Mayor Lurie: Unsheltered homelessness at lowest level in 15 years, city says

Mayor Daniel Lurie told the Board of Supervisors on May 12 that preliminary 2026 counts show unsheltered homelessness in San Francisco at its lowest level in 15 years.

“According to the preliminary 2026 point‑in‑time count, unsheltered homelessness in San Francisco is now at the lowest levels in 15 years,” Lurie said during the board’s 2 p.m. special order. He said the city’s unsheltered population is down 22% since 2024, the number of people in tents is down 85%, and there are nearly 1,000 fewer people sleeping on the streets compared with last year.

Lurie credited coordinated outreach, additional shelter and treatment beds, and new stabilization centers. He cited specific recent actions including a fentanyl state of emergency ordinance, the city’s “breaking the cycle” plan, integrated street outreach, the opening of a 24/7 stabilization center on Geary, and a reset center in Supervisor Dorsey’s district.

The mayor acknowledged continued challenges, noting family homelessness has increased since 2024 and that the city must keep investing in prevention, shelter and housing support for families. “We are on the right track, but we have so much more work to do,” he said.

The mayor framed the numbers as evidence people are moving indoors and receiving services, and he praised the board, city departments and nonprofit partners for their roles. He urged continued coordination and offered a forward‑looking emphasis on prevention and family supports.

No formal vote or action was tied to the mayor’s remarks. The board proceeded with its agenda after the presentation.