���ϴ�����

This summer, ���ϴ�����hosted a talented group of policy researchers through partnerships with fellowship and practicum programs at high schools, colleges, and graduate programs. Learn more about the work they did with ���ϴ�����and where they headed after collaborating with us.

Most residents are unfamiliar with their city’s charter — the foundational legal document that functions as a city’s local constitution and shapes nearly every aspect of its governance. As San Francisco and Oakland consider changes to their city charters, ���ϴ�����dives into what a charter is, how it works, and why it’s important to everything from the powers of elected officials to how public services are delivered.

San Francisco faces an unprecedented fiscal crisis as rising costs and stagnant revenues drive a growing structural deficit. With a projected $1.47 billion deficit by FY 2029–30, city leaders must now make tough choices, including cutting costs, redefining core services, improving budget management, and updating the city charter. The third article in our series looks at structural solutions that can help the city avoid future instability and ensure a sustainable fiscal future.

A city’s budget reflects its priorities and values — and choices made over the years. San Francisco’s $15.9 billion budget for 2024–25 is increasingly constrained, with only 18% of funds remaining truly discretionary due to legal mandates, voter-approved set-asides, and other restrictions. Key revenue sources have become more volatile since COVID, and rising costs leave limited flexibility to adapt to changing fiscal conditions. In this article, we take a deep dive into the city’s revenues and expenditures.