Commentary

Poll: San Francisco Voters Wary of New Taxes, Open to Privatization

The rest of the country may see the Bay Area as a bastion for outdated, fanciful statist thinking, but if a recent poll of San Francisco voters is accurate, then the old paradigm may be in need of a refresh.

A new poll by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce finds that nearly two-thirds (64%) of city voters somewhat or strongly support contracting out more city services if it will reduce costs. In addition, either a plurality or majority of voters opposed increases in the sales, utility, or parcel taxes.

If there’s a dark lining on the white cloud, 61% opposed congestion pricing (at least the way the question was worded), which is an issue sure to garner more attention in the days ahead as the city continues to evaluate a variety of congestion pricing options with the support of Mayor Newsom.