SFGov Watch

1. Discussed Matters
   1. Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Initiatives
   2. Elimination of Public Art Requirements in Affordable Housing
   3. Security Services and Rising Costs for Public Safety
   4. Interim Zoning Controls for Legacy Businesses
   5. Street Team Reporting for Efficiency and Transparency
2. Misc. Matters
   1. Real Property Lease – San Francisco Public Library at 950 Grant Avenue
   2. Homekey Grant for Permanent Supportive Housing at 685 Ellis Street
   3. Temporary Shelter and Homeless Services – Behested Payment Waiver
3. Misc. Items Introduced
   1. Appointment of New Leadership for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)

Discussed Matters

Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Initiatives

Key resolutions included a Homekey Grant allocation to purchase property at 685 Ellis Street for permanent supportive housing, a contract amendment extending a grant to Mission Neighborhood Centers for homelessness prevention, and an ordinance for a five-year rental subsidy for families transitioning out of homelessness.

Discussion Highlights: These items sparked extensive dialogue among supervisors, who examined the effectiveness of current homelessness initiatives and the importance of sustainable housing solutions.

Homekey Funding Debate: Supervisors lauded the use of state funds for acquiring housing units, but some voiced skepticism about the reliance on one-time grants. There was concern over operational continuity, with several supervisors questioning whether funds for these projects would be sufficient to support long-term housing stability.

Rental Subsidy Extension: Discussions on the subsidy program highlighted the revolving door effect in which families, previously aided by short-term rental assistance, often found themselves back in shelters. Supervisors acknowledged that while the five-year extension represented a significant investment, it also aimed at disrupting this cycle. Supervisors stressed that shorter subsidies were inadequate for lasting stability and urged for measures to ensure recipients had adequate support to become self-sustaining post-subsidy.

Outcome: These resolutions were adopted, affirming the Board’s commitment to bolstering San Francisco’s support systems for people experiencing homelessness.

Elimination of Public Art Requirements in Affordable Housing

An ordinance was proposed to eliminate the public art requirement for 100% affordable housing projects, allowing developers to focus resources entirely on housing costs.

Discussion Highlights: This item became one of the most divisive issues, with spirited arguments reflecting different priorities between cost-efficiency and community enrichment.

Arguments for Elimination: Proponents argued that removing the public art requirement would reduce the financial burden on affordable housing projects, thereby facilitating faster construction. They highlighted that every dollar saved from construction costs could potentially contribute to reducing rents or increasing unit availability.

Concerns Over Cultural Loss: Opponents emphasized the value of public art in affordable housing, especially in neighborhoods with rich cultural histories. They argued that art fosters a sense of pride and identity for residents, providing aesthetic and symbolic benefits beyond just physical shelter. Some supervisors suggested exploring alternative funding mechanisms for public art rather than eliminating the requirement entirely.

Outcome: Despite objections, the ordinance passed its first reading, with the understanding that further debate and possible amendments could be explored.

Security Services and Rising Costs for Public Safety

Amendments to security contracts with A1 Protective Services and Treeline Security, amounting to over $50 million, were reviewed.

Discussion Highlights: This topic brought about a deep dive into the escalating costs of public safety.

Justification for Increased Costs: Supervisors requested clarification on why the security needs had increased so significantly. Representatives explained that the rise in services was due to higher security demands at city facilities and public events.

Concerns on Fiscal Sustainability: Several supervisors expressed apprehension about the cost-effectiveness of the security budget. They questioned if the increase was sustainable long-term and proposed a future review of alternative security models that might involve partnerships with community organizations or better resource allocation to high-risk areas.

Outcome: The contract amendments were ultimately approved, but supervisors left with an action item to revisit security budgeting strategies in upcoming sessions.

Interim Zoning Controls for Legacy Businesses

This resolution introduced interim zoning controls, requiring conditional use authorizations to replace legacy businesses in culturally significant neighborhoods.

Discussion Highlights: The importance of preserving the city’s historic and culturally significant businesses fueled this conversation.

Protection of Cultural Identity: Supervisors spoke passionately about how legacy businesses contribute to San Francisco’s unique cultural identity, particularly in neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission District. They argued that these businesses are integral to the character and community fabric of the city.

Challenges of Zoning Controls Alone: Some supervisors voiced concerns that zoning measures, while helpful, might not be sufficient to fully protect these businesses. They called for complementary financial or policy support, such as tax breaks or grants, that could help legacy businesses endure increasing commercial rents and other operational pressures.

Outcome: The resolution was adopted, with a focus on developing broader support strategies for legacy businesses in the future.

Street Team Reporting for Efficiency and Transparency

This ordinance mandates regular reporting by various city departments (Public Health, Fire, Homelessness) on the efficiency of street team services.

Discussion Highlights: Supervisors underscored the necessity of transparent and efficient street-level services.

Need for Accountability and Data: The Board emphasized that street teams play a critical role in addressing visible public safety and homelessness issues, and there is a strong need for data to measure effectiveness. Supervisors discussed metrics like housing placements and health service connections as essential indicators of success. There was also a call for more accessible data dashboards to track outcomes, aiming to refine service delivery based on real-world impacts.

Outcome: The ordinance passed its first reading, setting a path for enhanced oversight and accountability in the city’s street-level interventions.

Misc. Matters

Real Property Lease – San Francisco Public Library at 950 Grant Avenue

• Description: This resolution proposed a lease agreement for a property at 950 Grant Avenue to house a branch of the San Francisco Public Library. The lease includes a base rent of $168,000 annually, with an increase in the second year.
• Discussion: The Board discussed the terms of the lease, noting the need for increased library access in the area. There was a general consensus on the benefits of expanding library services.
• Outcome: The resolution was adopted, allowing the lease to move forward with planned improvements.

Homekey Grant for Permanent Supportive Housing at 685 Ellis Street

• Description: This resolution authorizes accepting a Homekey Grant of $18.2 million from the California Department of Housing and Community Development to acquire and operate permanent supportive housing at 685 Ellis Street.
• Discussion: The discussion focused on the project’s alignment with city goals to expand supportive housing. Supervisors discussed the benefits of Homekey grants in meeting San Francisco’s housing needs.
• Outcome: The resolution was adopted, enabling the city to proceed with acquiring and operating the property as permanent supportive housing.

Temporary Shelter and Homeless Services – Behested Payment Waiver

• Description: This resolution authorizes the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to solicit private donations to fund temporary shelter expansions and homeless services, bypassing typical behested payment restrictions.
• Discussion: Discussion focused on the urgency of addressing homelessness and the need for diversified funding sources to sustain temporary shelters. Supervisors noted the potential benefits of private sector contributions.
• Outcome: The resolution was adopted, enabling the solicitation of private donations to bolster homelessness services.

Misc. Items Introduced

Appointment of New Leadership for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)

• Overview: This resolution introduced an agreement to officially appoint Maria Su as the new Superintendent of the SFUSD, following years of challenges and administrative instability within the district.
• Rationale and Discussion: Several supervisors expressed strong support for Su’s appointment, citing her experience as the former head of the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families (DCYF) and her demonstrated commitment to equity and stability. Supervisors and community members alike praised her administrative skills and her understanding of the unique challenges facing San Francisco’s public schools. The discussion emphasized that Su’s experience in public service and ability to navigate complex bureaucratic systems make her a promising leader for the district’s future.
• Anticipated Outcomes: Su’s leadership is expected to stabilize SFUSD, focusing on addressing budget deficits, improving academic performance, and rebuilding public trust. The resolution passed with strong support, marking a hopeful shift for SFUSD’s future.