In San Francisco, the Tents of Homeless People Are Disappearing
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced that the number of people living on the city’s streets has dropped to its lowest level in 15 years, attributing the improvement to more individuals moving into shelters and treatment centers.
- Lurie emphasized that while homelessness and addiction have long defined the city, recent efforts have begun to change that narrative, highlighting the progress made under his leadership.
- The mayor’s moderate, business-friendly approach includes opening sober-living shelters, mandating counseling in exchange for clean drug supplies, and directing police to take individuals in crisis to specialized centers.
- This shift in policy has been supported by a moderate district attorney and Board of Supervisors, contributing to improved street conditions and a reduction in public drug use and homelessness.
- Lurie’s approach has also helped reduce criticism from conservative media and politicians who previously used San Francisco as an example of the failures of liberal governance.