San Francisco

blue

Axios San Francisco Partners

San Francisco Alerts

Alert

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting San Francisco.

Axios San Francisco Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in San Francisco with Nadia Lopez and Shawna Chen.

Axios San Francisco

Standard

San Francisco Members

Membership

Transamerica Pyramid sells for $691M

A new owner takes over the iconic tower after a major renovation and developer exit.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transamerica Pyramid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/03/05/whats-happening-transamerica-pyramid-sale" data-vars-content-id="f33e831b-7ece-43a3-8ad8-1f94372a8032" data-vars-headline="Transamerica Pyramid sells for $691M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/03/05/whats-happening-transamerica-pyramid-sale" target="_self">Transamerica Pyramid</a> is officially off the market.Why it matters: The sale, the second in its 54-year history, marks the end of developer Michael Shvo&#x27;s ambitious plans for one of San Francisco&#x27;s most recognizable landmarks.

How Supervisor Jackie Fielder's leave could affect City Hall

By staying in office, she avoids a political shakeup.

District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder&#x27;s decision to take a medical leave of absence — without giving up her seat — avoids a major political shakeup, though her leave isn&#x27;t expected to significantly shift the balance of power on the Board of Supervisors, analysts say.Why it matters: Staying in her role avoids triggering a mayoral appointment and a broader political ripple effect, though her time away could still limit the district&#x27;s sway on some votes.

Behind the street safety fix SF advocates say could save lives

It'd involve inserting physical barriers in the road space next to curbs that are within 20 feet of a crosswalk.

&quot;Hardened daylighting&quot; might not be a term most people know. But in San Francisco, street safety advocates want it to be a priority as the city weighs competing projects to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="curb aggressive driving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/03/30/sf-10-streets-pedestrian-crash-hotspots" data-vars-content-id="b2210545-4fd7-4d09-9d56-0c8fc2f86858" data-vars-headline="Behind the street safety fix SF advocates say could save lives" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/03/30/sf-10-streets-pedestrian-crash-hotspots" target="_self">curb aggressive driving</a>.The big picture: Hardened daylighting involves inserting physical barriers including planters, bike or scooter racks in the road space next to daylighted curbs (within 20 feet of a crosswalk), to force drivers to round corners more carefully.

Just 10 SF streets account for a third of car-pedestrian injury crashes

Vehicle-pedestrian crashes have remained steady despite years of safety upgrades.

Ten streets are responsible for about a third of all vehicle-pedestrian injury crashes in San Francisco — a dynamic that hasn&#x27;t budged since before the pandemic, an Axios SF analysis of city data shows.Why it matters: Despite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vision Zero" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/05/21/san-francisco-vision-zero-push-pedestrian-deaths" data-vars-content-id="5f7445cb-ddb8-4a77-b8bf-372b62ffdc51" data-vars-headline="Just 10 SF streets account for a third of car-pedestrian injury crashes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/05/21/san-francisco-vision-zero-push-pedestrian-deaths" target="_self">Vision Zero</a> efforts, street redesigns and pandemic-era traffic shifts, pedestrian safety remains a major concern in a city with heavy foot traffic, especially amid a recent string of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-profile pedestrian deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://walksf.org/2026/03/13/five-pedestrians-killed-in-just-five-weeks/" data-vars-content-id="5f7445cb-ddb8-4a77-b8bf-372b62ffdc51" data-vars-headline="Just 10 SF streets account for a third of car-pedestrian injury crashes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://walksf.org/2026/03/13/five-pedestrians-killed-in-just-five-weeks/" target="_blank">high-profile pedestrian deaths</a>.

Scoop: AI music generator Suno opens SF office

The AI music startup is coming to downtown.

An <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI startup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/20/suno-gen-ai-music-microsoft" data-vars-content-id="c87bb51f-5f0c-4aaf-9bce-d30cd3c87038" data-vars-headline="Scoop: AI music generator Suno opens SF office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/20/suno-gen-ai-music-microsoft" target="_self">AI startup</a> that lets users make music from prompts has opened an office in downtown San Francisco, Axios has learned.The big picture: Suno&#x27;s expansion is another sign of the AI boom fueling downtown&#x27;s comeback, and brings to the city a company at the center of recent fights over using copyrighted music to train AI models.

HOA fees top $500 in Bay Area surge

Monthly HOA costs are rising fast, adding pressure to homeownership expenses.

Homeowners association fees soared past $500 in the San Francisco metro area in 2025, an upward trend that doesn&#x27;t seem like it&#x27;ll slow anytime soon, new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="http://Realtor.com" data-vars-content-id="e5e21eae-116b-450a-9d5c-b99016c75730" data-vars-headline="HOA fees top $500 in Bay Area surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://Realtor.com" target="_blank">Realtor.com</a> data shows.Why it matters: It&#x27;s yet another bill quietly ballooning alongside your mortgage.

Caltrain railyard redevelopment plan could reshape 4th and King

The project would add housing, offices and a new station over 20 acres.

The Caltrain station at 4th and King streets could look radically different under a new redevelopment proposal.Why it matters: Developer Prologis&#x27; joint venture with Caltrain would leverage one of the largest remaining mixed-use development opportunities in San Francisco and could reinvent the junction of the Mission Bay and SoMa neighborhoods.

What's next for the Transamerica Pyramid

The landmark tower is poised for new ownership.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transamerica Pyramid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/05/15/time-capsule-transamerica-pyramid-exhibition" data-vars-content-id="42f2c915-ca34-41cd-b06c-8f00a9a590f9" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for the Transamerica Pyramid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/05/15/time-capsule-transamerica-pyramid-exhibition" target="_self">Transamerica Pyramid</a> is slated to get new owners, but it remains unclear what that will mean for this icon of San Francisco&#x27;s skyline.The big picture: The Transamerica Pyramid&#x27;s pending sale, the second in its 54-year history, comes as San Francisco&#x27;s commercial real estate market continues to see gains largely <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="driven by the AI boom." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/02/18/mary-daly-ai-hiring-transition-phase" data-vars-content-id="42f2c915-ca34-41cd-b06c-8f00a9a590f9" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for the Transamerica Pyramid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/02/18/mary-daly-ai-hiring-transition-phase" target="_self">driven by the AI boom.</a>

Newsom signs law allowing denser housing near transit stops

The newly signed law could dramatically alter urban landscapes.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Friday to allow <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="denser housing development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/06/04/california-housing-politics-yimby-wiener-senate" data-vars-content-id="af3913b8-9147-4160-b01b-2a27f156db9a" data-vars-headline="Newsom signs law allowing denser housing near transit stops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/06/04/california-housing-politics-yimby-wiener-senate" target="_self">denser housing development</a> around transit hubs in California.Why it matters: It marks the state&#x27;s most significant attempt to supercharge homebuilding and could dramatically alter urban landscapes.

Lurie's family zoning plan advances amid rising tensions

Opponents cite concerns over tenant protections and affordability.

San Francisco&#x27;s Planning Commission voted Thursday night to advance Mayor Daniel Lurie&#x27;s contentious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family zoning plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/08/sf-major-zoning-overhaul-housing-shortage-solution" data-vars-content-id="ac2bae55-91a0-483a-aa4c-1ac10fd72d0e" data-vars-headline="Lurie&#x27;s family zoning plan advances amid rising tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/08/sf-major-zoning-overhaul-housing-shortage-solution" target="_self">family zoning plan</a> by a 4-3 vote after a marathon 10-hour meeting.The big picture: Tensions over the proposal, which would enable roughly 36,000 new housing units by allowing new building heights and other changes, are expected to heat up as the Board of Supervisors is now set to take up the measure.

Older Bay Area renters surge amid housing squeeze

Renters 65 or older are growing fast, driven by rising rents and stagnant incomes.

More older adults in the Bay Area are renting — and fast.Why it matters: Rising rents and stagnant incomes are squeezing senior renters, and it&#x27;s likely to continue as our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aging population increases rapidly" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/07/09/sf-metro-bay-area-65-plus-population-growth-aging-healthcare" data-vars-content-id="6cc90574-a8ab-49b1-aceb-05fb162958f6" data-vars-headline="Older Bay Area renters surge amid housing squeeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/07/09/sf-metro-bay-area-65-plus-population-growth-aging-healthcare" target="_self">aging population increases rapidly</a>.

"Hidden" homeowner costs in California top $32K a year

A new report shows California's homeowners face massive costs beyond their mortgages.

Homeowners in California spend an average of $32,262 a year on upkeep and other &quot;hidden expenses&quot; — the second highest amount nationally, according to a Bankrate study.Why it matters: Overlooked costs, beyond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage payments" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/40707597.111691/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDYvMDMvaG9tZXMtYnV5ZXJzLXNlbGxlcnMtcmVkZmluP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY2hpY2FnbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B7d463fb7" data-vars-content-id="1156ac13-328b-443c-90bf-523b1825f04c" data-vars-headline="&quot;Hidden&quot; homeowner costs in California top $32K a year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/40707597.111691/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDYvMDMvaG9tZXMtYnV5ZXJzLXNlbGxlcnMtcmVkZmluP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY2hpY2FnbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B7d463fb7" target="_self">mortgage payments</a>, can surprise unprepared homeowners.

Multifamily housing permits drop below pandemic levels

Many projects remain on hold amid cost and financing constraints, experts say.

Permits for multifamily housing in San Francisco have dropped below pre-pandemic and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/covid-home-prices-trends" data-vars-content-id="3d530e03-58af-42b5-9abc-9025a74d566f" data-vars-headline="Multifamily housing permits drop below pandemic levels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/covid-home-prices-trends" target="_self">pandemic</a>-era levels, even as rent continues its upward trend, Redfin data shows.Why it matters: Demand for multifamily units has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ticked up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.connectcre.com/stories/san-francisco-multifamily-where-the-demand-drivers-are/" data-vars-content-id="3d530e03-58af-42b5-9abc-9025a74d566f" data-vars-headline="Multifamily housing permits drop below pandemic levels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.connectcre.com/stories/san-francisco-multifamily-where-the-demand-drivers-are/" target="_blank">ticked up</a> in recent months due to the growth of AI companies, yet many projects remain on hold amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost and financing constraints" data-vars-click-url="https://ipgsf.com/san-francisco-multifamily-market-q1-2025/" data-vars-content-id="3d530e03-58af-42b5-9abc-9025a74d566f" data-vars-headline="Multifamily housing permits drop below pandemic levels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ipgsf.com/san-francisco-multifamily-market-q1-2025/" target="_blank">cost and financing constraints</a>, experts say.

A bar chart that shows median monthly HOA fees in the San Francisco metro area from 2019 to 2025. Fees rose each year, from $320 in 2019 to $502 in 2025. They increased from $475 in 2024 to the period high of $502 in 2025.

Median HOA monthly fees in the San Francisco metro area

Data: Realtor.com; Note: San Francicso metro area includes San Francisco, Oakland and Fremont; Chart: Axios Visuals

Real Estate 🏠

Scoop: AI music generator Suno opens SF office

Transamerica Pyramid sells for $691M

HOA fees top $500 in Bay Area surge

Caltrain railyard redevelopment plan could reshape 4th and King

What's next for the Transamerica Pyramid