Major Events in San Francisco

Mayor Breed oversaw a number of landmark civic projects and major events that shaped the future of San Francisco. These ranged from major infrastructure public projects like the renovation of San Francisco Airport and Central Subway, the opening of Chase Center, hosting the international Asia Pacific Economic Summit, and saving Laguna Honda Hospital.

These kinds of major efforts mark milestones in a Mayor’s time in office and present an opportunity to lead and create lasting legacies through the City. These are just a few examples of that kind of leadership.

Laguna Honda Hospital

For more than 150 years, Laguna Honda Hospital (LHH) has been a pillar of San Francisco’s healthcare system, caring for those most in need and providing critical services during pivotal moments in San Francisco’s history, including the 1906 earthquake, the 1918 flu pandemic, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Laguna Honda represents the largest commitment by any city or county to a publicly run skilled nursing facility, serving approximately 700 (pre-decertification) residents. Laguna Honda is a safety net for residents with complex medical needs who are low or very low income and often have no other options for care. Many residents have complicated chronic medical needs along with behavioral health components (such as diagnosed mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders) and other social or behavior issues.

In April of 2022, the future of Laguna Honda was in jeopardy when the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) terminated Laguna Honda’s participation in the Medicare and Medicaid Provider Programs, effectively eliminating the only way Laguna Honda residents could pay for the care they receive at Laguna Honda.

Through Mayor Breed’s leadership, the City and County of SF responded with a coordinated and heroic fight that put the health and wellbeing of residents at the center.

CMS effectively told Laguna Honda to prepare to close, directing them to begin transferring residents to other facilities, including outside of San Francisco and even the state. The San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, on behalf of the City and Laguna Honda, filed a complaint in federal court to prevent CMS from cutting off Laguna Honda’s Medicare and Medicaid funding. As a result of that lawsuit, CMS agreed to a settlement, which extended funding, paused involuntary resident transfers, and established a framework for Laguna Honda to make extensive systemic improvements that would allow the facility to recertify in Medicare and Medicaid.

Laguna Honda made extensive facility-wide improvements to meet the rigorous regulatory requirements and timelines set by CMS. All aspects of the facility were scrutinized, from resident care to security. An extensive analysis of the root causes of Laguna Honda decertification led the team to develop a facility-wide recertification plan with nearly 1,000 action items. This plan represented an immense amount of work with no stone left unturned, from a new medicine cart system to updated fire alarms and from paving projects to an expanded resident council. Every month Laguna Honda documented a detailed progress report on the improvement work and submitted it to CMS with a third party onsite to validate.

Mayor Breed’s frequent presence at Laguna Honda, visiting units, connecting with frontline staff, and providing uplifting messages at all staff events were a major boost to staff and residents and steadying force during turbulent times. Mayor Breed collaborated with local, state, and federal leaders on an aligned strategy to support Laguna Honda’s recertification, ensuring a strong and united front on behalf of the facility. Through meetings with leaders nationwide, including with the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Mayor Breed kept Laguna Honda front and center, applying pressure, showcasing urgency, and making clear the importance of Laguna Honda to vulnerable San Franciscans.

Mayor Breed hosted Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for an impactful tour of Laguna Honda, which marked the Secretary’s first time on campus. During the tour, he visited the Spanish-language unit, met with frontline staff and union partners, and saw firsthand the improvement work taking place.

The hard work paid off and in August 2022, Laguna Honda successfully recertified in Medicaid, which restored 95% of the funding for resident care, with Medicare recertification anticipated in the near future.

Laguna Honda continues to see the impacts of the improvement work in tangible ways. Over the course of three major facility-wide surveys, Laguna Honda demonstrated clear improvement. In the CMS Monitoring Survey from December 2022, Laguna Honda had 42 health inspection deficiencies. In the CMS Monitoring Survey from August 2023, the number dropped to 20, dropping again to 15 health inspection deficiencies in December 2023. Surveyors again visited in April of 2024 for a revisit survey for the December 2023 Medicare Certification Survey and preliminary findings show zero deficiencies related to the Medicare Certification Survey. This is remarkable for a facility of Laguna Honda’s size.

Through Mayor Breed’s advocacy in partnership with the dedicated staff of Laguna Honda, the City and County was able to preserve Laguna Honda for the people who call Laguna Honda home today and for generations of future San Franciscans.

In fighting for Laguna Honda, the City secured more than $200 million of annual federal funding, prevented the displacement of nearly 700 residents, 70% of whom identity as people of color, and helped ensure approximately 2,000 city workers retained their positions.

San Francisco Hosts APEC 2023

In November 2023, San Francisco proudly hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week, marking a pivotal moment for the city as a global hub for diplomacy, innovation, and economic collaboration. Bringing together leaders from 21 member economies, APEC 2023 served as a forum for advancing critical discussions on trade, sustainability, and shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

This was not the first time San Francisco played host to world-shaping events. From the signing of the United Nations Charter in 1945 to the Global Climate Action Summit in 2018, the city has a long history of fostering international dialogue. APEC 2023 was a continuation of that legacy, showcasing San Francisco as a city of ideas, diversity, and innovation.

San Francisco’s role in hosting APEC 2023 went beyond being a venue. Under Mayor London Breed’s leadership, the City worked tirelessly to ensure that this historic gathering not only elevated critical global issues but also benefited San Francisco residents and businesses. Months of preparation involved coordination across all levels of government, extensive public safety measures, and a robust plan to highlight local communities, businesses, and cultural landmarks to an international audience.

The City welcomed world leaders, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and leaders from Canada, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea, among others. High-level meetings and events were held at iconic San Francisco locations, including the Moscone Center and the Golden Gate Park Conservatory of Flowers, showcasing the city’s unique blend of natural beauty and urban innovation.

Mayor Breed played a central role in ensuring that APEC 2023 reflected San Francisco’s values. By spotlighting initiatives in clean energy, equity, and technology, San Francisco presented itself as a city committed to addressing global challenges. Mayor Breed also emphasized partnerships with local small businesses and community organizations to maximize economic benefits and ensure that neighborhoods across the city felt the positive impacts of hosting such a significant event.

Beyond the meetings, APEC 2023 brought direct benefits to San Francisco, including an estimated $53 million in local economic activity. Thousands of visitors stayed in hotels, dined at restaurants, and explored the city’s cultural and historical landmarks, driving business to local vendors. The event also created temporary jobs and bolstered international tourism, leaving a lasting impression of San Francisco as a premier destination for global events.

APEC 2023 was not without challenges, including ensuring security for world leaders and managing disruptions to everyday life. However, San Francisco’s preparation and collaboration across agencies ensured a seamless event that balanced global diplomacy with local impact.

Through APEC 2023, San Francisco reaffirmed its place on the world stage, demonstrating its capacity to host events of the highest caliber while fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration. This milestone was a testament to the city’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to shaping a better future for the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

Central Subway Project

The Central Subway Project represents a transformative milestone for San Francisco’s transit system, improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and fostering equitable access across neighborhoods. Spanning years of planning, design, and construction, the project culminated in the opening of a 1.7-mile extension of the Muni Metro T Third Line in November 2022. This state-of-the-art subway line links Chinatown, Union Square, and SoMa, three vibrant areas of San Francisco that now enjoy faster, more reliable transit.

The Central Subway Project was conceived as a solution to the challenges of an ever-growing urban population, limited transit capacity, and the need for sustainable transportation options. Funded by a combination of local, state, and federal dollars, including support from the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program, the $1.95 billion project is one of the largest public infrastructure investments in San Francisco’s history.

This bold vision sought to achieve more than just moving people — it aimed to reconnect communities historically divided by infrastructure and ensure that all residents, including those in traditionally underserved areas, have access to critical transit options.

The Central Subway includes four new stations: Chinatown-Rose Pak Station, Union Square/Market Street Station, Yerba Buena/Moscone Station, and 4th and Brannan Station. Each station reflects the unique character of its surrounding neighborhood, with public art and architectural features celebrating San Francisco’s diversity and culture.

Constructing the subway presented engineering challenges, such as tunneling beneath densely populated neighborhoods and active transit lines. Crews used cutting-edge tunneling equipment and methods, such as Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) nicknamed “Big Alma” and “Mom Chung,” to dig beneath San Francisco’s streets without disrupting daily life above ground.

The Central Subway is more than an infrastructure project — it’s a commitment to equity. By connecting Chinatown to the broader transit network, the project supports one of San Francisco’s most vibrant but historically underserved communities. For many residents, the subway offers a faster, more affordable, and accessible way to travel to jobs, healthcare, and schools.

The subway is also a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as it encourages public transit use over cars. By offering a reliable, efficient alternative to driving, the Central Subway helps advance San Francisco’s climate goals and supports a more sustainable future.

Like many large infrastructure projects, the Central Subway faced delays and budget adjustments, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions. However, under Mayor London Breed’s leadership, the City maintained a focus on delivering the project with an unwavering commitment to quality and community benefit.

The Central Subway is already driving economic growth in the neighborhoods it serves. The new stations have created opportunities for small businesses, attracted new visitors, and supported local jobs. The project’s opening also marks a key moment in revitalizing downtown San Francisco by making it easier for residents and visitors to access shopping, cultural institutions, and entertainment.

Through the Central Subway Project, San Francisco has expanded its world-class transit system and reaffirmed its commitment to connectivity, sustainability, and equity. By reducing travel times, fostering economic vitality, and promoting environmentally friendly transportation, the Central Subway will serve as a backbone for San Francisco’s transit network for decades to come.

The project exemplifies the City’s ability to tackle ambitious challenges and deliver meaningful improvements for residents, businesses, and visitors alike — leaving a legacy of connection and opportunity for future generations.

Chase Center Opening

The opening of Chase Center in September 2019 marked a transformative moment for San Francisco, elevating the city’s profile as a premier destination for sports, entertainment, and community engagement. Home to the Golden State Warriors, this state-of-the-art arena anchors the Mission Bay neighborhood and serves as a hub for world-class events, economic vitality, and local pride.

Chase Center represents years of planning and collaboration, bringing to life the vision of a modern, multipurpose arena that would serve as more than just a sports venue. Developed through a partnership between the Golden State Warriors, the City of San Francisco, and the local community, the $1.6 billion project transformed 11 acres of underutilized land into a dynamic cultural destination. The arena’s innovative design includes 18,000 seats, cutting-edge technology, and an inviting exterior that integrates seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood. Adjacent to Chase Center is Thrive City, a bustling outdoor plaza featuring restaurants, shops, and public gathering spaces designed to make the area a year-round destination for locals and visitors.

The Chase Center officially opened its doors on September 6, 2019, with a performance by Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony, setting the tone for the arena’s future as a world-class entertainment venue. In October 2019, the Golden State Warriors played their first regular-season game in their new home, ushering in a new era for the team and its fans. Chase Center quickly established itself as a marquee destination, hosting performances by Elton John, Billie Eilish, and Lizzo, alongside iconic sports events like the NBA Finals. The arena’s schedule reflects its commitment to offering diverse programming that caters to a wide range of audiences.

The opening of Chase Center has been a significant economic catalyst for San Francisco. The project generated thousands of construction jobs and continues to provide employment opportunities through its operations. Thrive City has become a hub for small businesses, boosting local entrepreneurship and fostering a vibrant, walkable environment. In addition to its economic benefits, Chase Center plays a key role in community building. The Golden State Warriors Community Foundation, in partnership with the City, has supported initiatives in education, health, and youth sports, ensuring that the arena’s success benefits all San Franciscans. Public art installations and free programming at Thrive City further reflect Chase Center’s mission to enrich the cultural fabric of the city.

The project faced its share of challenges, including logistical complexities and community concerns about traffic and housing. Through extensive outreach and collaboration, the City and the Warriors developed a comprehensive transportation plan and invested in public transit improvements, ensuring smooth access to the arena.

Chase Center is more than just an arena — it’s a symbol of San Francisco’s ambition, innovation, and community spirit. By blending world-class design, entertainment, and public engagement, the venue has solidified its place as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and economic landscape. With Chase Center, San Francisco has created a space that connects people through unforgettable experiences, celebrates the city’s diversity, and sets the stage for a future of shared excitement and possibility. For generations to come, Chase Center will stand as a testament to what can be achieved through vision, partnership, and a commitment to excellence.

Entertainment Zones: A First in California

In June 2024, San Francisco became the first city in California to establish official Entertainment Zones, aiming to revitalize downtown areas, support local businesses, and enhance the city’s cultural vibrancy. These zones allow bars, restaurants, wineries, and breweries to sell alcoholic beverages to-go during designated hours, enabling patrons to enjoy drinks outdoors in plazas, sidewalks, or streets while experiencing live music and other creative programming.

The inaugural Entertainment Zone debuted on Front Street between California and Sacramento streets, hosting events like “Nightmare on Front Street,” a Halloween celebration featuring live music, games, and costume contests. Building on this success, Mayor London N. Breed and Supervisor Matt Dorsey introduced legislation in September 2024 to create four additional zones in Mid-Market, Maiden Lane, Mark Lane and Harlan Place, and Thrive City, with potential launches as early as December 2024.

These initiatives, authorized under California Senate Bill 76, are designed to boost economic activity, support local businesses, and create festive neighborhood atmospheres. Both Senator Wiener and Mayor Breed played key roles in the creation of these zones, with Senator Wiener authoring California Senate Bill 76 and Mayor Breed serving as a co-sponsor. By fostering vibrant public spaces and supporting the entertainment and nightlife sectors, San Francisco’s Entertainment Zones contribute to the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement and economic vitality.

SFO Expansion

The expansion of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) represents a bold investment in its future as a global transportation hub, ensuring the airport meets growing demand while enhancing passenger experience, sustainability, and innovation. As the primary gateway to the Bay Area, SFO serves millions of travelers annually, making these upgrades essential to maintaining its world-class status.

These expansion continued under Mayor Breed’s leadership even during the pandemic. Despite challenges such as budget adjustments and maintaining operations during construction, SFO has delivered significant improvements through careful planning and phased implementation. These efforts ensure minimal disruption to passengers while creating a seamless, modern travel experience.

At the center of the expansion is the $2.4 billion redevelopment of Terminal 1, known as the Harvey Milk Terminal, which includes 25 gates, advanced security systems, and a focus on passenger comfort. Named in honor of Harvey Milk, the terminal reflects San Francisco’s values of inclusivity and civil rights leadership. Other major upgrades include the $1 billion AirTrain extension and the addition of the on-site Grand Hyatt Hotel, which together streamline connections between terminals, car rentals, and lodging.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project. SFO has achieved carbon-neutral operations and integrated energy-efficient systems, solar power, and water recycling into its facilities. These initiatives establish the airport as a leader in environmentally responsible aviation while supporting San Francisco’s broader climate goals.

The expansion also strengthens SFO’s role as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region and a key driver of the local economy. Enhanced facilities, from upgraded lounges to diverse dining and retail options, reflect San Francisco’s cultural vibrancy while supporting tourism, business travel, and long-term employment opportunities.

The SFO expansion underscores San Francisco’s forward-thinking spirit, blending innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity. It positions the airport to serve generations of travelers as more than a transportation hub — SFO is a gateway to opportunity and the embodiment of the city’s ambition and resilience.