<p data-block-key="hkd6s">The Office of the City Administrator comprises 25 departments, divisions, and programs that provide a broad range of services to other City departments and the public. </p>

About City Administrator

Looking for opportunities to join the City Administrator's team?

With integrity, the Office of the City Administrator serves all San Franciscans and its visitors.

We help San Francisco residents, visitors, and businesses access City services and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, web, and mobile. We offer assistance in over 160 languages over the phone and our mobile app is available in Chinese, Filipino, Spanish, and English.

311 Customer Service Center

SFACC is SF’s only open door animal shelter. We also investigate animal cruelty and rescue wildlife.

Animal Care and Control

We manage private event rentals in City Hall, such as weddings, nonprofit galas, and corporate celebrations.

San Francisco City Hall Events Office

COIT is the governance body that makes decisions regarding the future of San Francisco's technology.

Committee on Information Technology (COIT)

We provide grants and technical assistance for community-led, neighborhood improvement projects.

Community Challenge Grants Program

We oversee the City's contracting process to ensure economic justice for all.

Contract Monitoring Division

We are responsible for management and operations of the Moscone Center.

Convention Facilities Department

We seek to transform the way the City works through the use of data.

DataSF

We provide innovative technology services that are resilient and secure to deliver equitable public services.

Department of Technology

We transform how residents interact with the City by building services designed around the people that use them.

Digital Services

We permit and regulate entertainment for venues and events in San Francisco.

Entertainment Commission

We provide general operating support for arts and culture organizations, and fund re-granting to individual artists and groups.

Grants for the Arts

The Mayor’s Officer on Disability assists City departments in making all programs, services, benefits, activities, and facilities owned, operated, or funded by the City and County of San Francisco accessible to and useable by individuals with disabilities.

Mayor's Office on Disability

We issue cannabis business permits, write cannabis regulations, and foster equity.

Office of Cannabis

We are responsible for the medicolegal investigation and the certification of the cause of death and the manner of death for only those deaths under our jurisdiction (sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths); such as deaths outside a hospital or the care of a physician, accidental drug overdose, or suspected suicides or homicides. Find out more below.

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

We operate and fund programs that help immigrants. We also help the City meet the Language Access Ordinance.

Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs

We help the City procure goods and services to provide residents with essential government services.

Office of Contract Administration

We issue marriage, birth and death certificates, fictitious business names, City IDs, notary services, environmental filings, and professional registrations.

Office Hours: Monday to Friday
Processing Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Information Only: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Office of the County Clerk

The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) advances the welfare of San Francisco’s workers through the enforcement of labor laws, proactive public education, and high quality public service.

Office of Labor Standards Enforcement

A centralized service center for construction, special events, and business permitting.

Permit Center

We manage the acquisition, sale, and leasing of real estate property for City departments.

Real Estate Division

We help City departments manage their risks of uncertainty.

Risk Management

A non-profit, public benefit agency dedicated to the economic development of former Naval Station Treasure Island.

Treasure Island Development Authority

We buy, manage, and fix City vehicles and equipment.

Fleet Management

division

Updates on parks, transportation planning, and other collaborative efforts to meet current community needs.

Treasure Island Community Open House - Transition Talk #2

The San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commission presents a special virtual hearing on current immigration issues.

Immigrant Rights Commission hearing on immigration state of play

The funding, awarded by Grants for the Arts, provides general operating support to sustain and uplift non-profit arts and cultural organizations across the City

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu Announce Over $14 Million in Funding for Arts Organizations in San Francisco

The updated SF311 mobile app enables Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino speakers to request City services and track the status of requests in their language with just a few taps.

SF311 launches mobile app in Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino

Thirty years since last major charter reform effort, Mayor Breed initiates process to improve efficiency of government with a goal of setting major reform on November 2026 ballot

Mayor London Breed Issues Executive Directive for Comprehensive Charter Reform

City Administrator Carmen Chu and her husband welcome the arrival of her second child.

Congratulations to City Administrator Carmen Chu on the birth of her second child

With over 15 years of experience leading organizations in providing efficient technology for local governments, Makstman will lead efforts to improve government services and offer innovative technology solutions across San Francisco as the City Chief Information Officer.

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu announce Michael Makstman as City Chief Information Officer and Director of the Department of Technology

As the City celebrates 20 years of marriage equality, the Office of the County Clerk and City officials will kick off Pride Weekend by marrying over 200 couples at City Hall as part of longstanding tradition

San Francisco Celebrates Pride Weekend with Over 200 Wedding Ceremonies at City Hall

San Francisco’s Fiber to Housing program will connect 30,000 units of affordable housing with free, high-speed internet by July 2025.

San Francisco Fiber to Housing program earns national recognition

For the last 16 years, Vaerma has been responsible for printing water and power bills, tax notices, SFMTA and DEM signage, and more as Manager of the City's in-house print shop.

City Administrator Carmen Chu announces the retirement of Salla Vaerma, Manager of ReproMail.

Jacobson, an arts leader and educator, will lead Grants for the Arts’ work to support nonprofit arts and culture organizations through general operating support grants.

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu announce Kristen Jacobson as Director of Grants for the Arts

On the heels of passing legislation launching Treasure Island’s Stage 2, Panorama Park highlights progress on San Francisco’s newest neighborhood with planned 8,000 homes and 300 acres of new parks and open space

Mayor Breed Opens San Francisco's Newest Park on Yerba Buena Island

Bohn advised the Mayor, policymakers, and departments citywide to make City programs and facilities fully accessible to Deaf and Disabled San Franciscans.

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu announce the departure of Nicole Bohn, Director of the Mayor's Office on Disability

The report published today summarizes a year-long stakeholder engagement process that identified technical, economic, and social considerations of a seismic retrofit program for concrete buildings in San Francisco.

San Francisco releases recommendations for the Concrete Building Safety Program

On Monday, April 29, the Office of the Assessor-Recorder's main office phone line transitioned to
628-652-8100.

Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres Announces New Office Phone Number and Customer Service Upgrades

The newsletter will spotlight information, news, events, and opportunities relevant to the LBE community.

Contract Monitoring Division Launches Newsletter

In 2023, the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) collected $20 million in worker restitution, resolved over 400 cases, and assisted over 14,000 San Francisco workers.

San Francisco successfully assists 14,000 workers through labor enforcement and worker restitution

Brown led Grants for the Arts to strengthen support for the diverse art and cultural communities of San Francisco.

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu announce the transition of Vallie Brown, Director of Grants for the Arts

Johnson led COIT to implement City policies related to privacy, surveillance, and digital accessibility.

City Administrator Carmen Chu announces the transition of Jillian Johnson, Director of the Committee on Information Technology (COIT)

Linda Gerull to retire as Chief Information Officer of the City and County of San Francisco

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner seeks the public’s help to identify decedent.

OCME Press Release_DOE_2023 1607

UPDATE: Subject Identified, OCME Appreciates Help from Public

The City Administrator’s Office will begin a new review of the 2023 Community Challenge Grant cycle to ensure a fair and transparent process.

City Administrator Carmen Chu responds to independent review of the Community Challenge Grant Program, following charges of misconduct against the former program director

City Hall in-person services will be unavailable on Thursday, October 5 and will resume on Friday, October 6. The public can continue to access City services online, by phone, and at other City facilities.

SF City Hall in-person public services closed Oct 5 for Senator Feinstein Memorial

City leaders take immediate action to ensure transparency and the integrity of the grantmaking process following charges of misconduct by a City program director.

City Administrator Carmen Chu, City Attorney David Chiu, and Controller Ben Rosenfield respond to allegations of misconduct associated with the City's Community Challenge Grant Program

363 Noe Street is the final of five sites to complete construction and be preserved as permanent affordable housing developments

Mayor London Breed Celebrates Rehabilitation of Five Former Public Housing Sites Across San Francisco

The HAQR Plan is San Francisco's first comprehensive framework to address extreme heat and air-quality events as local heat waves and wildfire smoke become more frequent and more intense.

San Francisco releases plan to prepare for extreme heat and air-quality events

San Francisco hosts cities from across North America to learn about how San Francisco is becoming more resilient to earthquakes, sea level rise, and other impacts of climate change.

San Francisco recommits to global network of resilient cities

San Francisco announces 2023 Community Challenge Grant awards to fund community-led beautification and greening projects across the City

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu announce Funding for Neighborhood Improvement Projects

New permitting reforms will leverage the opening of the San Francisco Permit Center and two years of data after adoption of small business permit streamlining policies

Mayor Breed Announces Small Business Permitting Improvements and Permit Center Accomplishments

Housing for All effort would streamline the site permit process to significantly reduce  

permitting times for new developments and major renovations

Mayor London Breed Proposes Permitting Improvements to Speed Housing Construction

Tang will focus on advancing opportunities for local micro and small businesses and ensuring fairness in the City’s contracting process.

City Administrator Carmen Chu appoints Stephanie Tang as Director of the Contract Monitoring Division

Jorge Rivas will helm SF Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) to build upon the City’s efforts to support full civic, economic, and linguistic integration for immigrants and newcomers.

City Administrator Carmen Chu appoints Jorge Rivas as Executive Director of the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA)

David Serrano Sewell will work closely with Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Liverman to build on recent successes of the OCME.

City Administrator Carmen Chu Announces David Serrano Sewell as Executive Director of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner re-earns full accreditation from the National Association of Medical Examiners after 10 years, recognizing success of key investments and reforms.

SF Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Achieves Full Accreditation

Community members are collecting data to better understand how heat is distributed across San Francisco and help inform the City’s efforts to address health inequities related to heat waves.

San Francisco activates heat mapping effort as City prepares for heat

With over 20 years of executive government management experience, Acting Convention Facilities Director Kenneth Bukowski will continue to lead on economic development and recovery by bringing convention and tourism activities to San Francisco’s Moscone Center

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu announce Kenneth Bukowski to lead Moscone Center

The project is now recruiting volunteers to collect data to understand how heat is distributed across the City and identify urban heat islands.

San Francisco selected for national heat mapping project to help address health inequities related to extreme heat

Harrell, a 25-year industry veteran, will replace Carrie Bishop to lead San Francisco’s digital accessibility efforts by providing user-friendly services online

City Administrator Carmen Chu announces Cyd Harrell as new Chief Digital Services Officer

Beginning April 25, masking will be recommended, but not required to be worn during meetings in public hearing rooms in City facilities.

Public service announcement: Update on indoor masking requirement in City hearing rooms

60% of San Francisco over-the-counter construction permits now issued within two business days

28% decrease in processing time for over-the-counter building permits to speed construction

Innovative design meets the challenge of sea-level rise, speeds water rescues, and advances San Francisco’s commitment to seismically strengthened facilities for first responders

SF Celebrates Completion of New Seismically Safe Floating Fireboat Station No. 35

Beginning March 18, individuals will be strongly recommended, but not required, to wear masks in City facilities regardless of vaccination status

Indoor Masking Requirement Update

Patel brings seasoned legal and drug policy experience and commitment to social equity

Mayor Breed and City Administrator Chu announce appointment of Nikesh Patel to lead Office of Cannabis

Members of the public and City employees will continue to be required to wear masks in City facilities to ensure the best protection against COVID-19

Indoor masking requirement will remain unchanged in City facilities

Incoming Chief Data Officer Michelle Littlefield brings extensive local government experience to enhance open data sharing and innovative use of data

Mayor Breed and City Administrator Chu appoint Michelle Littlefield as Chief Data Officer

San Francisco Public Works cleaning and street repair crews, painters and safety inspectors prepare the historic neighborhood for the Lunar New Year

Chinatown spruce-up underway to usher in the Year of the Tiger

Provisional accreditation granted by the National Association of Medical Examiners after implementing key reforms and staff investments

SF Office of Chief Medical Examiner regains accreditation after four years

Projects funded by bond measure will focus on enhancing Muni's reliability and improving street safety

$400 million Muni Reliability and Street Safety Bond

Agreement will benefit nearly 4,500 DoorDash workers and represents the largest settlement in the Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement’s history

San Francisco secures over $5 million settlement for DoorDash workers

Connected Worker App increases efficiency of 311 responses by sending direct referrals to Community Benefit District cleaners, eliminating duplicative responses and getting issues addressed more quickly.

San Francisco expands pilot to improve street cleaning response time

Multi-agency effort—ClimateSF—brings City partners together to coordinate on climate change mitigation and adaptation and to ensure San Francisco becomes more resilient to the threats of climate change.

Mayor London Breed launches new climate resilience program

Any contractor who works in-person on a regular basis alongside public employees must get vaccinated

San Francisco to mandate vaccines for City contractors to protect City workers and the public

Grants for the Arts funding priorities the City’s commitment to economic recovery and community activation by supporting local parades and festivals

Mayor London Breed announces over $12 million in funding for arts organizations

California Dental Association hosts annual conference at Moscone Center, marking the return of business conventions to San Francisco

Mayor London Breed welcomes first convention to Moscone Center since beginning of shelter-in-place

New Market Tax Credits provided by the United States Treasury represent the largest distribution San Francisco has received through the program, which will support critical projects and create investment in historically underserved communities

Mayor London Breed announces $50 million in tax credits to support San Francisco non-profits and businesses in disadvantaged communities

City Administrator Chu will begin the search for a long-term replacement for the role while Short serves as Interim Director

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu appoint Carla Short as Interim Director of Public Works

Degrafinried led the Department through the pandemic and implemented good government reforms

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu on Public Works Director Alaric Degrafinried taking a new position at BART

SF is removing face covering requirements for fully vaccinated people, in alignment with recently updated Cal/OSHA and state guidance.

Update to mask requirements in SF City facilities

The new Bayview facility houses the City’s Emergency Medical Services Division, providing efficiencies to support improved emergency response times and ensure resiliency during natural disaster incidents

Mayor London Breed celebrates completion of San Francisco's new seismically safe Emergency Medical Services Station No. 49, Home of the City's ambulance fleet

Completion of New Seismically Safe Emergency Medical Services Station No. 49, Home of The City's Ambulance Fleet

Starting June 7, City Hall will be open for in-person services and general public access.

An image of San Francisco skyscrapers under a blue sky

SF Skyline

San Francisco announces plan to reopen City Hall to public

Mayor Breed proposes $4.6 million over two years to reduce the cost of rental rates for conventions in the Moscone Center

Mayor London Breed announces plan to support the return of conventions to San Francisco

San Francisco will receive the 2021 CIO 100 award for supporting student learning through the pandemic. The City set up neighborhood community hubs and expanded high-speed internet to public housing.

San Francisco wins top technology award for supporting education during the pandemic

San Francisco’s Main Library will reopen for “Browse and Bounce” service on Monday, May 3, with more branch libraries to reopen in the following weeks

Mayor London Breed announces Public Library reopening timeline

Dr. Liverman's top priorities will be restoring accreditation and strengthening relationships with key
stakeholders.

City Administrator Carmen Chu to appoint Dr. Christopher Liverman as Chief Medical Officer

The City is partnering with Yerba Buena Center for the Arts to implement $1,000/month economic relief program for approximately 130 San Francisco artists hardest-hit by the COVID 19 pandemic. Applications are open through Thursday, April 15, 2021.

Mayor Breed announces launch of guaranteed income pilot program for San Francisco artists

Sofis has extensive experience in economic development and will play a critical role in strengthening the city’s economy and supporting workers as San Francisco recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic

Mayor London Breed appoints Kate Sofis as Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development

Successful outdoor dining and retail program would continue beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, making permanent changes to streamline curbside, sidewalk, roadway and other permitting process for San Francisco businesses and organizations

Mayor London Breed announces legislation to make Shared Spaces program permanent in San Francisco

The seismically safe facility provides enhancements for animals, volunteers, staff and visitors

San Francisco opens new animal shelter

$28 million program will expand workforce development, paid training, and job placement for adults and youth in San Francisco, and will include targeted resources to address the disproportionate Black unemployment rate with funding from the Dream Keeper Initiative

SF announces launch of new economic recovery program to support and retrain workers

Brown brings years of experience in community organizing and local government, as well as a commitment to equity and supporting arts and culture organizations, to San Francisco’s Grants for the Arts

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu appoint Vallie Brown as Director of Grants for the Arts

Street Cleaners, Paint Crews and Inspectors Help Usher in the Year of the Ox

San Francisco Public Works Spiffs Up Chinatown for the Lunar New Year

Chu, who has served the City and County of San Francisco since 2004, will bring years of experience in local government, as well as a commitment to economic recovery and equity to City Administrator’s Office.

Mayor London Breed nominates Assessor Carmen Chu as San Francisco City Administrator

Read Carmen Chu’s biography here. She is the first Asian American woman to serve as City Administrator. 

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