Uncanny Valley | WIRED BIG INTV: San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie: ‘We Are a City on the Rise’
Dec 9, 2025
Daniel Lurie, the dynamic Mayor of San Francisco and former nonprofit leader, dives into the city's revival strategies. He reflects on the dramatic crime drops and his efforts to engage with local CEOs for a business-friendly environment. Lurie shares insights into his plans for denser housing and streamlined approvals for small businesses. He also discusses the impact of AI on city culture and how he successfully kept the National Guard at bay, all while aiming to make San Francisco a top global city again.
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What Pushed Him To Run
- Daniel Lurie recounts walking his kids to school and deciding to run after seeing worsening street conditions in San Francisco.
- He left philanthropy to serve the city because he felt the system was broken and needed an outsider's leadership.
Recovery Is Multifactorial
- Lurie credits San Francisco's turnaround to many factors including an AI boom, returning small businesses, and new city leadership.
- He insists leadership matters but frames success as a team effort across departments.
Meet More, Push Harder
- Lurie restructured city management to meet more frequently and drive accountability across 59 departments.
- He tells department heads he's proud but not satisfied, demanding relentless progress on public safety and services.