The San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women issued a call to action following the Commission Streamlining Task Force’s October 15, 2025, vote to downgrade the commission from a Charter-established Governance Commission to an Administrative Code Advisory Committee. The commission strongly objects to this decision, which would significantly diminish its authority, independence, and ability to protect and advance the rights and well-being of women, girls, and gender-nonconforming community members in San Francisco.
Established in 1975, the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women emerged from the women’s movement through the advocacy of leading local feminists. It was the first voter-established chartered Commission on the Status of Women in the United States and has served as a role model for many ever since.
A Moment of Crisis for Women’s Equity and Community Voice
The commission warns that this vote is part of a broader pattern revealing a troubling consolidation of authority in city government, diminishing community-led oversight at a moment when our country and local laws are rolling back equity, safety, and representation that remain urgent issues.
“San Francisco stands for equity, fairness, and justice. This decision threatens those very principles,” the commission states. “Women’s voices must be in direct power to affect change, not sidelined or reduced to advisory roles. Under this new proposal, the mayor would have the authority to hire and fire the director and remove and replace commissioners at will. The future of our city depends on inclusive, community-driven governance, not centralized authority that reduces transparency and accountability.”
Next Immediate Steps for the Community
Call to Action for Our Community:
1. We encourage individuals and organizations to circulate this information widely and to connect others who may wish to support ongoing advocacy efforts.
2. Please email, call, and meet directly with members of the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor’s Office to share your concerns. Urge city leaders to reject the proposal.
3. Attend the Mayor and President of the Board of Supervisor’s Charter Reform Working Group meetings, which are run by the Controller’s office:
Your voice, presence, and participation will be essential to protecting accountable and transparent governance.
Background: A Deeply Concerning Vote
This vote came amid the ongoing implementation of Proposition E, which voters approved in November 2024. Proposition E created the Commission Streamlining Task Force to evaluate all appointive boards, commissions, and public bodies, with authority to recommend consolidation, modification, or elimination of these entities.
On October 15, 2025, the Commission Streamlining Task Force, which did not include any community members, voted to strip the commission of its governance authority in a 4–1 vote. The votes were as follows:
In Favor (4): Mayor’s Office (Daniel Lurie), City Administrator’s Office (Carmen Chu), City Attorney’s Office (David Chiu), Controller’s Office (Greg Wagner);
Opposed (1): Board of Supervisors (San Francisco D1 – D11).
Proposed Changes to the Commission on the Status of Women
Under the Task Force’s recommendation, the commission would move from a Charter-established entity with governing authority to an advisory body without decision-making power. If approved by voters in 2026, these changes would eliminate the commission’s independence, reduce community oversight, and silence a critical platform that has served San Francisco for nearly 50 years.
Streamlining Commission Task Force Implementation Timeline
By February 1, 2026: Task Force final recommendations and report;
By March 1, 2026: City Attorney drafts Charter amendment language;
By April 1, 2026: Board of Supervisors holds hearing on the recommendations;
By July 2026: Board determines whether to place the Charter amendment on the November 2026 ballot. https://bit.ly/48WNpq0
Published on December 18, 2025
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