San Francisco, a major city in Northern California, is a hub for commerce, finance, and culture. With a population exceeding 808,000, it is the fourth largest city in California and the second most densely populated major city in the United States. Covering 46.9 square miles at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, it is notable for its high per capita income, ranking first among U.S. cities with over 250,000 residents.
1900: San Francisco's population neared 300,000, making it the eighth-largest city in the United States.
By 1900, San Francisco's population grew to nearly 300,000 residents, ranking it as the eighth-largest city in the United States.
1900: The first North American plague epidemic struck San Francisco.
From 1900 to 1904, San Francisco experienced the first North American plague epidemic.
1901: San Francisco was recognized as a major city.
By 1901, San Francisco was a prominent urban center known for its distinctive architecture, cultural attractions, and vibrant arts scene.
1901: Golden Gate University Founded
Golden Gate University, a private, nonsectarian university, was founded in San Francisco in 1901.
1904: The first North American plague epidemic ended in San Francisco.
The first North American plague epidemic, which began in 1900, concluded in San Francisco in 1904.
April 18, 1906: A major earthquake struck San Francisco.
On April 18, 1906, a massive earthquake hit San Francisco, resulting in significant destruction from the tremors and subsequent fires.
1906: Post-Earthquake Construction Boom
After the 1906 earthquake, wealthy San Franciscans built homes in the Pacific Heights neighborhood.
1906: A major earthquake struck San Francisco and northern California.
On April 18, 1906, a devastating earthquake struck San Francisco and northern California, causing widespread destruction and fires that burned for several days.
1906: San Francisco earthquake
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake, caused by the San Andreas Fault, devastated the city, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
1906: San Francisco Earthquake
The Western Addition neighborhood in San Francisco survived the devastating earthquake of 1906 with many of its Victorian-era homes still intact.
1910: The San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) was established.
In 1910, following the earthquake, the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) was founded to address housing quality issues in the city.
September 1912: Michael O'Shaughnessy hired as chief engineer
In September 1912, San Francisco Mayor James Rolph hired Civil Engineer Michael O'Shaughnessy to oversee a period of significant infrastructural development in the city.
1912: Bay to Breakers Footrace First Held
The Bay to Breakers footrace, known for its costumes and community spirit, was first held in San Francisco in 1912.
1913: Raker Act Grants Leasehold to San Francisco
The Raker Act granted San Francisco a perpetual leasehold over the Hetch Hetchy Valley and watershed in Yosemite National Park in 1913.
1915: San Francisco celebrated its recovery with the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
In 1915, San Francisco commemorated its resurgence from the 1906 earthquake by hosting the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
1915: Expansion of San Francisco's streetcar system begins
In 1915, under the supervision of Michael O'Shaughnessy, San Francisco embarked on a major expansion of its streetcar system.
1918: Twin Peaks Tunnel Completion
The completion of the Twin Peaks Tunnel in 1918 connected southwest neighborhoods to downtown San Francisco, leading to the development of areas like West Portal.
1927: Completion of San Francisco's streetcar system expansion
By 1927, the ambitious expansion of San Francisco's streetcar system, spearheaded by Michael O'Shaughnessy, was completed.
1929: Stock Market Crash
The 1929 stock market crash had a profound impact on the United States, but San Francisco's banks remained stable.
December 11, 1932: Record Low Temperature
The lowest recorded temperature in San Francisco was 27°F (−3°C) on December 11, 1932.
1934: Construction of the cross on Mount Davidson
In 1934, a 103-foot cross was erected on Mount Davidson, the highest point in San Francisco, becoming a prominent landmark in the city.
1936: Completion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
In 1936, San Francisco celebrated the completion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, a remarkable feat of engineering during the Great Depression.
1937: Completion of the Golden Gate Bridge
A year after the Bay Bridge, in 1937, San Francisco witnessed the completion of another iconic landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge.
1939: Golden Gate International Exposition
In 1939, San Francisco hosted the Golden Gate International Exposition, a World's Fair showcasing the city's resurgence after the Great Depression.
1940: Non-Hispanic White Population
In 1940, non-Hispanic White residents made up 92.5% of San Francisco's population, a stark contrast to the city's current majority-minority status.
1945: The United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco, establishing the United Nations.
In 1945, San Francisco hosted the signing of the United Nations Charter, marking a pivotal moment in international diplomacy.
1945: Signing of the United Nations Charter
In 1945, San Francisco played a pivotal role in global affairs as the city hosted the drafting and signing of the United Nations Charter.
1946: San Francisco 49ers Founded
The San Francisco 49ers were founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC).
1950: Start of demographic shifts and economic change
Beginning in 1950, San Francisco underwent significant demographic and economic transformations, with a decline in industrial jobs and an exodus of the white population.
1950: 49ers Join the NFL
In 1950, the San Francisco 49ers joined the National Football League (NFL) after the AAFC merged with the NFL.
1950: Previous population peak
San Francisco reached its previous population peak in 1950 before experiencing a decline in the subsequent decades.
1951: Treaty of San Francisco
The Treaty of San Francisco, signed in 1951, marked a significant moment in postwar diplomacy as it re-established peaceful relations between Japan and the Allied Powers.
1955: Dons Basketball Team Wins NCAA Championship
Bill Russell led the San Francisco Dons basketball team to an NCAA championship in 1955.
1956: Dons Basketball Team Wins Second NCAA Championship
The San Francisco Dons basketball team, led by Bill Russell, won their second consecutive NCAA championship in 1956.
1958
Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants moved from New York to San Francisco in 1958.
1959: Limited First-Class Hotel Rooms in San Francisco
In 1959, San Francisco had less than 3,300 first-class hotel rooms, indicating a limited capacity to accommodate high-end tourism.
1962: Warriors Move to San Francisco Bay Area
The NBA's Golden State Warriors moved from Philadelphia to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1962.
1967: Summer of Love
San Francisco became the epicenter of the counterculture movement in 1967 with the Summer of Love, attracting hippies and solidifying the city's association with social change.
1968: California Institute of Integral Studies Founded
The California Institute of Integral Studies, offering graduate programs in psychology, health, consciousness, and transformation, was founded in 1968.
1969: Completion of 555 California Street
Bank of America completed its headquarters at 555 California Street in 1969, marking a significant architectural addition to San Francisco's skyline.
1969: Peak of Manufacturing in San Francisco
In 1969, San Francisco's manufacturing sector was at its peak, providing employment for nearly 60,000 workers.
1970: Growth in First-Class Hotel Rooms
By 1970, the number of first-class hotel rooms in San Francisco increased to 9,000, demonstrating the city's growing appeal as a tourist destination.
1971: KPOO Radio Founded
KPOO, an independent, African-American owned and operated noncommercial radio station, was established in 1971.
1971
The Fillmore, a music venue located in the Western Addition, closed its doors in 1971 with a final performance by Santana.
1971: 49ers Move to Candlestick Park
The San Francisco 49ers moved to Candlestick Park in 1971.
1971: Warriors Renamed to Golden State Warriors
The San Francisco Warriors were renamed the Golden State Warriors in 1971 to represent the entire state of California.
December 1972: Coldest Daytime High
The coldest daytime high temperature recorded in San Francisco since 1945 was 37°F (3°C) in December 1972.
1972: Start of 1971–1972 Season
The Golden State Warriors began playing under their new name in the 1971–1972 season.
1972: Completion of the Transamerica Pyramid
The completion of the Transamerica Pyramid in 1972 ushered in an era of "Manhattanization" in San Francisco, with high-rise buildings transforming the city's downtown area.
1972
San Francisco Pride events have been held continuously since 1972.
1973: Sutro Tower Constructed
Sutro Tower, a prominent broadcast tower located between Mount Sutro and the Twin Peaks, was built in 1973 for KTVU, KRON, and KPIX.
1974: Zebra murders
In 1974, a series of murders known as the Zebra murders terrorized San Francisco, leaving at least 16 people dead.
1975
The last serious Republican candidate for city office in San Franscisco lost the 1975 mayoral election by a narrow margin.
1976: Rare Snowfall
San Francisco experienced a rare snowfall in 1976, with up to 5 inches accumulating on Twin Peaks.
1977: Decline in Employment at Large Companies in San Francisco
Since 1977, the number of San Franciscans employed by companies with over 1,000 employees has decreased by half.
1978: Dianne Feinstein Becomes Acting Mayor
Dianne Feinstein became acting mayor of San Francisco in 1978 following the assassination of George Moscone.
1978: Assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Moscone
The assassinations of Harvey Milk, a prominent gay rights activist and city supervisor, and Mayor George Moscone in 1978 shook San Francisco and became a pivotal moment in the gay rights movement.
January 1980: San Francisco and Shanghai Become Sister Cities
During a visit to China in January 1980, Mayor Dianne Feinstein signed a sister cities agreement between San Francisco and Shanghai.
1980
The 1980 San Francisco Recycling Program was launched and was one of the earliest curbside recycling programs.
1980: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon Begins
The Escape from Alcatraz triathlon, attracting top professional and amateur athletes, was first held in San Francisco in 1980.
1980: Culmination of population decline and rise of tourism
By 1980, San Francisco's population decline, which had begun in 1950, reached over 10 percent, while tourism emerged as a key economic driver for the city.
1981
The non-profit Friends of the Urban Forest was established in 1981.
1982: First Super Bowl Victory
The San Francisco 49ers won their first Super Bowl title in 1982.
1984
The Folsom Street Fair (FSF), an annual BDSM and leather subculture street fair, started in 1984 and is California's third-largest single-day, outdoor spectator event and the world's largest leather event and showcase for BDSM products and culture.
1988
Since 1988, San Francisco has not voted more than 20% for a Republican presidential or senatorial candidate.
1989: Embarcadero Freeway and Portion of Central Freeway Demolished
Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, San Francisco city leaders decided to demolish the Embarcadero Freeway and a portion of the Central Freeway, transforming them into street-level boulevards.
1989: Loma Prieta Earthquake
In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake caused significant damage in San Francisco, particularly in the Marina district due to soil liquefaction.
1989: San Francisco Becomes a Sanctuary City
San Francisco declared itself a sanctuary city in 1989.
1989: Loma Prieta earthquake
The Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 caused significant damage in San Francisco, leading to the demolition of the Embarcadero Freeway and parts of the Central Freeway, reshaping the city's urban landscape.
1989: Loma Prieta earthquake
The Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, also caused by the San Andreas Fault, was a significant seismic event that caused damage and loss of life in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area.
1990: Immigrant Communities in San Francisco
In 1990, San Francisco had prominent Chinese, Mexican, and Filipino neighborhoods, with Chinatown and the Mission District being key examples. Research on immigrant groups in the city revealed that over half of the Asian population was either Chinese-born (40.3%) or Philippine-born (13.1%), indicating recent immigration to the United States. Similarly, 21% of the Mexican population was Mexican-born.
1990: Technology's Minimal Role in San Francisco's Early 1990s Economy
Technology jobs constituted a mere 1% of San Francisco's economy in 1990, signifying its limited role at the time.
1993
Since 1993, the San Francisco Department of Public Health started distributing 400,000 free syringes every month aimed at reducing HIV and other health risks for drug users, as well as providing disposal sites and services.
1994
The Fillmore reopened in 1994 with a show by the Smashing Pumpkins.
1994: CNET Founded
CNET, a technology news and media website, was founded in San Francisco in 1994.
1995: Salon.com Founded
Salon.com, an online magazine focusing on politics, culture, and current events, was established in San Francisco in 1995.
1995: Fifth Super Bowl Victory
The San Francisco 49ers won their fifth Super Bowl title in 1995.
1995
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) moved to its current building in the South of Market neighborhood in 1995 and attracted more than 600,000 visitors annually.
1998
The Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts, part of the California College of the Arts, was founded in 1998.
1999: Tech Boom Fuels Job Growth in San Francisco
Between 1999 and 2000, San Francisco's technology industry experienced a job growth rate of 4.9%, adding over 50,000 new jobs and signifying the city's emergence as a major tech hub.
1999: Significant Increase in First-Class Hotel Rooms
The number of first-class hotel rooms in San Francisco surged to over 30,000 by 1999, indicating a substantial expansion of the city's tourism infrastructure.
2000
Oracle Park, the San Francisco Giant's home field, opened in 2000.
2000: Dot-com boom peak
San Francisco's population reached a new high in 2000, surpassing the previous record set in 1950, fueled by the dot-com boom and an influx of tech workers and entrepreneurs.
2000: Decline in Commute by Private Vehicle
In 2000, 48.6% of San Francisco residents commuted by driving alone or carpooling in private vehicles.
2000: Tech Boom Fuels Job Growth in San Francisco
Between 1999 and 2000, San Francisco's technology industry experienced a job growth rate of 4.9%, adding over 50,000 new jobs and signifying the city's emergence as a major tech hub.
2000: Growth of Foreign-Born Residents
Between 1990 and 2000, the number of foreign-born residents in San Francisco grew significantly, from 33% to almost 40%. During these ten years, the San Francisco metropolitan area experienced an influx of 850,000 immigrants, the third-highest number in the U.S., trailing only Los Angeles and New York.
2001: High Pedestrian Fatalities in San Francisco
San Francisco experienced its highest number of pedestrian fatalities from vehicle collisions in 2001 since record-keeping began.
2001: Dot-com bubble burst
The dot-com bubble burst in 2001, leading to layoffs and company closures in San Francisco, impacting the city's economy and workforce.
2001: City CarShare Founded
The non-profit City CarShare launched in San Francisco in 2001, marking the city as an early adopter of carsharing in America.
2002: Fight Hunger Bowl Begins at Oracle Park
The annual Fight Hunger Bowl college football game was first held at Oracle Park in San Francisco in 2002.
2003: Nancy Pelosi Becomes House Minority Leader
Nancy Pelosi, representing San Francisco in the U.S. House of Representatives, became House Minority Leader in 2003.
2003: UCSF Opens Mission Bay Campus
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) opened its Mission Bay campus in 2003 to complement its original facility in Parnassus Heights.
2004: San Francisco Supports Biotechnology Growth with Tax Exemption
In 2004, San Francisco implemented a payroll tax exemption for biotechnology companies to stimulate growth in the Mission Bay neighborhood, further diversifying the city's economy and fostering innovation in the biotech sector.
2004: Small Business Commission's Campaign to Support Local Businesses
In 2004, San Francisco's Small Business Commission launched a campaign to encourage residents to support local businesses and maintain the unique character of the city's retail landscape.
2006: Dominance of Small Businesses in San Francisco's Economy
In 2006, small businesses, with fewer than 10 employees, and self-employed individuals constituted 85% of all establishments in San Francisco, underscoring the significant role of small businesses in the city.
2006: Baseline Bicycle Count and Bicycle Friendly Community Status
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) established baseline bicycle counts at 33 locations in 2006. In the same year, the League of American Bicyclists awarded San Francisco a "Gold" Bicycle Friendly Community status.
2007: Pelosi Becomes First Female Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi became the first female Speaker of the House in 2007.
2007: Median Incomes and Poverty in San Francisco
In 2007, San Francisco had a median household income of $65,519, ranking third among American cities. Its median family income was $81,136.
2007
In 2007, the city of San Francisco expanded its Medicaid and other indigent medical programs into the Healthy San Francisco program, which subsidizes certain medical services for eligible residents.
2008: Estimated Daily Bicycle Trips in San Francisco
In 2008, the MTA estimated that approximately 128,000 trips were made by bicycle daily in San Francisco, representing 6% of total trips.
December 2010
The Sunset Reservoir Solar Project, which installed 24,000 solar panels on the roof of the reservoir, was completed. The 5-megawatt plant more than tripled the city's 2-megawatt solar generation capacity when it opened in December 2010.
2010: Growth of Technology Jobs in San Francisco
By 2010, technology jobs in San Francisco had increased to 4% of the city's economy, demonstrating the sector's growing influence.
2010
The San Francisco Giants won a World Series title in 2010.
2010: Languages Spoken in San Francisco
In 2010, 55% of San Francisco residents (411,728 people) spoke only English at home. Among those speaking other languages, 19% (140,302) spoke a Chinese language, mainly Taishanese and Cantonese; 12% (88,147) spoke Spanish; 3% (25,767) spoke Tagalog; and 2% (14,017) spoke Russian. Overall, 45% of the population (342,693) used a language other than English at home.
2010: MTA Annual Bicycle Count Shows Increase
The MTA's annual bicycle count in 2010 revealed a 58% increase in the number of cyclists at the 33 locations compared to the 2006 baseline counts.
2010: 2010 United States Census
The 2010 United States census serves as a baseline for population change leading up to the 2020 census, showing an 8.5% increase in San Francisco's population.
2010: Demographics of San Francisco
In 2010, San Francisco's largest ethnic minority group was residents of Chinese ethnicity at 21% of the population. Other significant Asian groups were Filipinos at 5% and Vietnamese at 2%. The Chinese population was largely located in Chinatown, the Sunset District, and the Richmond District. Filipinos were largely concentrated in SoMa and Crocker-Amazon, which borders Daly City that has a large Filipino population. The Tenderloin District had many Vietnamese residents, businesses, and restaurants, and became known as the city's Little Saigon.
2011: Growth in Manufacturing Jobs in San Francisco
Between 2011 and 2014, the number of manufacturing jobs in San Francisco doubled, highlighting a positive trend in the sector's recovery.
2011: Bloomberg West Launches from San Francisco
Bloomberg West launched in 2011 from a studio on the Embarcadero in San Francisco.
2011: Ed Lee Appointed Mayor
Ed Lee was appointed mayor of San Francisco in 2011 to finish the term of Gavin Newsom, who resigned to become Lieutenant Governor of California.
2011: SFO Passenger Traffic Statistics
In 2011, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) handled over 40.9 million passengers, ranking it as the eighth-busiest airport in the United States and the 22nd-busiest globally.
2011: Pelosi Returns as House Minority Leader
Nancy Pelosi returned to the position of House Minority Leader in 2011.
2011: Crime Rates in San Francisco
Despite a lower violent crime rate compared to other major cities, concern about crime persisted among many San Francisco residents in 2011. The city reported 50 murders (6.1 per 100,000 people), about 134 rapes, 3,142 robberies, 2,139 assaults, 4,469 burglaries, 25,100 thefts, and 4,210 motor vehicle thefts.
2012
The San Francisco Giants won a World Series title in 2012. In 2012, San Francisco was ranked No. 1 in a study that examined which U.S. metro areas have produced the most Major Leaguers since 1920.
August 2013: Bay Area Bike Share Launched
Bay Area Bike Share, later renamed Bay Wheels, was launched in August 2013 with 700 bikes initially available in downtown San Francisco, select East Bay cities, and San Jose.
2013: America's Cup Hosted in San Francisco
San Francisco hosted the America's Cup yacht racing competition in 2013.
2013
The SFMOMA closed for renovation and expansion in 2013.
2013
The SFJAZZ Center opened in 2013 and hosts jazz performances year round.
2013: Fight Hunger Bowl Moves to Santa Clara
The Fight Hunger Bowl college football game moved from Oracle Park in San Francisco to Santa Clara in 2013.
2013: Record Low Rainfall
San Francisco experienced record low rainfall in 2013, a "La Niña" year, with only 5.59 inches recorded downtown.
2013: High Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities in San Francisco
In 2013, San Francisco witnessed 25 pedestrian and cyclist fatalities from traffic collisions, including 9 car drivers and passengers.
2013: High Pedestrian Fatalities in San Francisco
In 2013, San Francisco witnessed 21 pedestrian fatalities from vehicle collisions, a rate of 2.5 deaths per 100,000 population—70% higher than the national average.
2013: Reinforcing Sanctuary City Status
San Francisco strengthened its stance as a sanctuary city in 2013 through the 'Due Process for All' ordinance. This law prevents local authorities from detaining immigrants for immigration offenses if they lack a record of violent felonies and don't currently face charges. The city also started issuing Resident ID Cards irrespective of an applicant's immigration status.
2013
In 2013, over 1.5 million people attended San Francisco Pride, around 500,000 more than the previous year.
2013: Surge in Technology Jobs and Venture Capital in San Francisco
In 2013, technology jobs in San Francisco were projected to reach 8% of the city's economy, attracting substantial venture capital investments, totaling US$4.58 billion across 423 financings.
September 25, 2014: New Cruise Ship Terminal Opens at Pier 27
On September 25, 2014, San Francisco's new cruise ship terminal at Pier 27 opened, replacing the outdated Pier 35 and enhancing the city's capacity to accommodate cruise tourism.
2014: San Francisco Commits to Vision Zero
San Francisco embraced the Vision Zero initiative in 2014, aiming to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities involving motor vehicles by 2024.
2014: Resurgence of Manufacturing in San Francisco
San Francisco experienced a modest resurgence in manufacturing by 2014, with over 4,000 manufacturing jobs across 500 companies, indicating a renewed interest in local production.
2014: 49ers Relocate to Santa Clara
The San Francisco 49ers left San Francisco and moved to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara in 2014.
2014
The San Francisco Giants won a World Series title in 2014.
2014: Further Decline in Commute by Private Vehicle
The percentage of San Francisco residents commuting by driving alone or carpooling in private vehicles continued to decline, reaching 41.3% in 2014.
2014: Religious Diversity in San Francisco
In 2014, according to a Pew Research Center study, the San Francisco metropolitan area's largest religious groups were Christians at 48%, followed by those unaffiliated with any religion at 35%. Other groups included Hindus (5%), Jews (3%), Buddhists (2%), Muslims (1%), and other smaller religious groups. The study also showed that around 20% of residents were Protestant, 25% were Roman Catholic, 10% identified as agnostic, and 5% as atheist.
2014: Crime Rates in the Tenderloin and Bayview-Hunters Point
The Tenderloin area had the highest crime rate in San Francisco in 2014, accounting for 70% of the city's violent crimes and roughly a quarter of its murders. This area also experienced high rates of drug abuse, gang activity, and prostitution. Another high-crime area was Bayview-Hunters Point, which saw 25 murders in the first six months of 2015, up from 14 in the same period of 2014.
June 2, 2015
By June 2, 2015, the median rent in San Francisco was reported to be as high as $4,225.
2015: CNBC Begins Broadcasting from San Francisco
CNBC began broadcasting from One Market Plaza in San Francisco in 2015.
2015: San Francisco's Municipal Budget for FY 2015–16
San Francisco's municipal budget for fiscal year 2015–16 was $8.99 billion, one of the largest city budgets in the United States.
2015
Survey data released in 2015 by Gallup places the proportion of LGBT adults in the San Francisco metro area at 6.2%, which is the highest proportion of the 50 most populous metropolitan areas as measured by the polling organization.
2015: Warriors Begin NBA Finals Streak
The Golden State Warriors began a streak of five consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2015.
2015: Crime Rates in the Tenderloin and Bayview-Hunters Point
The Tenderloin area had the highest crime rate in San Francisco in 2015, accounting for 70% of the city's violent crimes and roughly a quarter of its murders. This area also experienced high rates of drug abuse, gang activity, and prostitution. Another high-crime area was Bayview-Hunters Point, which saw 25 murders in the first six months of 2015, up from 14 in the same period of 2014.
2015: San Francisco Ranked Second Most Walkable City
Walk Score ranked San Francisco as the second-most walkable city in the United States in 2015.
May 14, 2016
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) reopened on May 14, 2016, with an addition, designed by Snøhetta, that has doubled the museum's size.
2016: Thriving Tourism Industry in San Francisco
San Francisco welcomed over 25 million visitors in 2016, generating US$9.96 billion in revenue and solidifying tourism as a major economic driver.
2016: Increased Spending on Homelessness
The city of San Francisco dramatically increased its spending to service the growing population homelessness crisis: spending jumped by $241 million in 2016–17 to total $275 million, compared to a budget of just $34 million the previous year.
2016: High Per Resident Spending in San Francisco
In fiscal year 2015–2016, the City of San Francisco spent over $10,000 per resident, more than any other city except for Washington, D.C.
2016: Increase in Murder Rate
Although significantly lower than in previous decades, San Francisco's murder rate climbed again by the end of 2016. San Francisco Police Department data indicated 59 murders in the city that year, a 13.5% rise from 52 homicides in 2015.
2016: San Francisco Employment Sector Breakdown
In 2016, San Francisco's diverse economy saw 27% of its workforce employed in professional business services, 14% in leisure and hospitality, and 13% in government services.
2016: San Francisco's Business Friendliness Rating Declines
By 2016, San Francisco's business friendliness rating from small businesses declined, indicating challenges faced by smaller enterprises in the city.
September 1, 2017: Record High Temperature
San Francisco's highest recorded temperature of 106°F (41°C) occurred on September 1, 2017, at the official National Weather Service downtown observation station.
December 12, 2017: Ed Lee Dies, London Breed Becomes Acting Mayor
Following the death of Mayor Ed Lee on December 12, 2017, San Francisco Board of Supervisors President London Breed became acting mayor.
2017: San Francisco's Global Financial Standing
In 2017, The Global Financial Centres Index ranked San Francisco as the world's sixth most competitive financial center, solidifying its position as a major player in the global financial landscape.
2017: Increased Spending on Homelessness
San Francisco significantly increased spending to address the escalating homelessness crisis. The budget for tackling homelessness jumped by $241 million in 2016-2017, reaching a total of $275 million, compared to a mere $34 million the year before.
2017: San Francisco Shock Esports Team Established
The San Francisco Shock, an Esports team in the Overwatch League, was established in 2017.
2017: Bay Area Bike Share Expansion and Rebranding
Bay Area Bike Share underwent a major expansion in 2017 and was rebranded as Ford GoBike.
January 2018: UN Official's Reaction to San Francisco's Homelessness
In January 2018, Leilani Farha, a UN special rapporteur on homelessness, expressed shock at the severity of San Francisco's homelessness crisis during her visit. She compared the "deplorable conditions" she observed in the city's homeless encampments to those in Mumbai.
January 23, 2018: Mark Farrell Appointed to Finish Lee's Term
Mark Farrell was appointed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to complete Ed Lee's mayoral term on January 23, 2018.
2018: San Francisco Receives High ParkScore Ranking
In 2018, San Francisco ranked fifth in the U.S. for park access and quality according to the nonprofit Trust for Public Land's ParkScore ranking.
2018: Children and Homelessness in San Francisco
In 2018, San Francisco saw an emigration of middle-class families, resulting in a lower proportion of children than any other major U.S. city. Notably, the city's dog population was reported as larger than its child population of 115,000. Despite a lower poverty rate (12%) than the national average, homelessness had been a persistent issue in San Francisco since the early 1970s. It's believed to have the highest homeless population per capita among major U.S. cities.
2018: Human Waste Issue in San Francisco
During the first half of 2018, human feces on San Francisco sidewalks became a significant concern, ranking as the second most frequent complaint from city residents, with around 65 calls per day. To address this, the city established a "poop patrol".
2018: Jewish Community in San Francisco
In 2018, San Francisco had a sizable Jewish community, estimated at 10% of the city's population, around 80,000 people. It ranked as the third-largest Jewish community proportionally in the U.S., after New York City and Los Angeles. This community was relatively young compared to other major U.S. cities. While spread throughout the city, a notable concentration of mostly Russian Jews resided in the Richmond District. The Fillmore District, once a predominantly Jewish neighborhood from the 1920s to the 1970s, saw many of its Jewish residents relocate to other city areas and suburbs like Marin County.
2018: Salesforce: A Prominent Employer in San Francisco
By 2018, Salesforce emerged as the largest private-sector employer in San Francisco, with a workforce of 8,500 employees.
2018: Religious Demographics of San Francisco
A 2018 study by the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco showed that Jews constituted 10% of the city's population (80,000), making Judaism the second most popular religion after Christianity.
2018: Combined Statistical Area Population
As of 2018, the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA Combined Statistical Area, which encompasses 14 counties, had a population of over 9.6 million, making it the fifth-largest in the United States.
January 3, 2019: Pelosi Begins Third Term as Speaker
Nancy Pelosi began her third term as Speaker of the House on January 3, 2019.
2019: Chase Center Opening
The Chase Center, the new home of the Golden State Warriors, opened in the Mission Bay area of San Francisco in 2019.
2019: Strong Economic Performance in San Francisco
The San Francisco metropolitan area experienced a 3.8% growth in GDP in 2019, reaching $592 billion, while the larger 14-county combined statistical area had a GDP of $1.086 trillion, highlighting the region's economic strength.
2019: San Francisco Shock Wins First Championship
The San Francisco Shock won their first Overwatch League championship title in 2019.
2019: End of Warriors' Finals Streak
The Golden State Warriors' streak of five consecutive NBA Finals appearances ended in 2019.
2019: Homeless Population Count in San Francisco
San Francisco's point-in-time homeless count in 2019 recorded 8,035 individuals, a substantial increase of over 17% compared to the 6,858 counted in 2017. Of these, 5,180 were unsheltered, living on the streets or in parks. The 2019 count also revealed that job loss was the primary cause of homelessness for 26% of respondents, followed by alcohol or drug use (18%) and eviction (13%).
2019: Traffic Fatalities in San Francisco
In 2019, San Francisco recorded 42 fatalities resulting from traffic collisions.
2019: Ford GoBike Renamed to Bay Wheels
Ford GoBike was renamed to Bay Wheels in 2019.
2019: Golden Gate Bridge Railing Replacement Begins
As part of a retrofitting project, the Golden Gate Bridge's west-side pedestrian walkway railings were replaced with thinner slats starting in 2019.
2019: Protected Bike Lanes in San Francisco
As of 2019, 2.6% of San Francisco's streets had protected bike lanes, totaling 28 miles.
May 2020: San Francisco's Policy on Homeless Encampments
In May 2020, San Francisco formally sanctioned homeless encampments.
June 2020: Golden Gate Bridge Hum Reported
Starting in June 2020, reports emerged of a loud hum emanating from the newly installed railing slats on the Golden Gate Bridge during strong west winds.
2020: Racial Demographics
According to the 2020 census, San Francisco's racial makeup was 41.3% White, 33.9% Asian, 5.3% African American, 9.9% Multiracial American, 0.7% Native American and Alaska Native, 0.4% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and 8.4% other races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race constituted 15.6% of the population.
2020: African American Population in San Francisco
By 2020, African Americans made up about 5% of the population in San Francisco. This was a decrease from the 1970s. Most of the Black residents lived in Bayview-Hunters Point, Visitacion Valley, and the Fillmore District. Smaller Black communities were located in Diamond Heights, Glen Park, and the Mission District.
2020: Budget Allocation for Homelessness Services
By the 2019–2020 budget year, the city had allocated $368 million for homelessness services. In the proposed 2020–2021 budget, this allocation further surged to $850 million.
2020: 2020 United States Census
The 2020 United States census recorded San Francisco's population at 873,965, an 8.5% increase from the 2010 census.
2020: San Francisco Shock Wins Second Championship
The San Francisco Shock won their second consecutive Overwatch League championship title in 2020.
2021: Increase in Car Break-ins
San Francisco developed a reputation for car break-ins, with over 19,000 reported in 2021.
2021: Budget Allocation for Homelessness Services
In the proposed 2020–2021 budget the city budgeted $850 million for homelessness services.
2021: Climate Change Projections
As of 2021, projections indicate that climate change will significantly impact San Francisco, with sea levels potentially rising by up to 5 feet and increasing the risk of flooding.
January 2022: Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
In January 2022, CBS News reported that a single suspect was responsible for over half of the hate crimes targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in San Francisco the previous year. This individual remained free despite the multiple charges against him.
2022: Measure to Protect JFK Drive for Pedestrians and Bicyclists Passes
In 2022, a ballot measure to preserve JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park as a dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists was approved with 59% of voter support.
2022: High Median Home Values in San Francisco
In the first quarter of 2022, the median home value in San Francisco County reached $1,297,030, ranking it third highest in the United States.
2022: Warriors Win Championship in San Francisco
The Golden State Warriors won their first NBA championship while residing in San Francisco proper in 2022.
2022: San Francisco Art Institute Closes
The San Francisco Art Institute, the oldest art school west of the Mississippi, closed in 2022.
January 3, 2023: Pelosi's Tenure as Speaker Ends
Nancy Pelosi's tenure as Speaker of the House ended on January 3, 2023.
2023: Muni Ranked Eighth-Largest Transit System in the U.S.
As of 2023, the San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) is the eighth-largest transit system in the United States.
2023: Tech industry downturn
In 2023, San Francisco experienced another tech industry downturn, reminiscent of the dot-com bubble burst, as companies adjusted to changing economic conditions.
March 2024: Decline of Union Square
By March 2024, Union Square, once a bustling shopping district in San Francisco, faced challenges and lost its standing as the Bay Area's primary shopping destination due to the pandemic's impact and other economic factors.
April 2024: SFPD Crime Statistics Released
In April 2024, The San Francisco Police Department released data showing that crime figures for the first 100 days of the year were down, including robberies, burglaries, and larceny.
2024: Target Year for Vision Zero
San Francisco's Vision Zero plan sets a target of 2024 to achieve its goal of ending all traffic fatalities caused by motor vehicles.