On behalf of The San Francisco Foundation’s board of trustees and staff, I wish to express our deep sadness at the passing of Mayor Ed Lee. We extend our condolences to his wife Anita, his two daughters, Brianna and Tania, and his family.
As the city’s first elected Asian-American mayor and son of immigrants, Mayor Lee championed our city’s deep history of activism and building a more inclusive home for all. He was also a strong supporter of immigrants and the preservation of the families who made the Bay Area their home. He made a commitment that “San Francisco is, and always will be, a Sanctuary City for all residents.”
Whether it was as Mayor, County Administrator, Public Works Director, Director of the Human Rights Commission, or as a community advocate, Mayor Lee approached the work with humility, dedication, professionalism, and compassion. He was a true civil servant. His legacy will remain a guiding influence in shaping how San Francisco addresses the social and economic well-being of all residents.
The Foundation’s deepest work with the Mayor was through HOPE SF, a multi-year commitment to revitalize the City’s most distressed public housing without displacement and with just as much focus on the families living in the housing as there is on the bricks and mortar. His commitment to this work was unwavering and under his leadership it thrived. We are more committed than ever to fortifying his legacy by continuing this work.
He will be deeply missed.
Note: Mayor Ed Lee’s wife and two daughters have established a donor advised fund at The San Francisco Foundation in memory of Mayor Lee. The Edwin M. Lee fund will support nonprofit organizations and social causes that were important to the mayor and remain important to his family. If you would like to contribute to the fund, please do so here.
