San Francisco's bond with Cork is more than just symbolic

International connections, whether business and cultural, are more important now than ever, writes newly appointed San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie

Mayor of San Francisco Daniel Lurie: As we celebrate 41 years of partnership with Cork, we’re reminded of the power of international collaboration. Picture: Hayden Blaz/Wikipedia

As mayor of San Francisco, I’m constantly inspired by our city’s incredible history and bright future.

San Francisco has always been a place of innovation—whether through technology, medical breakthroughs, culinary excellence, or social progress. We’ve built a reputation for tackling challenges that others can’t or won’t. But, like any city, we’ve faced tough times, testing our resilience. And I’m here to ensure that we create the conditions for success once again.

Just two months into my administration, I’m proud to say we’re already seeing positive momentum. Recent polls show that San Francisco is on the upswing. Crime rates are down, fatal drug overdoses are decreasing, and street encampments are being addressed with renewed focus. We’re seeing the early signs of downtown revitalisation, with a 30% increase in events at Moscone Center and a 60% rise in hotel bookings. We still have a lot of work to do but I’m optimistic and energised.

As we continue to rebuild, we’re not only focusing on local progress — we’re also looking to the global connections that have always made San Francisco a leading city. One of the most special partnerships we have is our 41-year sister city relationship with Cork.

This bond is not just symbolic — it’s a living, breathing connection that reflects the deep contributions of the Irish to San Francisco. From the Gold Rush to today, the Irish community has been central to shaping the cultural, social, and economic fabric of our city.

Our partnership with Cork is more than just a celebration of history. It is a thriving economic relationship, with businesses, investments, and educational exchanges continuing to grow between our two cities. Ireland has long been a key economic partner, and this bond fosters opportunities for collaboration that benefit both San Francisco and Cork in tourism, trade, and innovation.

‘San Francisco remains a city that welcomes people and ideas from all over the world, and the Irish community will always be a core part of that vision.’ File picture: iStock

San Francisco continues to lead globally in innovation, home to world-changing companies in AI, technology, and beyond. But beyond the tech scene, we are a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals of all kinds.

Just last month, we were honoured to be named the culinary capital of the US — a true reflection of the creativity that defines our city. As we continue to revitalise our city, we’re also welcoming back visitors from around the world. San Francisco is once again a top global destination for tourism, and we’re excited to see travelers returning to our streets, enjoying our culture, restaurants, and landmarks.

To support this recovery, we’ve launched several key initiatives. ‘PermitSF’ will make it easier for small businesses to get up and running. We’ve signed the Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance to get people off the streets and into treatment, and introduced the SFPD Hospitality Zone Task Force to ensure our streets are safe and clean all year round. San Francisco is a city of opportunity, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that businesses, both large and small, thrive here.

As we celebrate 41 years of partnership with Cork, we’re reminded of the power of international collaboration. These connections are vital as we continue to grow as a global city. The Irish community plays an essential role in making San Francisco the inclusive, welcoming, and innovative place that it is — and always has been.

Looking ahead, let’s continue to strengthen the ties between San Francisco and Ireland, building on our shared values and collaborating for a future of mutual prosperity. San Francisco remains a city that welcomes people and ideas from all over the world, and the Irish community will always be a core part of that vision.

If you’re a business owner, a leader, or someone with a passion to see our city thrive, now is the time to invest in San Francisco’s future. San Francisco is open and ready for business, tourism, and growth, and my administration is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can succeed.

Together, let’s make this a turning point we’ll look back on with pride in the years to come.