Budget and Appropriations Committee Hearing on Workforce Programming and Family Affordability - April 22, 2026

The Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Supervisor Shimon Walton (Pro Tem) and joined by Supervisors Alan Wong, Cheyenne Chan, and Danny Sauter (until excused), met on the afternoon of April 22, 2026, to conduct two hearings: the first on workforce programming across city departments and the second on family affordability and the impact of proposed budget cuts on vulnerable communities. The committee heard presentations from multiple city departments and extensive public testimony, and both hearings were ultimately filed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Workforce Programming Hearing: Numerous speakers, including representatives from the People's Budget Coalition, SF YouthWorks interns, and nonprofit workers, strongly opposed proposed budget cuts. Youth interns testified that a proposed $2 million cut to SF YouthWorks would eliminate 80% of paid internships, affecting 200 summer positions and 120 school-year positions. Speakers argued that workforce programs are essential for public safety, economic stability, and family support. Several speakers criticized the layoff process, noting that cuts disproportionately impact people of color and that the city should use reserves rather than lay off staff.
• Family Affordability Hearing: Community members, including SRO residents, domestic workers, and nonprofit leaders, shared personal stories of how MOHCD-funded services (e.g., case management, legal aid, food assistance, housing counseling) are lifelines. They urged the committee to reject the $8.5 million in cuts to community-based services, digital equity, and capital programs, which would affect immigrant families, low-income households, and youth. Speakers also criticized the mayor's office for leaving before public comment and questioned the equity of the budget decisions.

Discussion Items

Hearing on Workforce Programming

• Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF): Director Sharice Dorsey Smith reported that DCYF funds $23.3 million in youth workforce development, serving 3,764 unique participants in 24-25 (primarily ages 14-17, Latinx 33.5%, Asian 29.9%, African American 18.5%). No cuts were made to these programs. Performance measures showed high achievement rates (e.g., 89% completion for CityBuild).
• Human Services Agency (HSA): Deputy Director Susie Smith presented HSA's $34.6 million workforce budget (from a total $43 million), with only $2.1 million in cuts to sub-specialty populations (e.g., LGBTQ+ and homelessness programs) redirected to larger-scale programs. She noted the elimination of the Working Families Tax Credit (state/federal credits still available) and discussed the impact of HR1 work requirements, projecting 19,000 CalFresh clients needing placements. The jobs now program has a 72% unsubsidized placement rate.
• Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD): Director Topier rejected merger rumors with HSA. OEWD faces $10 million in cuts; $3.8 million in program cuts (including $1.5 million in job center operational efficiencies) and 19 personnel cuts (13 actual people: 8 from workforce, 11 from econ). She reported 3,600 job placements, 89% completion rate for CityBuild (average starting wage $31/hr), and 2nd lowest unemployment in CA at 3.9%. Supervisor Walton expressed concern that layoffs disproportionately affect people of color and questioned the lack of data on racial breakdown of layoffs. Supervisor Sauter asked about AI integration in training.
• Human Rights Commission (HRC): Director Tugbinho reported that HRC proposes a $2 million reduction to the Youth Works program (80% of its $2.5 million budget), which would eliminate about 200 summer internships and 120 school-year internships, affecting 250-500 youth placements. The broader OFA program would continue. Public comment from JCYC and youth interns strongly opposed this cut.
• Public Comment Highlights: Joe Wilson (Hospitality House) argued that cuts weaken investments in housing and behavioral health. Katia Farilla (Latino Task Force) noted that 94% of their workforce clients are Latino and face barriers. Marnie Regan (Larkin Street) warned that work requirements starting June 1 will harm unhoused people. Multiple speakers highlighted the value of culturally competent CBOs and the need to avoid layoffs.

Hearing on Family Affordability

• Mayor's Budget Office: Director Sophia Kittler stated the budget process is in the mayor's phase, with a $640 million general fund deficit (down from previous projections). She acknowledged that cuts are difficult but necessary, and the office is coordinating across departments to avoid duplication.
• Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD): Director Dan Adams reaffirmed a commitment to family affordability, with 30,000 affordable housing units and 2,700 under construction. Deputy Director Julia Sabori presented MOHCD's $8.5 million ongoing reduction, concentrated in community-based services (69 grants), digital equity, and capital programs. The cuts would affect 80% extremely low-income clients and 18% large families. She noted that performance monitoring was not used to determine cuts. Supervisor Chan pressed on equity and cross-department coordination; Director Kittler explained the mayor's office uses new data to track CBO-level impacts.
• People's Budget Coalition Presentation: Multiple speakers (e.g., Gentel Laborento, Elaine Villasper) provided context on housing affordability, noting that the family zoning plan delivers only 10-15% affordable units and that Proposition I repeal would lose $390 million over four years. They highlighted that nonprofit workers (80% people of color, 69% women) are the safety net, and cuts would destabilize families. SRO families and domestic workers shared testimonies of relying on CBOs for language access, legal aid, and emergency assistance.
• Public Comment Highlights: Speakers opposed cuts to MOHCD-funded services, arguing they violate Sanctuary City ordinances and disproportionately harm immigrant and low-income families. Gabriel Medina (La Raza) noted that programs like the parent support program and rapid response would be eliminated, and urged the city to restore funding. Multiple speakers criticized the mayor's office for not staying to listen.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Excuse Members: At the start, the committee voted (4-0) to excuse Chair Connie Chan, Vice Chair Matt Dorsey, and President Mandelman. Later, the committee voted (3-0) to excuse Supervisor Danny Sauter for the remainder of the meeting.
• Hearing on Workforce Programming: The committee voted (4-0) to hear and file the item. Supervisor Walton stated that layoffs are not necessary given the reduced deficit and that workforce development is integral to fighting homelessness and crime.
• Hearing on Family Affordability: The committee voted (3-0) to hear and file the item. Supervisor Chan committed to fighting for young people and families, and Supervisor Walton emphasized that budget decisions reflect city values.