Public Safety for Families and Communities

Public safety is my top priority, especially when it comes to addressing the rise in anti-Asian violence. I am committed to ensuring that all AAPI families, seniors, and small business owners can live and work in a safe and welcoming environment.

• Combat Hate Crimes: I will collaborate with community-based organizations, leaders, and law enforcement to address violent crimes targeting the AAPI community. My administration will prioritize public safety by ensuring law enforcement is fully trained and equipped to handle these crimes, while also fostering accountability and transparency through a public reporting system. We will work closely with city departments and nonprofits to provide trauma-informed care, mental health support, and legal resources for victims. In addition, I will implement preventive measures through educational initiatives, stronger legislation, and community empowerment to foster inclusion, respect, and a safer San Francisco for all.
• Increase Representation in Public Safety: I am committed to ensuring our law enforcement officers reflect the diversity of San Francisco. By fully staffing the police department, I will dedicate walking officers to neighborhoods like Chinatown, SoMa, Vis Valley, Portola, the Richmond, and the Sunset, allowing them to build relationships with the communities they serve.
• Zero Tolerance in Family Zones: We need to protect the spaces where AAPI families live, work, and gather. As mayor, I will create family-friendly zones around schools and parks, where crime, drug use, and encampments will not be tolerated. These zones will be paired with enhanced services like street cleaning and community policing.
• Greater Transparency: As mayor, I will work closely with our District Attorney, Chief of Police, SFMTA General Manager, and the new Office of Victim and Witness Rights to ensure greater transparency when holding criminals accountable for their actions to earn back community trust.

Ensuring AAPI Representation in City Leadership

The AAPI community makes up 37% of San Francisco’s population, and as mayor, I will ensure that this community is fully represented in city government.

• AAPI Leadership in City Hall: I will appoint AAPI leaders to key positions in city departments and commissions. I am committed to ensuring that the voices of the AAPI community are heard and that they play an active role in shaping city policy.
• AAPI Liaison in the Mayor’s Office: I will appoint an AAPI Liaison within my office who will be solely responsible for ensuring that the AAPI community has a direct line to me. This individual will serve as the community’s advocate, ensuring that issues, concerns, and priorities are elevated and addressed promptly. This liaison will work closely with AAPI leaders, organizations, and residents to ensure that their voices are heard at the highest levels of city government.

Supporting AAPI Families and Quality Education

As a supporter of the Student Success Fund, I believe that education is key to creating opportunity for AAPI families. My administration will ensure that our public schools and community services work together to give AAPI and all children the best chance to succeed.

• Community Schools Model: I will work to fully realize the potential of the community schools model, integrating services like healthcare, nutrition, and after-school programs directly into schools, especially those serving AAPI families. I will ensure that local educators and communities are the ones driving how funds are allocated to meet the needs of their students.
• Support for SFUSD Families: With school closures on the horizon, it’s essential that impacted families receive their first choice of neighborhood schools. I will push for greater transparency and communication from SFUSD to ensure that families have the information they need and the support they deserve during these transitions.
• After-School and Summer Programs: I will ensure that every child has a spot in after-school and summer programs, which are crucial for working AAPI families. Expanding these programs, particularly on early dismissal days, will help parents balance work and family life.

Economic Development for AAPI Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of San Francisco, especially in AAPI neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Richmond, the Sunset, and Visitacion Valley. As mayor, I will support AAPI entrepreneurs by cutting red tape, improving access to financial support, and revitalizing commercial corridors.

• Cutting Red Tape for Small Businesses: I’ve long advocated for removing unnecessary permit restrictions and overhauling the city’s permitting process. As mayor, I will streamline city services to ensure that business owners can open and expand their businesses without facing needless bureaucratic hurdles. I will make the First Year Free program permanent, eliminating startup fees for new businesses.
• Financial Assistance: I will work to expand grant and loan programs to help small businesses thrive. My administration will offer property tax incentives for small property owners who lease space to small businesses, making it easier for AAPI entrepreneurs to find affordable, accessible commercial space.
• Community-Driven Economic Revitalization: Through initiatives like the Civic Joy Fund, which I co-founded, I’ve already helped revitalize AAPI commercial corridors with events like night markets. As mayor, I will continue investing in cultural hubs that support local businesses, drive foot traffic, and activate underused spaces. I’ve hosted roundtable discussions and supported initiatives like night markets in Chinatown and the Sunset, which have both activated community spaces and provided opportunities for AAPI small businesses.

Promoting AAPI Arts, Culture, and Nightlife

San Francisco’s AAPI community has a rich cultural legacy, and as mayor, I will ensure that artists, musicians, and cultural institutions have the support they need to thrive.

• Expand Zoning for Cultural Spaces: I will expand live/work zoning and repurpose vacant office spaces to provide affordable studios and rehearsal spaces for AAPI artists, musicians, and performers. This will activate underused spaces while ensuring that artists can afford to live and work in San Francisco.
• Increase Funding for Cultural Events: I will increase funding for cultural festivals like the Lunar New Year Parade, public murals, and performances that highlight the unique contributions of the AAPI community. I will also ensure that artists are paid a living wage and have more opportunities to showcase their work.
• Support for Small Creative Businesses: My administration will provide low-interest loans, grants, and tax incentives for small creative businesses, such as design firms, galleries, and indie publishers. These incentives will help support the arts economy in AAPI neighborhoods and create more opportunities for cultural expression.

Equitable Access for the AAPI Community

As mayor, I will work to ensure non-English speakers and especially low-income AAPI residents have full access to city services. This includes expanding multilingual support across all departments, affordable and supportive housing, rent relief, public transit, targeted financial aid, and homeless response services tailored to AAPI communities. By increasing language access in vital services like education, healthcare, and public safety, we will ensure the 42% of AAPI residents living in poverty can access the resources they need for a safer, more inclusive city.

As mayor, I will bring new energy and accountability to City Hall and make sure that the AAPI community has the support and representation it deserves. Together, we will create a safer, more vibrant San Francisco for all.