San Francisco approves new RESET Center for drug users despite legal concerns

The 25-bed pilot program aims to connect intoxicated individuals with treatment, but some supervisors worry about its coercive approach and legal risks.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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San Francisco lawmakers this week approved a $14.5 million, 26-month contract to open the RESET Center, a new sobering site where police can bring intoxicated people instead of jail. The program, part of Mayor Daniel Lurie's efforts to combat the city's drug crisis, has raised concerns from some supervisors about its legal standing and ability to effectively connect people with treatment.

Why it matters

Addressing public drug use and addiction has been a key priority for Mayor Lurie, who has emphasized law enforcement and coercive approaches. The success or failure of the RESET Center and similar programs could impact how his constituents view his ability to deliver solutions to the city's pressing challenges.

The details

The RESET Center will be an "open, almost dormitory-like environment" where people brought by police will be held until deemed sober enough to leave. However, if they leave prematurely, they risk being arrested again. The city attorney warned the program could create "very high legal risk" for San Francisco, but the Board of Supervisors approved the contract 9-2, with some members expressing doubts about its effectiveness.

  • The RESET Center is expected to open this spring.
  • The Board of State and Community Corrections is slated to visit the site next week.

The players

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco who has made addressing the city's drug crisis a key priority in his first term.

Jackie Fielder

A San Francisco supervisor who voted against approving the RESET Center contract, citing concerns about the program's model and legal risks.

Connie Chan

A San Francisco supervisor who also voted against the RESET Center contract, saying she has "a lot of doubt" about whether the program will work.

Matt Dorsey

The San Francisco supervisor who sponsored the proposal for the RESET Center, dismissing concerns about possible lawsuits.

Paul Miyamoto

The San Francisco sheriff who told supervisors the RESET Center would not be a jail or detention facility.

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What they’re saying

“I want to believe that this could work, but I have a lot of doubt.”

— Connie Chan, San Francisco Supervisor (San Francisco Chronicle)

“I'm concerned that there are going to be very few outcomes to actually show this will be worth it.”

— Jackie Fielder, San Francisco Supervisor (San Francisco Chronicle)

“It seems very performative to me. It's like 'look we're getting tough,' but it's just going to be a big revolving door.”

— Jennifer Friedenbach, Executive Director, Coalition on Homelessness (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Supervisors will have another opportunity to evaluate the RESET Center during the city's budget negotiations this summer, when they will have more information about the program including the final assessment by the Board of State and Community Corrections.

The takeaway

The approval of the RESET Center despite legal concerns highlights the ongoing debate in San Francisco over how best to address the city's drug crisis, with some officials favoring a more coercive approach while others worry about the program's effectiveness and potential for abuse.