District 5 in less than 5 minutes – here’s the TLDR of this newsletter:Â
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We’re meeting our housing capacity goals and strengthening renter protections with the family Zoning Plan and Tenant Protection Ordinance
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We’ve secured the 300 Octavia site and celebrated the opening of a new soccer field at Elm Alley
Keep reading for more 👇
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Dear Neighbor,
Earlier this year, our communities felt threatened. We watched as other cities experienced an unimaginable takeover by the federal government, and we, like other cities, felt ill-prepared for that eventuality.
I heard first-hand of the workers who planned to stay home, the students who missed class drop-off, and our own city employees who felt they were looking over their shoulder as they went to work.
We were on the verge of experiencing something terrible, and it was the fear and panic of our neighbors that prompted my office to take action.
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We worked with our deputy city attorneys, who took a creative approach to learn from other cities for solutions.
Because here's what we know: Wherever large-scale immigration enforcement happens, disruptions follow — contributing to lost revenue, local economic decline, and a reduction in public safety.
San Francisco’s own pubic safety progress, which includes a nearly 30% citywide decrease in crime, relies heavily on community trust and cooperation. With our immigrant community representing a large portion of San Franciscans, we can’t blur the line between local government and federal immigration enforcement.
As a city, it’s our job to deliver services, make residents feel they can trust us, and ensure this city is accessible to everyone.
That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to safeguard access to city from disruption caused by federal immigration enforcement.
Here’s what it does:
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Allows City property to be used only for authorized public purposes.
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Prohibits authorizing the use of City property if the activity would disrupt City operations or discourage access to services.
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Clarifies that assisting in federal immigration enforcement is not a City purpose.
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Authorizes the City Attorney to take legal action against any entity engaged in unlawful or unauthorized use of City property.
Our city thrives when every resident feels they can access City services freely, whether that’s dropping children off at school, going to the doctor, reporting a crime, or coming to City Hall for a marriage license.
This ordinance is about ensuring our City facilities remain accessible, it’s about strengthening our local control, and ensuring that no matter what, we as the City and County of San Francisco can serve the public.
In service,
Bilal Mahmood
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This month, we passed an incredibly significant piece of legislation: the Family Zoning Plan. This legislation was a massive undertaking over multiple years by the Planning Department to ensure our city meets state requirements to create capacity to house all San Franciscans.
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Here are a few quick facts on the Family Zoning Plan:
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Ensures eligibility for over $100 million in affordable housing funding for the city
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Incentivizes the creation of new affordable housing via a Local Density Bonus program
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Strengthens protections to all tenants, including all rent-controlled units, when coupled with the Tenant Protection Ordinance introduced by the Board
This effort required hundreds of community meetings, negotiations with the state, and countless hours of work to draft a thoughtful plan focused on creating a city for all.
Thanks to this piece of legislation, we’ll get to decide what the future of our density looks like while ensuring our families, children, and grandchildren can afford to live in San Franciscans for generations to come.
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I’m excited to share that the Fillmore is officially getting an entertainment zone! This month, the Board voted in support of my legislation to make it easier to support local businesses, uplift our historic community, and celebrate culture.
Thanks to the dedicated advocacy efforts of community members like Majeid Crawford and Ericka Scott, we’re keeping the soul of the Harlem of the West alive.
This is the second entertainment zone we’ve created in District 5 this year, following the Hayes Valley entertainment zone created this summer.
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Earlier this year, we helped build a turf soccer field at Elm Alley for the children of the Tenderloin, and we joined an amazing celebration to kick off its official opening this month!
This soccer field is a product of the community coming together around a shared vision. From Street Soccer San Francisco to Up on Top, to the Tenderloin Community Elementary School and the Planning Department, so many groups came together to bring joy to the neighborhood.
But there’s one community member, Scott Bravmann, who deserves special recognition for his tireless effort in advocating for the children of the neighborhood to make this soccer field a reality. I was delighted to celebrate his incredible contributions to the community with a Certificate of Honor from the Board of Supervisors.
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When I campaigned for this office, one issue often came up as a source of frustration and concern: 300 Octavia in Hayes Valley. Thanks to community advocacy and collaboration with city departments and the property owner, my office has successfully secured the site — a spot which posed significant public safety and health challenges for the past two years following a major fire.
I’m excited to also share that initial foundation work is underway, marking an important step towards rebuilding and revitalizing the area.
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Graffi-tini of the Week
This week, we helped Falletti Foods navigate its application to the City’s Graffiti Abatement Opt In Program. After weeks of repeated tagging on their Broderick, Fell, and Oak storefronts and thousands in cleanup costs, DPW confirmed the property is now fully enrolled and being actively monitored on all sides, including the Oak and Fell roll up door that had recently become a hot spot. Thanks to the abatement team, the door just got a fresh coat of clean!
Perfect timing too, since this weekend marks the grand opening of Bitters and Bottles on the other side of Fell, with tastings and limited runs planned all weekend. Our office is here to celebrate small wins that keep the neighborhood looking sharp while local businesses open their doors.
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Coffee Chat
We’re doing things a little differently for this month’s coffee chat by hosting this month’s meeting during the week!
Please join me next Thursday, December 18th at 11:00 -12:30 PM. Location will be shared upon RSVP, sign up here!
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Food Access for CalFresh Recipients
While the government shutdown is over, the lapse in CalFresh services is still being felt in many households.
But there's good news: The City has mailed grocery cards of up to $500 to qualifying households to help cover this month's food access gap.
Please be sure to check your mailbox to activate the card, or call (855) 355-5757 for assistance. Cards must be activated by December 31, and funds must be used by March 31, 2026.
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HVAW Holiday Art Bazaar
Join us for a lively holiday weekend at Hayes Valley Art Works! More than a dozen local artists will be set up in the garden, selling original art, handcrafted gifts, prints, ceramics, textiles, and all sorts of festive treasures.
There will be food, entertainment, and live music throughout the day—plus surprise drop-ins from the Adominable Snowman and other holiday characters. Come shop, snack, and celebrate with your neighbors.
Details:
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December 13 & 14
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11am–5pm
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Wakanda Winter Wonderland
AAACC's annual holiday celebration is back. Wakanda Winter Wonderland is bringing the joy on Saturday, December 13th, 2025 from 11am - 6pm.
This is a free Wakanda/Black Panther inspired holiday event for families and community members featuring carnival rides, live performances and more!
Location: African American Art and Culture Complex (AAACC) - 762 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94102
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Need help? Don’t hesitate to reach out at MahmoodStaff@sfgov.org. We’re here to serve!
Let’s work together to make District 5 a better place for all.
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