Crankstart Foundation gives $9.25 million to improve Mission BART plazas

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

The Crankstart Foundation is giving $9.25 million to San Francisco to improve conditions at the Mission BART plazas. The money will pay for better lighting, street patrols, and public safety technology at the 16th and 24th Street stations.

The plazas have long been a source of complaints about drug dealing, homelessness, and cleanliness. The gift comes as BART faces a fiscal crisis that has stalled its own improvement plans, and it bypasses the city's normal budget process.

Why it matters

Private donors are now funding public safety and infrastructure in San Francisco's transit hubs, a shift that could reshape how the city addresses urban disorder.

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Key Indicators

$9.25M

Philanthropic gift

From Crankstart Foundation for Mission BART plazas

BART plazas

16th and 24th Street stations

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Michael Moritz

Founder, Crankstart Foundation

Active philanthropist

Daniel Lurie

Mayor of San Francisco

In office

Organizations Involved

Crankstart Foundation

Philanthropic foundation

Donor

A San Francisco-based foundation that funds education, public spaces, and other causes.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

Transit agency

Partner in improvements

The regional transit system serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

Timeline

July 2025 November 2026

2 events Latest: Today

November 2026
Crankstart Foundation gives $9.25 million for Mission BART plazas
Today Philanthropy

The Crankstart Foundation announces a $9.25 million gift to fund lighting, street patrols, and public safety technology at the 16th and 24th Street BART plazas.
Today
July 2025
BART begins 16th St Plaza redesign planning
Planning

BART starts a year-long effort to develop design concepts for the 16th Street plaza, citing a fiscal crisis and the need for outside funding.
July 2025

Scenarios

Mission BART plazas get new lighting and patrols by mid-2027

Likely Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Mission Local, BART planning documents

The gift is allocated and contracts are approved. BART and the city install new lighting and hire patrols. The improvements are completed on schedule.

Community groups challenge the gift over privatization concerns

Possible Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: San Francisco Board of Supervisors, community advocates

Some residents and supervisors argue that private funding for public safety creates accountability problems. A formal appeal or lawsuit is filed, delaying the project.

Crankstart gift expands to other BART stations

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Crankstart Foundation, BART officials

The foundation is satisfied with the results and announces a similar gift for another BART station, such as Civic Center or Powell Street.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

1980s

Bryant Park Restoration (1980s)

In the 1980s, New York City's Bryant Park was revitalized through a private-public partnership led by the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation. The corporation funded maintenance, security, and programming.

Then

Crime dropped and the park became a popular destination.

Now

The model inspired business improvement districts across the country.

Why this matters now

Shows how private money can transform public spaces, but also raises questions about who gets to use them.

1980s

Grand Central Partnership (1980s)

New York City's Grand Central Partnership, a business improvement district, used private funds to provide cleaning and security in the area around Grand Central Terminal.

Then

The area became cleaner and safer.

Now

BIDs became a common tool for urban revitalization.

Why this matters now

Illustrates the potential and controversy of private funding for public safety.