From Twitter CFO to San Francisco’s Housing Leader: Ned Segal Appointed Chief of Economic Development

San Francisco’s incoming administration is making bold moves to rejuvenate the city’s economic landscape, tackle ongoing housing shortages, and restore the vibrancy of its downtown core. In a strategic effort to confront a projected two-year budget deficit of $876 million and address concerns over the lingering impact of the pandemic, Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie has announced a significant reshuffling of city leadership. At the heart of this transformation is the appointment of former Twitter Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Ned Segal as San Francisco’s new Chief of Housing and Economic Development. This decision is already stirring debate among policy experts, community advocates, and business leaders, with supporters citing Segal’s proven financial acumen and detractors questioning his lack of direct government experience. As the city looks to the future, Segal’s role will be critical in driving economic revitalization, improving housing opportunities, and reshaping how San Francisco interacts with its diverse stakeholders.

Ned Segal’s Appointment: A New Role in San Francisco

Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie has appointed Ned Segal—former CFO of Twitter—to serve as San Francisco’s Chief of Housing and Economic Development. This newly established leadership position reflects Lurie’s broader office reorganization strategy, which involves creating four key policy chief roles to ensure responsibilities are more evenly distributed across a higher echelon of senior staff. Segal’s selection aligns with the city’s urgent priorities: reviving its post-pandemic economy, spurring long-overdue housing construction, and fostering a thriving environment for both businesses and families.

Responsibilities and Oversight

In his capacity as Chief of Housing and Economic Development, Segal will wield significant influence over critical city operations and resource allocations. He will coordinate across a network of pivotal departments and agencies, including the Planning Department, Building Inspection, Economic and Workforce Development, the Airport, Housing and Community Development, the Arts Commission, and Public Libraries. This broad mandate encompasses the oversight of nearly $3 billion in public spending out of the city’s $15.9 billion annual budget. The ultimate objective is to streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and channel investment into areas that will catalyze growth, affordability, and inclusivity.

Goals and Vision for Revitalizing San Francisco

A centerpiece of Segal’s mission is the revitalization of a downtown core that has struggled to regain its footing since the pandemic. With office vacancies up and foot traffic down, Segal aims to turn this trend around by encouraging businesses to return, strengthening the city’s workforce development efforts, and accelerating construction to meet San Francisco’s pressing housing needs. “For too long, it’s been too hard for companies and families to thrive in San Francisco,” Segal has stated, underscoring his commitment to reinvigorating the city’s economic environment. His success will be measured by tangible outcomes: more vibrant commercial corridors, greater affordability, and a diverse array of companies and residents once again calling San Francisco home.

Background on Ned Segal

Before stepping into public service, Segal distinguished himself in the private sector. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the CFO of Twitter, guiding the social media giant through various fiscal and strategic challenges. Beyond Twitter, Segal honed his financial and operational expertise at Intuit, RPX Corporation, and Goldman Sachs. His longstanding connection to Mayor-elect Lurie, dating back to their time at San Francisco’s Town School for Boys, suggests a relationship built on mutual trust and shared civic values. Segal also supported Lurie’s mayoral campaign as co-chair and currently serves on Lurie’s transition team. In addition, his role as a board member of the Tipping Point Community—the antipoverty nonprofit founded by Lurie—highlights a longstanding commitment to social impact in the Bay Area.

Addressing Fiscal Challenges and Economic Recovery

Underpinning these moves are San Francisco’s significant fiscal hurdles. The city faces an $876 million deficit over the next two years, necessitating fresh leadership and strategic thinking. By elevating Segal, Lurie signals a determination to apply corporate-style financial discipline to municipal governance. The hope is that Segal’s experience can help close budget gaps through more efficient allocation of public resources, improved public-private partnerships, and policies that foster sustainable economic growth. Ultimately, the goal is a more resilient, innovative, and economically sound San Francisco, capable of weathering future challenges and harnessing emerging opportunities.

Reactions from Experts and Community Members

Supportive Perspectives

Many local business leaders and policy experts support Segal’s appointment, applauding his private-sector pedigree and reputation for strong financial stewardship. They believe that his background in technology and finance will bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to long-standing urban issues. Proponents argue that effective partnerships between city hall and the private sector can accelerate housing development, streamline regulations, and forge a stronger, more dynamic economic ecosystem in San Francisco’s downtown areas.

Critical Perspectives

Despite the optimism, a contingent of community advocates and civic leaders voices concern about Segal’s lack of direct government experience. Critics worry that he may struggle to navigate the complexities of municipal bureaucracy or fail to prioritize the needs of the city’s most vulnerable residents. There is also apprehension about the growing influence of tech industry insiders in city government, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Some fear that corporate priorities could overshadow affordability measures, equitable housing policies, and community-driven initiatives, potentially leaving lower-income residents and marginalized groups behind.

Potential Market Impact and Key Stakeholders

Segal’s policies could reshape the local real estate landscape, potentially stimulating new construction and encouraging businesses to return. If he successfully attracts tech firms back into the urban core, office demand might rise—but only if incentives, zoning reforms, and accessible housing solutions create a balanced environment that appeals to both employers and employees. Developers and the construction industry stand to gain from streamlined approval processes and public-private partnerships designed to accelerate building projects. Yet, the pressure is on to ensure that any market growth translates into affordable options, preventing gentrification and displacement.

Tech companies, once synonymous with San Francisco’s economic boom, now weigh the benefits of returning in-person against remote-work trends. A more business-friendly city could be enticing, but if revitalization efforts skew too heavily toward corporate interests, broader stakeholders—including longtime residents and local businesses—may feel sidelined. Public employees tasked with implementing Segal’s directives may face new priorities, budget constraints, and the pressure to deliver tangible results in an evolving policy landscape.

Long-Term Challenges and Opportunities

As hybrid and remote work patterns persist, the challenge of revitalizing a less office-centric downtown looms large. To succeed, Segal must champion flexible strategies that transform commercial areas into multi-use neighborhoods blending housing, retail, culture, and public services. Balancing economic growth with social equity will be a defining test. Can the city attract investment and rekindle its innovative spirit without pricing out the very communities that make San Francisco unique?

If Segal’s tenure manages to marry private-sector efficiency with progressive social policies—achieving a more inclusive and vibrant urban environment—his approach could serve as a blueprint for other cities. Conversely, if policies tilt too heavily toward the tech sector or fail to produce equitable housing outcomes, the resulting backlash could further polarize the city’s economic and cultural fabric.

Conclusion

Ned Segal’s appointment as San Francisco’s Chief of Housing and Economic Development comes at a pivotal juncture for the city. Armed with significant budgetary oversight, a mandate to jumpstart housing construction, and a mission to revive downtown, Segal enters the public sector with great promise—and equally great scrutiny. His success or failure will hinge on striking the delicate balance between corporate influence and civic responsibility, business agility and social equity. In the months and years ahead, San Francisco’s recovery and reinvention will be watched closely, as stakeholders gauge whether new leadership can truly deliver a brighter, more inclusive future for all who call the city home.