San Francisco's new Mayor, Daniel Lurie, is facing intense criticism after quietly approving a highly contentious reparations bill just two days before Christmas. The legislation creates a framework for a fund that could grant eligible Black residents payments of up to $5 million, a move executed with minimal public scrutiny.
A Covert Signing Sparks Public Anger
Mayor Lurie signed the Reparations Bill on December 23, acting on recommendations from the city's African American Reparations Advisory Committee (AARAC). While the bill establishes the fund's structure, it crucially does not allocate any immediate money to it, instead setting up a vessel for future city or private contributions.
The manner of the signing has provoked the fiercest backlash. Local journalist Erica Sandberg, who first reported the move on her Substack, told the Daily Mail the action was taken "in the dark of night" without community input. "This was done covertly. It was not done with the approval of the constituents, San Franciscans were not polled. Nobody was asked," Sandberg stated, calling the lack of communication "profoundly offensive."
Divisive Implications for a Diverse City
Critics argue the policy is particularly ill-suited for San Francisco's demographic makeup. Sandberg highlighted that the city is "a city of immigrants, many of whom are recent immigrants," making the notion that newcomers should financially remedy historical injustices "absurd." She warned the bill fosters resentment and bafflement rather than unity.
This controversy deals a significant blow to Mayor Lurie's political image. Elected in January 2025, he pledged a common-sense, centrist approach to governance following years of perceived radical policies. His discreet handling of this explosive issue appears to contradict that promise.
Broad Opposition and Fiscal Reality
Opposition has emerged from across the political spectrum. Conservative activist Richie Greenberg labelled the fund a "terribly disappointing decision," declaring the scheme "ludicrously unlawful" and unconstitutional on his podcast.
Notably, even the San Francisco chapter of the NAACP has expressed reservations. While supporting cash payments in principle, the group previously called the $5 million lump sum an "arbitrary number" that raised false hopes. Reverend Amos Brown, the chapter president, had criticised the 2023 reparations plan on these grounds.
Mayor Lurie himself has admitted the city lacks the finances for the fund, citing a looming $1 billion budget deficit next year. In a statement, he said he signed the legislation "in recognition of the work of so many San Franciscans" and the Board of Supervisors' unanimous support, but conceded "the city does not have resources to allocate to this fund."
The bill's future now hangs in the balance, mired in controversy over its secretive enactment, its divisive potential, and the stark fiscal challenges facing the city.
