisis escalated, Breed’s stance shifted towards a more stringent approach, culminating in a proposal requiring drug addiction screenings for welfare recipients.
Political Challenges and Public Scrutiny
Throughout her term, Breed faced intense scrutiny, which she attributed in part to her identity as a Black woman in a predominantly white political landscape. “The elephant in the room — I’m a Black woman,” said Breed, acknowledging the complexities of her leadership role.
Her administration was not without controversy; criticism arose over decisions that appeared to prioritize loyalty over accountability, especially when she sought to dismiss Police Commissioner Max Carter-Oberstone in 2022 under contentious circumstances.
Housing, Homelessness, and Economic Recovery
Housing production in San Francisco remained a significant challenge, with a slow response to the city’s pressing needs. Although the measures Breed implemented sought to increase affordable housing, slow progress contributed to a rising perception of inadequacy.
While a temporary decline in homelessness was reported in 2022, subsequent evaluations revealed a return to higher numbers. Still, improvements in shelter capacity and supportive housing were noted as achievements during her time in office.
As the city emerged from pandemic disruptions, Breed pivoted to economic recovery, launching a “30 by 30” plan to lure 30,000 new residents downtown by 2030 through housing initiatives and partnerships with educational institutions.
Looking Ahead
As Breed winds down her term, she reflects on her accomplishments and the tumultuous landscape she navigated. While her leadership during crises marked her legacy, the challenges of affordable housing, public safety, and economic revival will leave an enduring imprint on San Francisco’s future.
In conclusion, London Breed’s tenure as mayor has been characterized by her commitment to community support, public health initiatives, and navigating the complexities of city governance amidst persistent crises.
