Mission Economic Development Agency was saddened and shocked to hear the news of the sudden death of San Francisco’s 43rd mayor, Ed Lee, early this morning. Mayor Lee was the first Asian American mayor of San Francisco — a milestone in the City’s political history.
Our organization forged an integral relationship with Mayor Lee over the years, as we sought fairness and equity for the Latino immigrant community in the face of dramatic displacement pressures. Working closely with the Mayor’s office and the San Francisco Unified School District, the Mission Promise Neighborhood education initiative started five years ago, with two dozen community-organizations and government agencies collaboratively strengthening families so students succeed academically. We also made significant gains by preserving and producing homes in the Mission: new construction; HUD RAD public housing transfer of ownership to nonprofits like MEDA; and the Small Sites program, whereby nonprofits can purchase four- to 25-unit buildings with tenants and commercial tenants vulnerable to displacement.
We respected his local leadership, in light of the recent federal political climate shift, especially his stance on keeping San Francisco a Sanctuary City.
Our sincere condolences to Mayor Lee’s family and those who worked with him at City Hall.
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