Starting Monday, 8,000 additional San Francisco city workers will return to offices for at least four days a week. This move follows Mayor Daniel Lurie’s effort to bring city operations back to pre-pandemic levels.
Currently, 24,000 city employees, roughly 70% of the workforce, already work in-person five or more days each week. The new wave of employees will increase foot traffic in downtown areas and local businesses.
“Just to have that extra boost and foot traffic from them is going to be amazing,” said Juliane Roberts-Hansen, manager at Chao Pescao, a restaurant near City Hall. The business has been preparing for the return of city staff.
Roberts-Hansen said they are restocking the bar, batching prepared cocktails, and ensuring the kitchen is ready for more customers. “We want to make sure everything is prepared for the extra flow of business,” she added.
Mayor Lurie announced this plan in February, issuing a memo limiting city employees to only one remote workday each week. The goal is to bring staff presence closer to pre-pandemic levels.
The return of workers is expected to help transit agencies that are facing budget deficits. BART anticipates a $376 million shortfall by 2027, while Muni expects a $320 million gap by 2026.
Julie Kirschbaum, director of SFMTA, said the agency is ready to accommodate the returning workforce. “We have seen strong recovery in neighborhoods and schools, but downtown ridership remains low,” she said. “We are ready for the customers.”
To ease commuting, SFMTA plans to increase service. Additional trips will run on the 1 Express, 30X, and other busy routes to prevent crowding. Weekend and weekday ridership is recovering at 92% and 72% respectively.
BART also announced safety and cleanliness upgrades for returning commuters. “Those coming back to the office will see all new trains, fare gates, and more officers patrolling the platforms,” said BART spokesperson Alicia Trost.
City departments are coordinating to make the transition smooth and safe. SFPD Deputy Chief Jason Sawyer said traffic units will focus on high congestion corridors and school zones to prevent accidents and manage bicycle and pedestrian flow.
The return of office workers is part of a larger strategy to revive downtown activity, support small businesses, and strengthen public transportation revenues. Local restaurants and cafes are anticipating a significant increase in daytime customers.
Overall, city officials are confident that the phased return to office work will benefit both the municipal workforce and the wider community. The initiative also signals a shift toward hybrid work policies that balance office presence with some remote flexibility.
City residents and commuters can expect busier streets, improved transit schedules, and a more active downtown environment as more employees resume regular office routines.
