On September 25, 2024 (Wednesday), hundreds of people gathered at Portsmouth Square in San Francisco’s Chinatown to show their support for Proposition B on the November ballot. The proposal aims to raise $390 million in public health bonds to restore public health facilities, renovate public spaces, improve street safety, and purchase new sites for homeless shelters.
This event attracted numerous political figures including Mayor London Breed, current and former city council members, as well as healthcare workers and elderly Asian residents, all united in supporting this initiative that would benefit the city’s public health.
Proposition B was placed on the ballot by Mayor Breed and City Council President Aaron Peskin, and was unanimously approved by all 11 city council members.
If Proposition B is passed by voters on November 5, approximately $205.1 million will be allocated to Chinatown for expanding and repairing public health facilities such as public health centers, Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFGH), and city clinics.
Additionally, $63 million will be used to redesign sidewalks and intersections to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow. Supporters of Proposition B emphasize that this measure will not increase property taxes, and existing debts will be offset by the issuance of new bonds without imposing additional tax burdens on residents.
The proposal has garnered strong support from City Council President Peskin and District 7 Councilmember Myrna Melgar. Peskin highlighted the importance of the proposal in renovating older medical facilities to address potential earthquake risks and public health crises. Melgar emphasized that Proposition B will also support the realization of a “vision zero” to eliminate pedestrian and traffic fatalities as part of a city-wide plan.
Furthermore, $71 million will be allocated for revitalizing and rejuvenating public spaces like Harvey Milk Plaza, Hallidie Plaza, and the cable car turnarounds at Powell Street. An additional $50 million will be used to acquire and refurbish facilities for homeless shelters.
In order to ensure the successful passage of Proposition B, participants at the rally are urging voters to support the proposal when they cast their votes in November. This will help make San Francisco’s public health facilities more resilient in the face of various challenges in the future.