San Francisco mayor vows to take all along
Breed, 43, pledges to stand by immigrants and help drug addicts languishing on streets
The first black woman mayor of San Francisco made history on Wednesday as she took the oath of office and outlined an ambitious to-do list to make a city known for immense wealth but also homelessness more prosperous for all.
In her inauguration speech, London Breed promised to build more housing in a city that has a woefully inadequate supply for the number of high-paying tech-related jobs it creates. She pledged to address climate change, reform education and improve public transportation.
“We have to support our small businesses, we have to keep our communities safe, we have to continue to move San Francisco forward, but doing everything we cannot to leave one San Franciscan behind,” Breed said outside City Hall before at least 1,000 spectators.
Breed, 43, vowed to stand by immigrants fearing crackdowns from President Donald Trump’s administration and to help drug addicts languishing on city streets, unable to get the aid they need.
The new mayor grew up in public housing in the city and frequently talks about the tough love and support she received, especially from a grandmother who raised her but also teachers and civic leaders who spotted her potential. “I stand at this podium today because a community believed in me,” Breed said. “Here in the city of St. Francis, we support one another.”
After California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom administered the oath of office on the steps of City Hall, a line of well-wishers snaked outside the mayor’s office for a quick meet-and-greet with Breed.
Breed is only the second woman to serve as mayor.