San Francisco Rules Committee Meeting – June 22, 2026

The Rules Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors met on June 22, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM (17:15 UTC) to consider four major items: a resolution authorizing the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to solicit private donations, a charter amendment to expand the Housing Trust Fund, a charter amendment to establish a municipal finance corporation and public bank, and a comprehensive charter reform measure. The meeting was chaired by Supervisor Shimon Walton, with Vice Chair Stephen Sherrill, President Mandelman, and Supervisor Melgar present. Public comment was taken on each item, with speakers overwhelmingly supporting the housing and public bank measures.

Item 1: Resolution to Solicit Donations for Homeless Services

• Discussion: Director Emily Cohen of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing presented the request for a sixth waiver of the behested payment ordinance, allowing department leadership to solicit philanthropic resources to augment the homeless response system. She noted past successes with partners like Crankstart and the Schwab Foundation.
• Public Comment: No members of the public spoke on this item.
• Key Outcome: The committee voted unanimously to forward the resolution to the full Board of Supervisors as a committee report.

Item 2: Charter Amendment to Expand the Housing Trust Fund

• Discussion: Supervisor Melgar introduced the charter amendment to gradually increase the Housing Trust Fund from its current ~$51 million annual appropriation to $125 million annually, using 20% of the city's annual property tax growth starting in fiscal year 2029. The fund would be extended through 2058 and include fiscal guardrails: a freeze during deficits over $250 million and a temporary reduction of up to 10% during recessions. Director Dan Adams of the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development and Jacob Bintliff of OEWD presented details, emphasizing that local funds leverage state and federal resources and that the city faces a funding cliff in 2–3 years without new sources. Supervisor Melgar offered amendments to align down payment assistance eligibility with 200% of AMI and make clerical fixes.
• Public Comments & Testimony: Over 30 speakers testified, nearly all in strong support. Speakers included representatives from Self-Help for the Elderly, Council of Community Housing Organizations, PODER, Mission Economic Development Agency, Chinatown Community Development Center, TNDC, Mercy Housing, Housing Accelerator Fund, San Francisco Community Land Trust, and many residents sharing personal stories of living in SROs and struggling to afford housing. Several speakers called the measure a "floor, not a ceiling" and noted the city needs ~$2 billion per year for affordable housing. One speaker (Griffin Lee of Connected SF) opposed, arguing more money alone won't solve the crisis.
• Key Outcome: The committee voted unanimously to adopt the amendments and continue the item to the June 29, 2026 Rules Committee meeting for final action.

Item 3: Charter Amendment to Establish a Municipal Finance Corporation and Public Bank

• Discussion: Charlie Siamas (Legislative Aide to Supervisor Chen) and Carlito Samurai (LAFCO) presented the charter amendment, which would authorize the creation of a Municipal Finance Corporation (MFC) and eventually a public bank. The MFC would be a non-depository financial institution that partners with credit unions and CDFIs to fill market gaps in affordable housing, small business, and climate resilience lending. The amendment codifies governance structures developed over years by the Reinvestment Working Group, with staggered appointments and safeguards to prevent co-mingling with city funds. The MFC is projected to become profitable by year three, requiring ~$26 million in initial capitalization (not provided by this amendment). Supervisor Mahmood expressed strong support, citing the need for capital access for small businesses and unbanked communities.
• Public Comments & Testimony: Approximately 15 speakers testified, all in support. Speakers included representatives from PODER, HOME, San Francisco Community Land Trust, San Francisco Public Bank Coalition, 350 San Francisco, and residents. They highlighted the bank's potential to finance affordable housing, support small businesses, and fund climate action. One speaker (Griffin Lee of Connected SF) opposed, arguing City Hall should focus on other priorities and that the bank is unnecessary.
• Key Outcome: The committee voted unanimously to forward the charter amendment to the full Board of Supervisors with a recommendation.

Item 4: Comprehensive Charter Reform Amendment

• Discussion: President Mandelman presented a wide-ranging charter amendment that includes modernization and cleanup (e.g., updating the law library bookbinder position), departmental pain points (e.g., updating Muni service standards to include wait assessments), and recommendations from the Commission Streamlining Task Force (e.g., eliminating the Streets and Sanitation Commission, moving advisory bodies to administrative code). He offered several amendments, including restoring a mayor/board split for the Homeless Oversight Commission, giving the task force flexibility in staffing, and authorizing the board to rename departments. The measure is intended to make the charter more usable and efficient.
• Public Comments & Testimony: One speaker (Griffin Lee of Connected SF) spoke in support, calling it a good step to reduce bureaucracy.
• Key Outcome: The committee voted unanimously to adopt the amendments and continue the item to the June 29, 2026 Rules Committee meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1: Forwarded to full board as committee report (unanimous).
• Item 2: Amended and continued to June 29, 2026 (unanimous).
• Item 3: Forwarded to full board with recommendation (unanimous).
• Item 4: Amended and continued to June 29, 2026 (unanimous).
• All items are expected to appear on the Board of Supervisors' agenda of June 30, 2026, unless otherwise stated.