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Supervisors fail to override mayor—s veto of city advertising ban
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 7-4 to sustain Mayor—s veto of an ordinance that would have prohibited general advertising on City buildings and street furniture after a lengthy debate invoking the —will of the voters.—
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Dec. 16 failed 7-4 to override Mayor—s veto of an ordinance that would have prohibited general advertising on city buildings and street furniture.
Supporters of the override pointed to a prior ballot measure they said showed voter support and framed the proposal as a defense against visual blight. Opponents and the mayor argued the city should retain revenue options from advertising. A yes vote on the motion would have overridden the mayor—s veto; a no vote sustained it.
Supervisor McGoldrick opened the floor for the override motion, saying the ordinance reflected the will of voters and decried what he called "crass commercialism" in public spaces. He cited the ballot results, saying the measure passed on the ballot by a roughly 57%–43% margin and asked colleagues to "please vote to override the mayor's veto." He warned against letting advertising proliferate on public buildings and said he did not want the city —plastered with general advertising signs.—
The board conducted a roll-call vote. The clerk certified the result as seven ayes and four noes; with that tally the mayor—s veto was sustained and the ordinance remained blocked.
Why it matters: Proponents framed the measure as enforcing a voter- approved policy to limit commercial advertising on public property, while the mayor argued the veto preserved the city—s ability to generate revenue from ad placements. The outcome leaves existing advertising policy unchanged unless future legislation is introduced and passes the mayor—s approval or an override is successful at a later date.
Votes at a glance: The override motion was defeated (yes 7 / no 4), so the veto stands.
Provenance
Evidence excerpt — topic introduction: "Pursuant to Charter Section 2.106, item 21 is the consideration to override the veto by the mayor of an ordinance which which would prohibit general advertising on city buildings and street furniture. The question is to consider the veto veto override. A yes vote overrides the mayor's veto. A no vote sustains the mayor's veto." (transcript segment)
Evidence excerpt — topic finish: "Alright. The, override fails. Fails. Next item, please." (transcript segment)
