San Francisco Elected Officials and Departments
San Francisco Elected Officials and Departments comprise the key administrative, legal, and service-delivery functions of the consolidated city-county government. In addition to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors, San Francisco residents elect four county officials who hold significant authority and provide checks on mayoral power: the District Attorney, Sheriff, Treasurer, and Assessor-Recorder. These elected positions, along with numerous appointed boards and departments, ensure that essential government services are delivered to the city's population and that no single executive can consolidate control over all municipal functions.[1]
Elected County Officials
District Attorney
The District Attorney is an elected official serving a four-year term who prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the city and county, representing the people of San Francisco in all felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses. The District Attorney's office also handles consumer protection matters, environmental crimes, and other specialized prosecution areas. This independent elected status ensures that prosecutorial decisions are not subject to mayoral control.
Sheriff
The Sheriff, elected to a four-year term, operates the San Francisco County Jail system, serves civil legal documents such as summonses and eviction notices, and provides security services in courtrooms and county facilities. The Sheriff's office maintains the county's correctional facilities and is responsible for the custody and care of individuals detained pending trial or serving sentences.
Treasurer
The Treasurer manages the city and county's financial assets, including the investment of public funds and the management of the city's cash reserves. The Treasurer's office also serves as the disbursement authority for city and county payments and oversees the city's debt management. This elected position ensures independent oversight of municipal finances.
Assessor-Recorder
The Assessor-Recorder maintains property records for San Francisco County, conducts property assessments for property taxation purposes, and records deeds and other legal documents. The office's assessment function generates property tax rolls used by the city to calculate property tax revenue, which represents a significant portion of general fund income. The recorder function provides public access to property ownership and deed information.
Appointed Officials
City Administrator
The City Administrator, appointed by the Mayor with Board of Supervisors approval, serves as the chief administrative officer and oversees the day-to-day operations of city departments. The City Administrator implements mayoral policy directives and ensures that city departments operate efficiently and in compliance with Board legislation and city policy.
Controller
The Controller, appointed by the Mayor with Board confirmation, provides financial oversight and auditing functions similar to those of a private-sector chief financial officer. The Controller's office manages the city's accounting systems, conducts performance audits of city departments, and reports on financial conditions to elected officials and the public.
Major City Departments
San Francisco government operates numerous departments providing essential services to residents and businesses. These include the Police Department, responsible for law enforcement and public safety; the Fire Department, providing fire suppression and emergency medical services; the Public Works Department, managing streets, sewers, and city infrastructure; the Planning Department, regulating land use and development; the Department of Public Health, administering health services and public health programs; the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, addressing homelessness and providing supportive services; the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, operating buses, light rail, cable cars, and managing transportation policy; and the Department of Building Inspection, ensuring building code compliance and issuing construction permits.
Commissions and Advisory Bodies
The Board of Supervisors appoints members to approximately eighty-five city commissions and boards that advise city departments on specialized topics. Examples include the Planning Commission, which reviews major development projects; the Police Commission, which provides civilian oversight of the Police Department; the Recreation and Parks Commission, which guides park planning and programming; the Public Utilities Commission, which oversees water, sewer, and power services; and numerous neighborhood commissions that provide input on local issues and city services.