MAYOR LURIE LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO SAVE MUNI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2026
Contact: press@strongermuniforall.com
SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the Stronger Muni for All campaign was joined by Mayor Daniel Lurie and community members for a campaign kickoff at Mission Dolores Park. Together with Mayor Lurie, the campaign is being led by a broad coalition of San Franciscans across political, labor, business, and advocacy groups. The campaign will collect at least 10,600 signatures to place the measure on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot. The initiative will prevent catastrophic Muni service cuts and skyrocketing traffic congestion while securing the city’s economic recovery through a safer, more reliable, and more affordable transit system.
“To keep San Francisco’s comeback on track, we need a thriving public transit system,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Muni gets seniors to their appointments, students to school, and workers to their jobs. It is the lifeline that connects us. Deep cuts to Muni will make our city less affordable, halt our economic recovery, and fill our streets with more gridlock - costing families time and money. I’m inspired by the broad coalition that has come together to win this campaign and the regional measure, and ultimately ensure we have a Stronger Muni for All.”
The Stronger Muni for All Measure would establish a progressively structured parcel tax on commercial and residential properties. Under the proposal, 95% of single-family residences would pay just $129 annually, while large landowners and corporations pay more. Renters in rent-controlled units would pay no more than $65 annually.
The expiration of temporary state and federal funding, combined with the lingering impacts of the COVID-era economic downturn, has created a significant budget shortfall of $307 million. Without a dedicated funding source, San Francisco could face severe service cuts, including up to 20 bus routes canceled and doubled wait times, threatening the city’s economic rebound and daily mobility. San Francisco already faces the third-worst traffic congestion of any U.S. city. Major Muni cuts would push considerably more people into cars, worsening gridlock, commute times, and street safety for transit riders, motorists, and cyclists alike.
To keep San Francisco moving and make Muni Stronger for All, the measure establishes a fair and sustainable source of revenue of approximately $160 million per year to ensure Muni remains safe, reliable, and affordable. Revenue generated from the measure would be subject to strict oversight and accountability requirements, including financial efficiency reviews and a citizens oversight committee to ensure funds are spent on maintaining and improving Muni service.
“San Francisco’s economic recovery depends on a transit system that gets people to work, supports small businesses, and keeps downtown vibrant,” said Rodney Fong, a proponent of the initiative and President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. “When Muni is safe, reliable, and affordable, it fuels foot traffic, strengthens our workforce, and protects the tax base that funds essential city services. San Francisco’s business community is proud to support a Stronger Muni for All because reliable transit is essential to a thriving economy and a vibrant, growing city.”
Yesterday, Muni released its latest customer satisfaction survey, with 78% of riders rating Muni service as excellent or good, earning its highest scores in 25 years and continuing an upward trend and strong service performance. Ridership has rebounded to more than 75% of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays, and 92% on weekends.
Over the past year, Muni has also demonstrated a renewed focus on fiscal responsibility and operational improvements. Reforms have generated nearly $137 million in ongoing annual savings, including eliminating more than 500 vacant positions, consolidating operations, reducing unnecessary management positions, and improving efficiency to help buses move faster and more reliably.
The initiative's sponsors are public transit advocate Kat Siegal; Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce; and Tony Delorio, Principal Officer of Teamsters Local Union No. 665.