The San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment (SF OFE) is housed within the Office of the Treasurer of San Francisco.
The Office’s mission is shaped by Treasurer José Cisneros’ belief that all San Franciscans are responsible for safeguarding the City’s money. When people use fewer resources, maintain current resources, and contribute new resources through taxes, San Francisco stays strong.
Financially empowered people drive this success. They fuel growth and create stability. They strengthen families and neighborhoods, support businesses, buy and maintain houses, and expand the tax base. They use less, and give more back.
Our mission is to use City Hall’s strength and influence to help more of the City’s lower-income residents enter the financial mainstream. Ultimately, our job consists of giving people opportunities: to learn more about money, open a checking account, take advantage of tax credits, save for a child’s college education, overcome setbacks and gain independence.
Our duties and programs cover four main areas:
Education and Awareness: partnerships to help San Franciscans learn the fundamentals they’ll need to take charge of their money.
Access and Availability: programs and partnerships to help San Franciscans form relationships with banks and credit unions, and get the resources they need to enter the financial mainstream.
Policy and Protection: advocacy and policy on a local, state and national level, to protect San Franciscans from predatory business practices and advance opportunities for financial empowerment.
Asset Building and Wealth Management: programs and partnerships to help San Franciscans gain the knowledge and resources they need to save for goals and accumulate wealth.
Read our 2011 annual report here.
The San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment is housed within the City and County of San Francisco Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector.
The Office of the Treasurer serves as banker, tax collector, collection agent, and investment officer for the City and County of San Francisco.
Our mission:
- To make it easier for people to comply with the tax laws of the City and County of San Francisco by simplifying processes and procedures, and by offering efficient customer service.
- To collect all taxes and fees due to the City.
- To save and protect all city funds, and invest them wisely to achieve maximum yield with low risk and high liquidity.
