San Francisco Prepares for Possible Federal Government Shutdown
News Release
San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed today announced the City’s next steps should a federal government shutdown go into effect on Sunday, October 1, 2023. While no disruptions to essential services are expected, the City is preparing for potential impacts to some scheduled events and attractions. Due to the City’s robust cash flow management, there are sufficient balances to mitigate potential impacts of delayed federal payments.
At this time, the City does not anticipate any impact to early education services, transportation, behavioral health services, support for the unhoused community, or City-run parks and recreation programming. Those receiving benefits including Medicaid, also known as Medi-Cal, Social Security (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as CalFresh or food stamps, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also known as CalWORKS, will also not experience a disruption in their services.
Additionally, residents who receive subsidies from the Housing Authority will not be impacted by the shutdown.
“The actions of Republicans in the House to so recklessly allow our federal government to shut down is not only wrong, but deeply concerning,” said Mayor Breed. “We are working to mitigate any potential impacts of this shutdown on San Franciscans, and hope that the situation is remedied quickly.”
As in prior government shutdowns, services provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), border protection, in-hospital medical care, air traffic control, law enforcement, and power grid maintenance are among the services classified as essential, therefore will continue without disruption.
Mandatory spending, such as for Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Medicaid, and unemployment insurance to also expected to continue without disruption.
However, the extent of a shutdown, as well as the duration of a shutdown, would determine the City’s ability to successfully manage all impacts at the local level if the federal government shutdown were to extend for a number of weeks.
The City is engaged with federal partners to minimize the impacts on the operations of our San Francisco Housing Authority, which receives 96% of its total operating revenue from the federal government. Residents who receive housing vouchers from the Housing Authority or landlords who work with this agency are asked to please be aware and ready for additional information about ways the City is working to mitigate the impacts of the shutdown.
Unfortunately, some aspects of Fleet Week, which is scheduled to occur from October 2 to October 10, 2023, may be adjusted or canceled. Programs expected to see changes include the Air Show and the Parade of Ships and corresponding ship tours, as a result of the shutdown going into effect.
Federal partners have confirmed that at this time the National Park Service operations will remain open through the weekend. Additional official direction from the National Park Service is expected next week.
The City will continue to closely monitor and update the public with additional information as it evolves.
###