SF Mayor Daniel Lurie: City Improving Post Trump Deployment Controversy

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, recently at the center of a national conversation regarding urban safety and economic revitalization, stated in an interview with CNBC on Thursday that he experiences “pressure every day” to further improve the city for its residents and businesses.

The interview follows President Trump’s decision last week to reverse plans for a “federal surge” in San Francisco, which included a potential National Guard deployment. The proposition gained traction after Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff expressed support for federal intervention in an interview with the New York Times, a stance later echoed by Elon Musk and David Sacks.

While Mayor Lurie has maintained a more diplomatic approach with the Trump administration compared to California Governor Gavin Newsom, he has actively promoted San Francisco’s progress in both business development and crime reduction. His strategy focuses on leveraging data and public-private partnerships to reinforce his claims.

During Thursday’s broadcast, Lurie emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts, noting that significant challenges remain. “I felt that pressure in January, I feel it today,” Lurie said, addressing the expectations of the tech community. “I think they understand… when San Francisco is strong, America is strong.”

Lurie, who identifies as a moderate Democrat, highlighted data indicating the city’s post-pandemic recovery, particularly the impact of the artificial intelligence sector. CBRE data suggests that venture funding in 2025 is on track to surpass the record levels seen in 2021, largely attributed to AI-related investments within San Francisco and Silicon Valley. This influx of capital is not only bolstering the tech industry but driving a new wave of innovation and job creation within the region.

Furthermore, crime rates have reportedly decreased by 30% compared to 2024, while event bookings and tourism are experiencing a resurgence. The residential real estate market is tightening, and the commercial office market is showing signs of increased activity after a period of uncertainty.

“We have a lot of competition out there in the world, and we are on the rise,” Lurie asserted. “Anything that would have hindered that rise is something that we don’t need.” This statement reflects a broader strategy to attract investment, foster economic growth, and enhance the city’s competitive advantage on a global scale.

Lurie also emphasized the role of philanthropic commitments in supporting the city’s revitalization efforts, specifically in areas such as street cleaning and small business support. The San Francisco Downtown Development Corporation has successfully raised $50 million to date, surpassing its initial target of $40 million. This funding is being strategically deployed to address critical challenges and create a more vibrant and welcoming urban environment.

The overarching goal is to foster a recovery that benefits all sectors, including both the thriving tech industry and the city’s diverse range of small businesses. “What we’re trying to build here is a broad-based recovery at City Hall,” Lurie explained. “Our job is to create the conditions so that not only these [tech] companies can succeed, but our restaurants and small businesses can succeed. We’re stripping away red tape. We’re telling everybody that we’re open for business. We want you here, and we want you to be part of the community.”