Community leaders and advocates voiced urgent concerns during a recent San Francisco County government meeting, highlighting the detrimental impact of proposed budget cuts on public safety and community well-being. The discussions centered around the need for a holistic approach to safety that extends beyond traditional policing, emphasizing the importance of supportive services and community programs.

Lucia Borrego, director of the San Francisco Latino Equity Coalition, presented findings from a community data gathering project that revealed economic factors, particularly poverty exacerbated by post-COVID challenges, as the primary drivers of unsafe living conditions. Participants identified a lack of investment in neighborhoods and support for families as critical issues, underscoring the community's understanding that safety is rooted in health, housing, and education.

Advocates argued that cuts to essential services could push vulnerable populations, including youth and families, into homelessness and increase criminalization in the city. Stephanie Portillo from IFPT Local 21 proposed transitioning community safety roles to city staff rather than relying on external contractors, which have faced legal issues and poor labor practices. This shift, they argued, would not only provide stable employment but also enhance the effectiveness of community safety programs.

The meeting also highlighted the severe impact of funding cuts on LGBTQ youth services. Gayle Lalla Chavez, executive director at Lyric, emphasized that many queer and trans youth are already facing homelessness and that the proposed cuts would further jeopardize their safety and well-being. The collective of organizations serving this demographic reported a staggering 43% reduction in funding, raising alarms about the potential rise in public health crises and homelessness among these vulnerable groups.

Finn Palomaro from the San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network echoed these sentiments, stressing that safety for immigrant communities hinges on access to housing, employment, and basic needs. He pointed out that cuts to housing services and community engagement programs disproportionately affect these populations, further complicating their ability to thrive in the city.

As the meeting concluded, community leaders called for a reevaluation of budget priorities, urging the city to invest in programs that foster safety through community support rather than relying solely on law enforcement. The discussions underscored a growing consensus that a safe city is one where all residents have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.