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Office of the City Administrator March 2026 Newsletter
The City Administrator’s Office is dedicated to improving how San Francisco government serves the public. We are excited to share some of our latest work and to provide you with information about events and workshops happening this month! Read more below.
City Administrator Carmen Chu featured on “I Left My Podcast in San Francisco”
New from SFGovTV, “I Left My Podcast in San Francisco” highlights the people and stories shaping our local government. Golden State Warriors Hypeman Franco Finn sits down with City Administrator Chu as she shares her personal journey—from her family’s immigrant roots to leading some of the City’s most complex public service operations. Tune in as they talk resilience, representation, food, and what it really takes to keep San Francisco running.
Watch the podcast on YouTube: Carmen Chu: The Heart Behind City Hall
Apply for select City permits online
You can now apply for several types of City permits online! Whether you’re planning a special event, replacing a window, or upgrading a fire alarm system, PermitSF offers a centralized way to start the process.
Implemented by the Department of Technology, DataSF, and Digital Services, the online portal now allows you to submit plans, communicate with staff, track the status of your application, and manage inspections, all in one place.
Commission Streamlining Task Force introduces reform ordinance
The Commission Streamlining Task Force has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening and modernizing San Francisco’s commission system. Approved by voters in 2024, Proposition E authorized the Task Force to conduct a year‑long review of the City’s public bodies and submit legislation reflecting its recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
The proposed ordinance aims to standardize how commissions operate, aligning appointment processes, clarifying authority, improving transparency, and enhancing accountability across the City’s boards and commissions.
Enhancing emergency response through fire station network upgrades
San Francisco’s Fire Stations are now operating on a faster and more reliable fiber network following recent upgrades completed by the Department of Technology.
These enhancements increase network speed and bandwidth to better support the City’s Computer Aided Dispatch system, enabling Fire Department personnel to receive critical information more efficiently and respond to emergencies more quickly.
The upgraded network also improves the reliability of real‑time operational updates, strengthening overall emergency response capabilities citywide.
Expanding internet access in Chinatown
The Department of Technology this month completed upgrades to the #SFWiFi network in Chinatown, delivering free, high-speed internet service along Grant Avenue at the height of San Francisco’s Lunar New Year celebrations.
In addition to the extension of wi-fi along Grant Avenue from Bush Street to Broadway, the City installed high speed fiber internet in Chinatown’s Ping Yuen buildings, connecting 234 families to quality, reliable network service through the Fiber to Housing Program.
These enhancements strengthen internet access for residents and deepen the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting connectivity in all communities.
Supporting our immigrant communities
Are you a small business or nonprofit in the Bay Area? Join the SF Immigrant Forum for a virtual “Know Your Rights” training for Small Businesses & Non-Profits on Wednesday, March 25.
The SF Immigrant Forum hosts virtual webinars to share resources with service providers who work with immigrant communities in San Francisco. This workshop is presented by OCEIA in partnership with Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area. All are welcome to attend this training.
The San Francisco Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) continues to work closely with local service providers to help immigrant communities connect with resources and information.
Resources
- Access Immigrant Services and Resources
- Find upcoming free citizenship workshops
- Attend a free work permit clinic
- Learn about making a financial emergency plan
- Share multilingual PSAs for immigrant communities
If you or someone you know has an interaction with federal enforcement and needs immediate legal support, call the community-led Rapid Response Hotline at (415) 200-1458.
Treasure Island receives new grant for affordable housing
This month, the Board of Supervisors approved a $45M grant to fund affordable housing and transportation infrastructure development projects on Treasure Island.
These projects will add 150 units of housing to the Island, including 58 units of affordable housing and 30 units for transitional housing. This grant will also be dedicated to supporting electric ferry operations and developing new bus shelters, park spaces, bikeways, and pedestrian walkways.
The grant funds, provided by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, are awarded to projects that will develop sustainable infrastructure and contribute to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit returns May 6th
Join the SF Entertainment Commission, City officials, community leaders, and industry peers for the SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit on Wed, May 6, at 11:00am - 4:00pm.
The SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit brings together industry leaders and City partners to discuss key issues facing the nightlife and entertainment community and explore ways we can continue strengthening San Francisco’s vibrant entertainment ecosystem. Admission is free and open to the public.