Many city leaders acknowledge that Muni has long-term funding problems, especially as ridership rises during the current economic boom. But they don’t all agree on how to rectify it. This November, voters will be presented with two ballot measures affecting the service: One, promoted by Mayor Ed Lee and the full Board of Supervisors, supports a $500 million bond for transportation infrastructure improvements. The other, sponsored by Supervisor Scott Wiener and opposed by the mayor, would expand the portion of the general fund that goes to transportation.
The mayor reportedly believes that Wiener’s measure will restrict the budgeting flexibility city leaders need. In July, the mayor’s budget director issued a notice to city agencies telling them to prepare for budget cuts if Wiener’s law is passed.
