Jeffrey Tumlin Steps Down as SFMTA Director

Jeffrey Tumlin, director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), will resign at the end of December after five years in the role. Appointed in 2019, Tumlin faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted transit revenues and operations. Despite these difficulties, he spearheaded projects like the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit Corridor and the Central Subway, and implemented initiatives such as 'Slow Streets' to enhance public safety. Tumlin's tenure has been marked by controversies over bike lanes and car-free streets, leading to mixed reactions from the public and city officials. With a looming budget deficit projected to reach nearly $300 million by 2026, Tumlin's successor will inherit significant fiscal challenges. Julie Kirschbaum will serve as interim director as Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie prepares to appoint a permanent replacement.