San Francisco Port Commission Meeting – January 12, 2021

The San Francisco Port Commission met virtually on January 12, 2021, to elect officers, receive updates on tenant relief and affordable housing, award contracts for youth employment, and discuss the Embarcadero Enhancement Project. The meeting began with a closed session at 1:45 PM and reconvened in open session at approximately 3:15 PM. The Commission unanimously approved routine items and heard informational presentations.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 21-01 – Approved an extension to March 31, 2021, of a Memorandum of Understanding with the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development for use of Pier 29 as a central location to accept deliveries of personal protective equipment (PPE) and its distribution to nonprofits, along with deferral of rent for such use in support of the city’s COVID-19 response. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 11A (Youth Employment Contracts): Four callers spoke in support. Kathleen Kokatailo (Larkin Street Youth Services) strongly supported awarding the contract, citing Larkin Street’s experience and existing workforce model. DJ Brooker (Young Community Developers) urged approval, highlighting YCD’s 48‑year history in Bayview Hunters Point. Marnie Regan (Larkin Street) commended the Port’s investment. Randale Jackson (Larkin Street) noted the partnership would help homeless and at‑risk youth. No opposition was expressed.
• Item 12A (Broadway Cove Affordable Housing): Bob Hare, representing the Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association, expressed pleasure with the project’s progress, its range of income levels, and the cooperative relationship with the development team.
• Item 13A (Embarcadero Enhancement Project): Sunny Angulo, on behalf of Supervisor Peskin, thanked SFMTA and the Commission for their partnership and noted the project’s long history and importance for Vision Zero.

Discussion Items

• Election of Port Commission Officers: Kimberly Brandon was nominated and unanimously re‑elected President; Willie Adams was nominated and unanimously re‑elected Vice President. Both gave brief remarks focusing on recovery, equity, and the challenges ahead.
• Executive Director’s Report & Tenant Relief Update (Item 9B): Executive Director Elaine Forbes reported on economic recovery, emphasizing shared prosperity with tenants. Acting Deputy Director Rebecca Benassini presented the status of tenant relief programs: about 50 % of eligible percentage‑rent tenants and LBE tenants had applied; only one‑third of civic‑impact tenants had applied, and maritime tenant outreach needed improvement. She noted implementation challenges—particularly the 10‑day operating requirement—and proposed solutions: applying the requirement prospectively with a 60‑day ramp‑up period and giving the Executive Director waiver discretion. The repayment program (Option A) had brought in nearly $840,000. Forbes also highlighted the Port’s Race Equity Action Plan (submitted to the Office of Racial Equity), a micro LBE hardship loan program (58 applications, 69 % minority/women‑owned, 55 % Black/brown‑owned), and the passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA), which helps fund resiliency projects and includes seismic cost considerations. Mission Rock construction is underway; the first two buildings will bring 102 affordable units and generated over $105 million in fees.
• Youth Employment Program Contracts (Item 11A, Action): Contracts and Procurement Manager Stephanie Tang presented the award of two four‑year contracts (each up to $530,000) to Larkin Street Youth Services and RDJ Enterprises LLC for maintenance and beautification work at Port facilities, providing jobs and training to disadvantaged youth aged 16–24. The solicitation drew four proposals; one protest was denied. Commissioners asked about the previous contractors (San Francisco Conservation Corps and Hunters Point Family, who did not bid this time) and about the protest (lack of merit). The item was approved unanimously.
• Broadway Cove Affordable Housing Update (Item 12A, Informational): Project Manager Ricky Tadani, developer Don Lusty (John Stewart Company), and Melissa Cardoza (Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development) reported that the 125‑unit family project (Broadway Cove) is 90 % complete and the 53‑unit senior project (735 Davis Street) is 98 % complete. The family project includes a restaurant, a YMCA‑operated child care center, and open space. The marketing period for family units closes January 13, 2021; as of the meeting morning, 7,736 applications had been received for 93 lottery units. Preferences include displaced tenant, neighborhood resident (District 3 or within half‑mile), and live/work in San Francisco. Commissioner Gilman asked about a homeless set‑aside; staff clarified that homeless units are in the senior building, not the family building. Commissioner Wuho inquired about unit mix (16 studios, 37 one‑bedrooms, 48 two‑bedrooms, 23 three‑bedrooms) and the child care center serving both residents and neighborhood low‑income families.
• Embarcadero Enhancement Project (Item 13A, Informational): SFMTA staff Casey Hildreth and Mark Drager presented a phased plan. Phase 1A (quick‑build, 2021) would extend the two‑way bikeway from two blocks to six blocks in the central segment (Folsom to Broadway), using paint, posts, and signs to improve safety and reduce conflicts on the promenade. Phase 1B would add capital improvements (pedestrian islands, signal upgrades). The southern segment is under study; the northern segment is not currently funded but may be revisited. Parking meter impacts in Phase 1 are neutral/positive; Phase 2 may remove about 35 meters. Commissioners raised concerns about transit integration (F‑line), post‑pandemic travel patterns, bike lane usage, and revenue trade‑offs. SFMTA committed to ongoing collaboration and evaluation. No vote was taken.
• New Business (Item 14): Vice President Adams suggested exploring use of Pier 32 for COVID‑19 vaccinations; Director Forbes agreed to investigate. Commissioner Gilman requested an overall update on the Port’s COVID‑19 response activities at a future meeting. Commissioner Wuho asked for a briefing on Port office space availability and marketing given changing lease patterns. Director Forbes noted follow‑up on the Italian consulate’s space interest.

Key Outcomes

• Elections: Kimberly Brandon re‑elected President; Willie Adams re‑elected Vice President (both unanimous).
• Minutes Approved: December 8, 2020, meeting minutes passed unanimously.
• Consent Calendar Adopted: Resolution 21‑01 (Pier 29 PPE/re‑grant) approved unanimously.
• Youth Employment Contracts Awarded: Resolution 21‑02 awarded to Larkin Street Youth Services and RDJ Enterprises for four‑year terms, each up to $530,000 (unanimous).
• No Action on Informational Items: The Commission received updates on Broadway Cove and the Embarcadero Enhancement Project; no votes were taken.
• Directives and Next Steps: Staff will:
  • Provide a COVID‑19 response update at a future commission meeting.
  • Explore use of Pier 32 for vaccinations.
  • Report on Port office space inventory and marketing.
  • Follow up with the Italian consulate regarding space.
  • Return in late spring for approval of the Embarcadero Enhancement Project Phase 1A.