San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie sworn in and announces solutions to fentanyl and homelessness on Day 1

SAN FRANCISCO — Political newcomer and philanthropist Daniel Lurie was sworn in as the 46th Mayor of San Francisco on January 8, 2025. He announced in his inauguration address that he kept his campaign promises to make San Francisco better and cleaner by implementing plans to combat the fentanyl drug crisis and homelessness from Day 1.

Lurie chose to have his swearing in ceremony at an open area, Civic Center Plaza, in front of City Hall welcoming members of the public to join. The ceremony podium was set up at the plaza instead of the front steps of City Hall. While looking back at former Mayors London Breed and Edwin Lee, both of them held their inauguration ceremonies at the rotunda of City Hall and guests attended by invitations only.

Prior to the ceremony on the inauguration day, Lurie and his family first went to St. Anthony's center, where homeless people can have their free daily meals, to serve as volunteers in the morning. Then Lurie rode a cable car from Powell Street to Market Street with family members and supporters. At night, Lurie held an inauguration day Chinatown night market and community festival as part of his celebration programs that also showed his support for the Chinese community.

Lurie was sworn in by Associate Deputy State Public Defender Jessie Peterson. In his inauguration address, Lurie called his administration "a new era of accountability and change" in San Francisco.

"You voted for accountability and change, a clear mandate that my administration will work to fulfill every single day," said Lurie. “Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time. But if we are consistent, if we have vision, if we aren’t afraid to make tough decisions, San Francisco will rise to new heights."

While the city is facing a major budget deficit, Lurie promised that there would be no cuts to sworn officers, 911 operators, paramedics, firefighters, and nurses. “Our first responders, they need to know we have their back. We will do everything in our power to fully restaff the police department, sheriff’s department, and 911 response team, and incentivize them to stay," Lurie said.

Lurie listed the fentanyl crisis and homelessness were among the first priorities for him to take actions once he took office.

"That is why I’m introducing a package of Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinances. This will allow us to further surge resources and bypass the bureaucratic hurdles standing in the way of tackling this crisis," Lurie said. "I look forward to working with the incoming Board of Supervisors for their quick approval."

On homelessness, Lurie said he planned to open a 24/7 drop-in center for the unhoused community. "I am excited to announce that this spring, we will open the city’s first 24/7 police-friendly Drop Off Center. This will create better pathways to treatment and give police the authority to hold those who refuse help accountable," said Lurie.

"As we move people off the streets and into recovery, we will also expand The Journey Home program, providing increased transportation and support for those ready to reunite with loved ones or access care outside of San Francisco," Lurie added.