Opinion: The Six Biggest Challenges Facing San Francisco - And What Washington Can Actually Do

While a student at Stanford in the early 1980s, I served as a U.S. Coast Guard reservist at Station Fort Point in San Francisco's Presidio. As a Second Class Boatswain's Mate, I performed search and rescue operations on the often treacherous waters of the San Francisco Bay. That experience gave me a deep love for this city and taught me that public service must be measured by real results.

As San Francisco's representative in Congress, I will work aggressively to secure federal funding and push for practical legislation to address the city's most pressing problems. After nearly 40 years of one-party rule, residents deserve better.

Here are the six major crises facing San Francisco that require significant federal involvement:

1. The Homelessness and Fentanyl Crisis

San Francisco spends between $100,000 and $300,000 per homeless person annually, yet visible encampments and fentanyl deaths remain tragically common.

Solution: Shift federal funding priorities toward mandatory treatment for severe addiction and mental illness, paired with housing that includes clear accountability.

2. The Housing Affordability Crisis

The Six Biggest Challenges Facing San Francisco - And What Washington Can Do

Working families, teachers, and young people are being priced out of the city they love.

Solution: Support federal incentives and regulatory reform to dramatically increase housing supply while reducing excessive mandates that drive up costs.

3. The Looming Budget Shortfall

Federal funding cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and housing programs are worsening San Francisco's massive budget deficit.

Solution: Restore responsible federal support while demanding far greater efficiency and results from local spending.

4. Public Safety and Retail Theft

Organized retail theft, smash-and-grabs, and open drug dealing continue to damage neighborhoods and small businesses.

Solution: Support targeted federal grants for public safety and stronger tools to combat fentanyl trafficking and organized crime.

5. The Tech Talent and Business Exodus

San Francisco's economic engine is under threat as companies and talented workers leave due to high costs, crime, disorder, and government hostility.

Solution: Promote federal tax and regulatory policies that encourage innovation and help make the city more attractive for businesses to stay and grow.

6. Infrastructure and Climate Resilience

Aging transit systems, vulnerable seawalls, and earthquake preparedness all require substantial federal investment.

Solution: Secure long-term federal infrastructure funding to protect San Francisco from future disasters.

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful and innovative cities in the world. Its people should not have to accept failure as inevitable. With fresh leadership willing to demand results over ideology, we can finally secure the federal resources and smart policy changes this city desperately needs.

The only good reason to serve in Congress is to make life easier for the people back home. I am committed to doing exactly that. This election is not about left versus right. It is about results versus rhetoric. San Francisco voters deserve a genuine choice - and a representative who will fight to make life easier for the people who actually live here.

David Ganezer is the longtime publisher of the Santa Monica Observer and the Republican candidate for California's 11th Congressional District. Donate to the Campaign here.