Board Approves $4 Million Amendment for Mid-Market/Tenderloin Community-Based Safety Programs

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted on Feb. 25 to approve a $4 million amendment to a grant between the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and the Mid-Market Foundation to fund community-based safety programs in the Mid-Market and Tenderloin neighborhoods through June 30, 2025.

Supervisor Bilal Mahmood and others spoke in favor, describing the grant-funded community ambassadors as essential, on-the-ground workers who reduce crime and provide outreach and services in neighborhoods where traditional city departments have limited reach. “These are men and women who were once incarcerated but have been given a second chance,” Supervisor Mahmood said, noting program reports of large reductions in certain categories of neighborhood crime and stressing the practical role ambassadors play in daily public safety and cleanliness.

Budget Committee Chair Supervisor Matt Dorsey (Chair Chan in transcript is Budget Committee chair; Supervisor Chan spoke against) raised fiscal concerns during the debate, arguing that the $4 million represents a trade-off with other critical services and urging the board to consider budget constraints and competing priorities. He said increased spending on one contract means fewer dollars for other services such as dental care at schools, youth programs and rental subsidies.

The board held a roll-call vote, with the measure passing 10–1 (Supervisor Chan recorded a no vote). The resolution authorizes the grant amendment and continues program funding through the stated term.