On January 29, 2025, the Mayor’s Office of San Francisco announced significant progress regarding the “Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance.” The ordinance has received support from City Council President Rafael Mandelman and unanimous recommendation from the Budget and Finance Committee for consideration in the full council meeting.
The ordinance aims to address the escalating fentanyl crisis in San Francisco by expediting law enforcement actions, enhancing public health measures, and increasing resources to combat fentanyl abuse.
There are six joint proposers of the “Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance,” including more than half of the City Council members, ensuring its passage at the full council meeting.
Apart from City Council President Mandelman, the other five joint proposers are Council members Matt Dorsey, Joel Engardio, Bilal Mahmood, Danny Sauter, and Stephen Sherrill.
In the afternoon of the 29th, the Budget and Finance Committee voted 3-0 in support of the ordinance and recommended it to the full council meeting.
The ordinance is scheduled for its initial review and vote at the full council meeting on February 4. If approved, it will proceed to a second and final vote.
Furthermore, on the morning of the 29th, the “Mothers Against Drug Addiction & Deaths,” San Francisco Recovery Coalition, and other community leaders held a rally in support of the ordinance.
Mayor Lo Wei stated, “Every day, individuals in the streets of San Francisco struggle with addiction.” By promoting the “Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance,” the city government is no longer ignoring the issue but treating the fentanyl crisis as a genuine emergency. This marks a new era in City Hall. “Today and every day in the future, we will collaborate with President Mandelman, the five joint proposers, and all council members to seek consensus, take proactive measures, and address the issues affecting San Francisco residents.”
City Council President Mandelman expressed his support for the reforms led by the Mayor, emphasizing that the council will retain oversight to ensure the effectiveness of the response measures. “I look forward to working with Mayor Lo Wei and his team to advance policies, help revitalize San Francisco, and return our public spaces to all citizens,” he said.