The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on public comments regarding the allocation of funds for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) event. Community members expressed strong concerns about budget cuts affecting essential services and the prioritization of spending on large-scale events over local needs.

Several speakers, including domestic workers and parents, highlighted the struggles faced by low-income families in San Francisco. Lorena, a domestic worker, emphasized the negative impact of budget cuts on community services, urging that resources allocated for APEC should instead support local needs. Rachel Church, a parent leader, echoed this sentiment, advocating for the use of APEC funds to address critical issues such as housing and food insecurity for low-income families.

Alma Veliz, another domestic worker, called for a reallocation of APEC resources to benefit working-class communities. Educator Lourdesa Larkon stressed the importance of investing in early childhood education and community infrastructure rather than large events. Junebug, a community health worker, pointed out the adverse effects of increased police presence during APEC on vulnerable populations, including the homeless.

The meeting also featured comments from legal aid representatives who argued that funds spent on APEC could better serve the community if redirected to support legal services for low-wage workers. Amanda Alvarado Ford from La Raza Centro Legal highlighted the critical need for legal representation, which has been compromised due to budget cuts.

Lucia, director of the San Francisco Latino Paradigm Equity Coalition, raised concerns about the lack of transparency and fiscal responsibility in the planning for APEC. She questioned the decision to allocate significant funds to police while cutting community programs, urging for a more balanced approach to public safety and community support.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing frustration among community members regarding the prioritization of funding for high-profile events over essential services that directly impact the lives of San Francisco residents. The discussions highlighted the need for greater accountability and a reevaluation of budget priorities to better serve the community's needs.