Board OKs $4 million amendment to Mid‑Market/Tenderloin safety grant after tense budget debate

The Board of Supervisors voted 10–1 on Feb. 25 to approve the sixth amendment to a grant agreement between the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and the Mid Market Foundation to manage the Mid Market/Tenderloin Community Based Safety Program. The amendment increases the grant by $4 million for a new total of approximately $68,800,000 through June 30, 2025.

Context and debate: Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who sponsored the item, and other supporters described the community ambassadors and safety programs as essential to neighborhoods like the Tenderloin and Mid‑Market and credited them with crime reductions in targeted areas. “These community ambassadors… have become just that, a part of our community,” Mahmood said, noting reported reductions of up to 52% in some measures and urging colleagues to support the item.

Budget concerns: Supervisor Connie Chan, chair of the Budget Committee, delivered a lengthy explanation of why she would oppose the $4 million amendment. Chan said the city faces a looming $1 billion budget deficit and that adding $4 million to this contract for a single fiscal year represents real tradeoffs with other services such as children's dental care, behavioral health supports, workforce development, rental subsidies and violence intervention services. “A dollar spent on one thing is a dollar missing for another city services,” Chan said. She said she would vote no to highlight the need for fiscal priorities amid constrained resources.

Vote: The clerk recorded 10 ayes and 1 no, with Supervisor Chan voting no. After the roll call, the mayor's and committee's staffs said the amendment would proceed as approved.

What this funds: The Mid Market/Tenderloin Community Based Safety Program contracts fund community ambassadors, outreach, street cleaning and coordination with public safety and social services; supporters said the program complements SFPD and public‑works functions rather than replacing them. The grant amendment continues funding to sustain program operations through June 2025.

Implications: The item highlights a broader budgetary tension in San Francisco over competing priorities — public safety and street services in some neighborhoods vs. citywide investments in health, housing and youth services. Chan said she intends to press for accountability and possible contracting reforms during the budget cycle but voted against the amendment to signal fiscal caution.

Ending: With the amendment approved, program managers at the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and Mid Market Foundation will continue operations under the existing contract schedule while budget committees and stakeholders plan longer‑term oversight and performance reviews.