6:15ABC News’ Jonathan Karl talks with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie at the San Francisco Ferry Building.Julia Cherner/ABC News
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie asserts that his city is experiencing a turnaround following years marked by elevated crime rates, a pervasive drug crisis, and a departure of businesses.
"Our progressive values somewhat overshadowed common sense," Lurie remarked to "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl during his first network interview since taking office a year ago.
A political newcomer and a descendant of the Levi Strauss legacy, Lurie was elected in the fourteenth round of ranked-choice voting in 2024, defeating incumbent London Breed by 10 points. He campaigned on a commitment to enhance public safety and rejuvenate the city, which has notably struggled to recover post-COVID pandemic.
Currently, both property and violent crime rates have decreased, and some retail establishments are making a comeback, according to Lurie. San Francisco is "a city that has regained its positive energy," he stated.
"We strayed as a city," Lurie continued. "I believe we deviated from the fundamentals of governance. Now, if you come to San Francisco to commit a crime, we’re going to apprehend you and we’re going to hold you accountable."
Lurie highlighted the 44% decrease in motor vehicle thefts, which surged in the city post-pandemic.
"There’s nothing progressive about car break-ins. You could drive for blocks and see shattered car windows everywhere," Lurie added. "Over the past year, we’ve reached a 22-year-low in terms of car break-ins. We have fundamentally altered the situation and how people perceive it."
ABC News’ Jonathan Karl engages with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie at the San Francisco Ferry Building.Julia Cherner/ABC News
The moderate Democrat has garnered favorable polling numbers — his approval rating reached 73% in July among registered voters in San Francisco, according to a San Francisco Chronicle poll.
During their in-person discussion, Karl and Lurie traversed the city’s North Beach neighborhood, where locals expressed their gratitude to the mayor for his efforts and requested selfies. "Best mayor ever!" one woman exclaimed as the cameras rolled.
Crime rates fell by 25% in 2025, based on police data, although the city continues to face challenges with open-air drug markets. Lurie has ramped up police efforts but recognized that there remains progress to be made.
In this Oct. 29, 2025, file photo, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie addresses an audience during an event in San Francisco.Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch, FILE
Another promise Lurie made during his campaign was to tackle the issue of homelessness and the shortage of affordable housing. One of his significant legislative achievements last year was the passage of his Family Zoning Plan, which permits taller and denser housing on the northern and western sides of the city. He has also reported the lowest count of homeless tents in San Francisco since 2019.
He noted that homelessness is linked to the fentanyl crisis, which he claimed caught San Francisco "off guard."
"We kept placing individuals with addictions into shelters, into housing, without providing support," Lurie stated. "We’ve altered our strategy regarding this in San Francisco over the past year. We’re no longer merely distributing drug supplies and allowing people to harm themselves on the streets."
Lurie has collaborated with the business sector to enhance city initiatives, such as announcing private funding for new shelter beds and revitalizing the downtown area.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com