SFGov Watch

1. Key Topics
   1. Hunters Point Shipyard and Bayview Hunters Point Redevelopment Projects
   2. Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Adjustments
   3. California Street Infrastructure Financing and Development Agreement Extensions
   4. Public Utilities and Wastewater Financing
   5. San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Contract and Easement
   6. Affordable Housing and Community Development Grants
   7. Multi-Family Housing Projects
   8. Enhanced Radio Interoperability for UCSF
   9. Grants for Public Health
   10. Surveillance Policy and Employee Illness Program Administration
2. Public Comment Highlights

Key Topics

Hunters Point Shipyard and Bayview Hunters Point Redevelopment Projects

Items 14 and 15: The board passed two ordinances related to redevelopment projects at the Hunters Point Shipyard and Bayview Hunters Point areas. The ordinances authorize transferring around two million square feet for research, development, and office use and extend the redevelopment timelines, aiming to advance local economic growth while transforming the industrial landscape.

Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Adjustments

Item 16: Adjustments to the planning code for BMR housing units were approved. Key changes included enabling BMR units to be resold at prices affordable to households with higher area median income (AMI) and requiring that these units maintain associated parking and amenities upon resale. This ordinance addresses a critical need for affordable housing by allowing more flexibility in ownership transitions while retaining essential features.

California Street Infrastructure Financing and Development Agreement Extensions

Items 17 and 18: The BOS reviewed and passed measures for infrastructure financing concerning two major California Street projects (3333 and 3700 California Street). This includes an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District for community-beneficial capital projects and an extension of the 3333 California Street development agreement by eight years to 2043. These adjustments ensure ongoing project funding and increased affordable housing under the revised affordable housing requirements.

Public Utilities and Wastewater Financing

Item 19: The board approved an ordinance to increase the financing capacity for the Wastewater Enterprise Interim Funding Program (WEIFP), authorizing a boost from $750 million to $1.25 billion to support short-term capital projects across the wastewater, water, and power enterprises. This significant increase underscores the city’s commitment to long-term improvements in utility infrastructure.

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Contract and Easement

Items 20 and 21: The board approved a $10.7 million contract for construction management services related to SFPUC’s new distribution division campus. Additionally, a purchase and sale agreement was authorized for acquiring easements in Alameda County for underground water pipeline installation, totaling $50,000, to secure essential project real estate.

Affordable Housing and Community Development Grants

Items 22 and 23: Two resolutions from the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) were adopted. The resolutions authorize agreements with California’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) department, involving grants totaling $29.7 million for transportation, streetscape, and pedestrian improvements near 160 Freelon Street, supporting the city’s vision for sustainable community development.

Multi-Family Housing Projects

Items 24 and 25: Approvals were given for significant multi-family housing projects, including a loan agreement of up to $12.5 million for a 55-unit rental housing project, Golden Gate Avenue Phase 1. Additional loan agreements were approved to further support multifamily housing developments for moderate-income households, indicating a sustained focus on expanding affordable housing.

Enhanced Radio Interoperability for UCSF

Item 26: The Department of Technology was authorized to enter an agreement with UCSF for radio system usage, interoperability, and maintenance, with a minimum revenue commitment of $2.4 million. This ensures critical communication capabilities between UCSF and city personnel, enhancing public safety and operational efficiency.

Grants for Public Health

Item 27: Retroactive authorization was granted to the Department of Public Health to accept a $440,000 grant from the CDC for nutrition and physical activity programs under the CalFresh program, supporting ongoing public health efforts through 2028.

Surveillance Policy and Employee Illness Program Administration

Items 28 and 29: The board passed ordinances to improve city governance, including a surveillance policy for web filtering software used by the Juvenile Probation Department and enhancements to the Employee Catastrophic Illness Program. Both measures aim to enhance safety and support for city employees and vulnerable populations.

Public Comment Highlights

A range of issues was raised by citizens during the public comment period, including concerns about data breaches and cyberstalking, frustration with local fraud and corruption, and personal testimonies of military families facing difficulties with local governance and law enforcement. A noticeable tone of dissatisfaction with transparency and local governance standards was evident.