Mayor James Coleman is making South City work for you!
Issues, Results and Vision
Homegrown Leadership We Can Count On!
Experience matters, and over the past 4 years, James’ leadership has made South San Francisco into a city of “firsts.” From being the first to pass a Childcare Master plan in the County to being the first to pass a $5 Hazard Pay ordinance for our essential workers during the pandemic, South San Francisco is a leader in addressing many of the pressing issues that our communities face today.
Over the past 4 years, the City of South San Francisco has made record investments into affordable homes ($20+ million), road and infrastructure improvements ($40+ million), childcare ($9 million), and parks and recreation ($18+ million). James will continue to work hard to improve the lives of everyday families throughout South City.
Since Day 1, James has refused all campaign contributions from corporations and private developers, ensuring that his decisions are accountable to the people, and not corporate special interests.
Born and raised in South San Francisco, James understands the issues that our working families face because he has lived it himself. James will continue to work tirelessly to make South City work for all of our working families and seniors, leaving no one behind. He is not afraid to propose big ideas, have spirited discussions, make tough decisions, and try new things.
Affordable Neighborhoods
Results
Invested $20 million into affordable homes for workers & seniors, with $85 million in the pipeline.
Received $28 million infrastructure grant for affordable homes in SSF
Passed county’s first ballot measure authorizing city to preserve existing affordable homes
South San Francisco officially recognized by Governor Gavin Newsom, putting South San Francisco first in line for state funding for affordable housing and infrastructure. South San Francisco has already been awarded over $800,000 to preserve existing affordable homes because of this.
Cut the ribbon to 150 affordable homes, with 200+ more in the pipeline.
Vision
James believes fundamentally that everyone deserves a safe, warm, and affordable place to call home in South City.
There is an alarming trend—Unhoused seniors are the fastest growing homeless population in San Mateo County. 4 in 10 individuals who become homeless are slipping into homelessness for the first time in their lives past the age of 55. The rising costs of living for seniors are exacerbated by fixed incomes, health emergencies, the loss of a spouse, and limited affordable housing options.
Whether you are a growing family, a retiring senior, a young person looking to start a family, homeowner, or renter, James believes that everyone in South City deserves a safe, stable, and dignified place to live—and it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Addressing and Preventing Homelessness
Results
$400,000 towards an anti-displacement plan
$250,000 invested into emergency rental assistance for South City families
Received $20 million for Permanent Supportive Housing to address homelessness
James will:
Focus on creating homes near public transit and walkable communities, to minimize impact on traffic and congestion.
Get our city more directly involved in the creation and financing of affordable homes, so we can guarantee affordability and maximize community benefits.
Work to prevent the displacement and wrongful evictions of longtime families.
Create workforce housing for our city’s teachers, firefighters, and other city workers.
Prioritize South City residents and workers when new affordable housing is created.
Vision
Homelessness is a complex issue that cities all across California are facing that requires collaboration between multiple agencies and non profits. James believes in tackling the homelessness crisis head on—from creating more shelter space and permanent supportive housing, to expanding resources for mental health, substance abuse, and job training programs.
However, we must also address the root causes of homelessness. If 10 unhoused people who exit homelessness are replaced with 10 more, then we are still left with the same problem. James will work to create more affordable neighborhoods and protect our longtime residents from displacement—so families stay safely housed with a roof over their heads.
Keeping South City Safe
Results
Embedded a mental health professional within our emergency first response
Partnered with CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) to provide free training to South City Businesses on how to detect and respond to domestic violence.
Plans to create a new state-of-the-art fire station in Buri Buri
Launched Project Guardian Program and Community Camera Assistance Program
Invested in new technologies like Automatic License Plate Readers to help prevent and solve crime.
Crime has gone down:
12% Reduction in stolen vehicles
43% Reduction in Commercial Burglaries & Attempts
12% Reduction in Vehicle Burglaries
62% Reduction in Catalytic Converter Thefts
16% Increase in Getting Illegal Firearms off our streets
Vision
South City is a safe community with talented emergency first responders. James has a holistic view of public safety– the safest communities are those with the best resources and infrastructure, inclusive of police, fire, education, traffic, mental healthcare, and job programs. James will work to keep South City safe, and make sure all of our public safety departments have the staffing, resources, and technologies to do their jobs best and keep our communities safe.
That’s why James is the ONLY candidate endorsed by current public safety officials: San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus, and the SSF Firefighters Union (IAFF1507)
James will:
Continue to invest in technologies and programs proven to prevent crime, and keep our neighborhoods safe.
Fully fund the construction of new state-of-the-art Fire Station for Buri Buri
Continue to invest in mental health, substance abuse, and job training programs
Quality Childcare and Education
Results
Allocated $9 million for new SSF Childcare center in Westborough
Created San Mateo County’s first ever Childcare Master Plan
Created City Childcare Committee to implement portions of the Childcare Master Plan
Vision
Education does not start at Kindergarten and end after high school. James believes that all of our children deserve the highest quality care and education starting at birth, all the way towards high school and beyond. While education is mainly a responsibility of our local SSFUSD school board, James understands that collaboration between the city and schools is key to ensuring the best outcomes for all of our growing families.
James will:
Continue to invest in expanding our city’s childcare and afterschool care programs.
World Class Parks and Infrastructure
Results
Invested $40+ million into road improvements
Brought new free shuttle line to SSF, connecting Westborough to Avalon Park, Buri Buri, Serra Highlands, and BART.
Opened NEW Orange Park baseball and soccer fields, with rainwater capture system
Opened NEW Library + Parks and Rec Center
Started construction on TWO new pools at Orange Park
Invested $18.5+ million into park improvements
Brentwood Park Reforestation - $600,000
NEW Linden Park - $5.5 million
Clay Park Resurfacing - $50,000
Dundee Park Remodel - $600,000
Centennial Way South, complete with NEW skate park and NEW bike pump track - $6.5 million
NEW Oyster Point 2C and dog park - $5.1 million
Vision
The people of South San Francisco deserve world class parks and infrastructure, and nothing less.
James will:
Continue to invest in our parks and infrastructure.
Action on Climate Change and Protecting Our Environment
Results
Closed a loophole, and banned polluting polystyrene from being sold
Passed environmental “reach codes” for green standards for new buildings
$1 million to address sea level rise and flooding.
With Peninsula Clean Energy, provided clean energy to SSF homes while saving households millions of dollars in electricity costs
Vision
James first started getting involved in environmental advocacy as a high school student at SSFHS’ Earth Club. Ever since, James has worked tirelessly to address climate change and protect our environment!
Supporting Small Businesses and The Local Economy
Results
Opened the city’s Economic Advancement Center, which teaches people on how to start small businesses, and trains people skills to work better paid jobs.
Traffic Safety and Congestion
Results
Passed Vision Zero resolution,
Invested in safer intersections and slower speed limits for roads around schools, including Buri Buri Elementary, Ponderosa Elementary, and Alta Loma Middle School.
Supported and funded improvements in safer infrastructure, inclusive of speed bumps, stop signs, and more.
Supported construction of safer bike and pedestrian infrastructure throughout the city.
Supporting Our Elders
Results
South San Francisco officially designated as an “Age Friendly City”
Renovated Roberta Teglia Senior Center
Supported affordable housing just for seniors
Protecting Workers
Results
Passed $5 Hazard Pay for essential workers during the pandemic
Working on passing local wage theft ordinance
Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility
Results
City received Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 35th Year
Maintained city’s AAA credit rating
Managed and balanced budgets for past 4 years with healthy reserves, well prepared to address any fiscal challenges.
Making Local Government More Accessible
Results
Revamped weekly city newsletter
Revamped City Website
Started City texting program for SSF news
Started streaming city council meetings on Youtube
Created city’s official Youth Commission to get young people more involved in local government.
Our work in South City isn’t done yet.
We must continue to make South City the best place possible! Our efforts will continue to drive positive change for everyone!
TOGETHER, LET’s CREATE A SAFER, STRONGER SOUTH CITY