Daniel Luries homeless reforms will finally deliver accountability

San Franciscans are battle-weary — amid endless pushes for tax increases and demands for “compassion” by homelessness activists.That’s why Mayor Daniel Lurie’s August 31 plan to require every homeless services provider contracting with the city to reapply and then be scrutinized is a breath of fresh air.It’s the first time in years City Hall has attached a price tag to the obvious.San Francisco spends as a system that absorbs other people’s money and keeps a permanent caseload.

It is a business model.The plan will not end homelessness.

So is it enough change for us to cheer?Lurie’s new plan mechanics are plain.For the next three years, the city’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing will open its contract portfolio back out to competition — about $500+ million a year — with new contract requirements demanding success.City Hall will pay for good results, and “redirect” money when a contract provider’s strategy fails.

That could bring accountability.Lurie’s plan rollout is phased over time so the city can’t be accused of cutting off clients cold turkey.This is not a purge, after all.

Rather, it’s the scheduled end to automatic service contract renewal.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story It may be the first honest and well-deserved upheaval in the homelessness industrial complex in memory.The existing system runs on mere manners.Previously, mayors and the Board of Supervisors (San Francisco’s City Council) treated service vendor renewals as impolite to discuss.Contracts counted intakes and invoices, not successful homelessness exits.

Don’t talk about performance.The city’s Prop C, a 2018 business surtax, locked spending into housing and services — and created a lobby that treats the tax as un...