San Francisco Board of Supervisors Meeting – July 21, 2026

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on July 21, 2026, beginning at 10:15 AM. The meeting covered the annual budget, multiple policy ordinances, a special order for commendations, and two committee-of-the-whole hearings: one on Kaiser Permanente’s behavioral health contract proposals and one on the renewal and expansion of the Downtown Community Benefit District. Key actions included passing the budget on first reading, enacting new penalties for fireworks, and advancing the Downtown CBD renewal.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–3 (routine ordinances) were approved unanimously (11-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comment on Kaiser Hearing (Item 52): Several Kaiser patients, union members (UNITE HERE, San Francisco Labor Council), and NASW-California representatives expressed strong opposition to Kaiser’s proposals, citing risks to patient safety and worker autonomy. One caller was cut off for making a personal attack.
• Public Comment on Downtown CBD (Items 53–54): Over a dozen property owners, business leaders, and residents voiced support for the renewal and expansion, citing improved cleanliness, safety, and economic recovery. One speaker from the ACLU raised concerns about surveillance, homeless outreach, and privacy. A resident of District 6 expressed opposition, arguing the CBD disproportionately benefits businesses and increases police presence.
• General Public Comment: Speakers addressed the removal of peer counselors from the street crisis response team, offered a poem criticizing ICE and surveillance, and paid tribute to Clint Riley.

Discussion Items

• Annual Budget (Items 4–19): Budget Chair Supervisor Chan praised the committee’s work. Supervisor Fielder noted the budget closes a massive deficit without mass layoffs, though she expressed reservations about a 14% police pay raise over four years. The budget passed on first reading (11-0).
• Inclusionary Housing Program Changes (Item 21): Ordinance reduced affordable housing requirements for projects of 25+ units, deleted requirements for smaller projects, and allowed land dedication in lieu of fees. Passed 9-2 (Walton, Chen opposed).
• Drug-Free Permanent Supportive Housing (Item 22): Ordinance requiring new city-funded PSH to be drug-free. Passed 7-4 (Walton, Chan, Chen, Fielder opposed).
• Fireworks Penalties (Item 40): Ordinance made first-offense fireworks discharge an infraction ($125–$250), and second offense within five years a misdemeanor (up to $750 fine or six months jail). Supervisor Wong argued current law lacks enforcement. Supervisor Fielder opposed, citing risk to low-income communities and youth. Passed 9-2 (Walton, Fielder opposed).
• Repeal of Outdated Codes (Items 41–42): Ordinance repealed prohibition on circulating libraries lending to under-21 without parental consent (Item 41) and repealed bans on open-basket bread transport and unsterilized rag laundering (Item 42). Both passed unanimously.
• Committee of the Whole – Kaiser Permanente Behavioral Health (Item 52): Supervisor Chen convened a hearing to examine Kaiser’s contract proposals with NUHW. Presenters from NUHW, NASW, Psychotherapy Action Network, and CNA detailed Kaiser’s “terrible three” demands: sole discretion over care models, unrestricted outsourcing, and refusal to limit AI use. Clinicians testified that AI triage has led to dangerous delays and that Kaiser has canceled thousands of therapy appointments and been fined $231 million. Kaiser did not attend, which several supervisors called disrespectful. Supervisor Chan announced a forthcoming resolution urging Kaiser to drop the demands. The hearing was filed.
• Committee of the Whole – Downtown Community Benefit District Renewal (Items 53–54): The board considered the 10-year renewal and expansion of the Downtown SF Partnership. The proposal expands boundaries to include Port of SF properties, increases clean/safe services, and dedicates ~$1.8 million for future Embarcadero Park programming. The district will fund a 24/7 ambassador program and a new homeless outreach team. No majority protest was found (weighted ballots: 85% in favor, 14.85% opposed). The resolution was adopted 10-0.

Key Outcomes

• Annual Budget: Passed on first reading (11-0). Final vote scheduled for July 28.
• Inclusionary Housing Changes: Ordinance finally passed (9-2).
• Drug-Free PSH Policy: Ordinance finally passed (7-4).
• Fireworks Enforcement: Ordinance passed on first reading (9-2).
• Repeal of Outdated Codes (Items 41–42): Both passed on first reading (11-0).
• Kaiser Hearing: Filed; Supervisor Chan to introduce a resolution urging Kaiser to withdraw “terrible three” demands.
• Downtown CBD Renewal: Resolution adopted (10-0); ballots tallied showing no majority protest.
• Commendations: Honored Mary Lindy (retiring CEO of Heritage on the Marina), Art With Elders/Mark Campbell, Probation Services Week, Abaddon Fight Club boxers, Damien Posey (community leader), Paul Osaki (retiring executive director of JCCNC, with August 29 proclaimed Paul Osaki Day), and Lee Housekeeper (37 years organizing the 1906 earthquake commemoration).