San Francisco · Charter amendment · Nov 3, 2026
Proposition A: Charter changes affecting various city departments and commissions
Proposition A is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot in San Francisco. This page summarizes the official documents; every statement links to its source, and we take no position on how you should vote.
The question on your ballot
“Shall the City amend the Charter to align it with how some City departments currently operate, change some processes, eliminate or reorganize certain commissions and advisory bodies, and require the Board of Supervisors to amend voter-approved laws to enact some of these changes?”City Attorney letter to the Director of Elections: November 3, 2026 Ballot Questions · Aug 7, 2026
A YES vote means
A YES vote aligns the Charter with how some City departments operate, changes some processes, eliminates or reorganizes certain commissions and advisory bodies, and requires the Board to amend voter-approved laws.
What it takes to pass
This measure requires 50%+1 affirmative votes to pass.
The money
The Controller's statement says the amendment would have a moderate impact on the cost of government, saving $365,000 to $450,000 annually.
The Controller's statement says the amendment creates cost savings ranging from $365,000 to $450,000 annually by eliminating the Sanitation and Streets Commission, Public Works Commission, and the Street Artists and Craftsmen Examiners Advisory Committee.
The Controller's statement says removing the restriction on compensating Youth Commission members may lead to future costs, likely ranging from $5,000 to $85,000 annually, should policymakers seek compensation for the members.
How it got on the ballot
On July 14, 2026, the Board of Supervisors voted 9 to 2 to place Proposition A on the ballot.
The official arguments
These are the arguments filed with the county for the official voter guide. They are written by their authors, not by the city or by us. We summarize what each says, not whether it is accurate.
Argument in favor
Says the Charter contains outdated, duplicative and confusing provisions, and that Proposition A makes 110 fixes in four categories: outdated technology, wasteful duplication, commissions that serve no purpose, and confusing or badly worded laws.
Signed by Mayor Daniel Lurie; Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman; Supervisors Alan Wong, Bilal Mahmood, Chyanne Chen, Danny Sauter, Matt Dorsey, Myrna Melgar, Steven Sherrill; State Senator Scott Wiener; Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani; Assemblyman Matt Haney
Argument against
Says Proposition A removes commissions put in place by voters and would let the Board of Supervisors remove independent oversight of the 2018 Proposition C fund by majority vote, and that this reduces transparency and checks on government power.
Signed by Coalition on Homelessness
Read the official documents
Neighbor opinions
Where do you stand on Charter changes affecting various city departments and commissions?
Opinions from people who signed in. Not a poll, not a vote, and not our endorsement. We don't check where anyone lives. Your name is never shown.
Keep going on your San Francisco ballot
- Board of Supervisors, District 2: 4 candidates
- Board of Supervisors, District 4: 3 candidates
- Board of Supervisors, District 6: 2 candidates
- Board of Supervisors, District 8: 4 candidates
- Board of Supervisors, District 10: 10 candidates
- Proposition B: Municipal finance corporation and public bank
- Proposition C: Contributions to the Housing Trust Fund
- Proposition D: Changes to ballot measure process
- Proposition E: City Administrator's authority and changes to city contracting
- Proposition F: Changes to Executive Branch Management
- Proposition G: Allowing Private Vehicles on the Upper Great Highway in Sunset Dunes Park
- Proposition H: Parcel Tax to Fund Muni Operations
- Proposition I: Changes to Real Property Transfer Tax
- Proposition J: Removal of Foreclosure Exemption for Real Property Transfer Tax
- Take the 2-minute match quiz
- See my ballot plan
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