Freakonomics Radio Is San Francisco a Failed State? (And Other Questions You Shouldn’t Ask the Mayor)
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Jan 22, 2025 
London Breed, former mayor of San Francisco, dives into the city's ongoing challenges, emphasizing homelessness and crime while sharing personal resilience stories. Koleman Strumpf, an economist, humorously navigates the complexities of illicit markets like sports betting and cannabis, and contrasts traditional polling with prediction markets. Erik Brynjolfsson discusses the potential of AI as a human-centered tool, advocating for technology that enhances rather than replaces human ability. It's a dynamic conversation interweaving urban struggles and economic insights.
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Breed on SF's recovery
- Mayor London Breed reflects on her time in office, citing increased joy, reduced homelessness, and lower crime rates.
- She attributes the difficulty in her re-election campaign to the slow pace of government bureaucracy and public perception.
Breed's Path to Public Service
- London Breed discusses her challenging upbringing in public housing, marked by crime and hardship.
- She highlights her commitment to public service, driven by a desire to address the very issues she faced.
Working with Opposition
- London Breed emphasizes the importance of working with people you dislike.
- She prioritizes the needs of her constituents over personal feelings, stating that elected officials should focus on serving everyone.