The Bay Votes 2024: Should SF Voters Limit Government Commissions?

Date and Time

• Tuesday, Oct 15, 2024  6pm - 7pm

Location

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Details

Participate in an important conversation about two ballot measures that can change the way the city is governed.

Join KALW and the San Francisco Public Press for an in-depth discussion about two seemingly innocuous propositions that affect how the city is governed and what this means for you.

San Francisco’s upcoming ballot features Propositions D and E, dueling measures that could reshape the way the city handles its numerous boards, commissions and advisory bodies. Civic leaders from across the political spectrum agree that many of these entities are outdated or inactive, but their visions for reform are starkly different, and the money pouring into this battle is unprecedented.

What’s at Stake?

• Prop D would limit the number of commissions to 65, and give the mayor sole power to appoint and remove department heads. It would remove 24 charter commissions, including Public Health, Library, Human Rights, Human Services, Arts, Environment, Small Business and Juvenile Probation, subject to the city reauthorizing or restructuring them within the 65-commission limit. The Board of Supervisors could later reestablish these bodies as advisory commissions by ordinance.
• Prop E seeks to create a task force to evaluate the need for each commission, with the power to recommend consolidations or eliminations by Feb. 1, 2026. It would require a financial report on the city’s commissions, give the new task force authority to introduce ordinances to implement its recommendations, and if necessary, require the City Attorney to draft charter amendments to submit to voters at a future election.
• But what happens if one or both pass? More importantly, how might these outcomes affect you?

Event Highlights

• A breakdown of what Propositions D and E mean for the city and its governance
• Insights into the history and political dynamics driving this ballot showdown
• Discussion on how these changes could affect public oversight and your ability to participate in local government

Don’t miss this opportunity to understand the implications of these proposals and make an informed decision at the polls. This is your chance to learn and get engaged in the future of San Francisco's governance. We hope to see you there!