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Supervisors adopt resolution opposing privatization of Camp Mather after heated debate
Summary
The Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution opposing franchising or further privatization of services at Camp Mather, after a lengthy committee hearing and floor debate that split supervisors and drew dozens of public comments about preserving the site’s character and concerns about potential privatization.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Jan. 30 adopted a resolution opposing franchising of services and concessions at Camp Mather and urging preservation of the site’s traditional, family‑oriented character. The item drew extensive floor debate and public testimony from longtime Camp Mather users and supervisors.
Supervisor John McGoldrick, sponsor of the resolution, told the board the action is intended to be proactive: "People have been going up there for generations...this is a way to be proactive," he said, asking the board to set policy to prevent privatization that could make the site unaffordable. McGoldrick said the resolution was a response to recent concern that parts of Camp Mather might be subject to commercial franchising.
Supervisor Ellsberg (opposed) said he shared the goal of preserving Camp Mather but objected to the resolution’s broad language, warning it would block legitimate uses such as seasonal hiring of city recreation and park staff for off‑season carpentry and maintenance. "The way this resolution is drafted, it is hugely broad," he said, urging more narrowly tailored language and flexibility for the Recreation and Park Department to propose practical staffing measures.
Supervisor Dufty (support) described testimony from hundreds of users who value Camp Mather’s family and low‑key character and argued capital investment is needed to avoid privatization pressures. Dufty said the resolution is meant to send a signal and to prompt capital investment in Camp Mather through the budget process.
Other supervisors debated the balance between preventing privatization and allowing flexible operational solutions; multiple speakers emphasized the need for the Recreation and Park Department and the board to work through budget hearings on capital investments. Several supervisors and many members of the public urged the board to pair the resolution’s policy signal with concrete budget action.
Following debate the roll call recorded seven ayes and three noes and the resolution was adopted. The transcript shows supervisors and supporters urged the community to continue advocacy in the budget process to secure capital funding rather than rely solely on the resolution.
Why it matters: Camp Mather is a long‑standing city recreation site used by San Franciscans for generations. The resolution formalizes board opposition to private franchising of its services and signals the board’s preference for public stewardship and capital investment to preserve public access.
Next steps: The board’s adoption is meant as a policy direction; advocates were urged to pursue budgetary requests and to work with the Recreation and Park Commission and department to identify capital‑investment proposals.
