Public Meetings - San Francisco, California

The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors met on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6:15 PM UTC (rescheduled from earlier time). Chair Matt Dorsey presided, joined by Vice Chair Danny Sauter and Supervisor Alan Wong. The committee heard four agenda items: a hearing on the state of San Francisco's drug court program, a continued hearing on the December 20, 2025 PGE power outages, a resolution supporting California Assembly Bill 1837 on transit-lane enforcement, and a resolution recognizing United Airlines' 100th anniversary. Hearing on Drug Court Program Chair Dorsey opened the hearing, noting that drug court referrals and admissions have surged from roughly 180 cases in 2023 to over 600 in 2025, with mental health diversion (MHD) under Penal Code 1001.36 now comprising over 90% of admissions. Presenters included District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Public Defender Aaron Morgan and Felony Manager Anita Naba, and Department of Public Health Director Dan Sai and Collaborative Courts Director Jose Luis Guzman. - District Attorney Brooke Jenkins expressed support for the original drug court model but argued that MHD has been abused to admit violent offenders—including those charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon—who would not have qualified under the original MOU. She cited data showing 134 program completions vs. 259 terminations in 2024, and noted that staffing at DPH has remained flat while caseloads have tripled. She also reported that 70 peremptory challenges were filed against Judge Merlene Randall after she replaced Judge Michael Beggart. - Public Defender Anita Naba countered that the expanded MHD statute reflects state legislative intent to address root causes of crime and reduce incarceration. She stated that recidivism for drug court graduates is 43% vs. 67% for those in the traditional system, and that participants often choose to wait in custody for treatment rather than accept time-served offers. She recommended increasing treatment capacity, adding monolingual Spanish-speaking staff, and expanding court availability beyond four days per week. - DPH Director Dan Sai reported that his team is staffed for a caseload of 260 but currently serves 420 clients. Wait times for residential treatment are longest for monolingual Spanish speakers, clients with co-occurring disorders, and those with criminal justice backgrounds. He noted that self-discharge rates are high due to clients' inability to complete the rigorous program. - Public Comment: One speaker from Connected SF expressed concern about the abuse of MHD and called for more accountability, supporting DA Jenkins' position. The motion to hear and file the hearing passed unanimously (3-0). Continued Hearing on December 20, 2025 PGE Power Outage Supervisor Alan Wong and Bilal Mahmood introduced the continued hearing. PGE presented findings from Exponent's independent investigation into the fire at the Mission Substation that caused a citywide blackout affecting 120,000 customers, some without power for up to three days. - PGE representatives (Sarah Yo, Jake Ziggelman, Raj Beasla) stated that the direct cause was a combination of factors: an insulating board failure due to moisture, contamination, and electrical tracking, exacerbated by broken basement supply fans, saturated air filters, and heater design issues. They reported completing 3,000+ enhanced inspections across all 31 San Francisco substations, installing humidity and temperature monitors in all 16 indoor substations, and deploying dehumidifiers and heater thermostats. - Supervisor Wong questioned why PGE did not replace the insulating board after finding water damage, burn marks, and warping during a November 2, 2025 inspection. He noted that broken fan belts were documented in December 2023, August 2024, and October 2024 but not repaired until after the blackout. He expressed concern that the report did not address why the failure cascaded across the grid or why restoration took three days. - Supervisor Mahmood pressed on the delay in notifying the fire department—the arc flash occurred at 1:04 PM, but SFFD was not notified until 2:16 PM. He asked for guarantees that similar events would not recur. PGE could not provide an absolute guarantee but committed to implementing Exponent's recommendations. - Vice Chair Sauter questioned why PGE did not investigate the source of water after the November inspection and why basic monitoring equipment (thermostats, dehumidifiers) were not already in place. He noted that the report identifies a direct cause despite earlier communications implying no single cause. - San Francisco Fire Deputy Chief Patrick Rabbit reported that the delay in notification forced firefighters to operate with limited information, inadequate building plans, and uncertainty about de-energization. He commended PGE for subsequent improvements but noted that the lack of an interior drain system and sump pump contributed to water accumulation. - Public Comment: Lian Chao (Wah Mei School) noted that reimbursement was processed but called for better multilingual communication from PGE. Vanessa Pimentel (SF Minority Chamber of Commerce) commended PGE's community support but urged continued collaboration. The committee voted to continue the hearing to the call of the chair, pending PGE's full root cause analysis (3-0). Resolution Supporting Assembly Bill 1837 Legislative Aide Mr. Roses presented the resolution on behalf of Supervisor Sherrill. AB 1837 extends the sunset date for video imaging enforcement of parking violations in transit-only lanes from January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2034. The pilot program, first authorized in 2007, has reduced transit delays by up to 20% in San Francisco. The committee voted unanimously (3-0) to recommend the resolution to the full Board of Supervisors. Resolution Recognizing United Airlines' 100th Anniversary Chair Dorsey presented the resolution on behalf of President Mandelman, celebrating United Airlines' century of service and its role as a major hub at SFO, supporting jobs, tourism, and global connectivity. The committee voted unanimously (3-0) to recommend the resolution to the full Board. Key Outcomes - Drug Court Hearing: Heard and filed (3-0). Chair Dorsey committed to working with the DA and Public Defender on potential state legislative changes and funding. - PGE Outage Hearing: Continued to the call of the chair (3-0), with PGE expected to provide a full root cause report. - Resolution AB 1837: Recommended to the full Board by unanimous vote (3-0). - Resolution United Airlines: Recommended to the full Board by unanimous vote (3-0).

The Budget and Finance Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors met on May 13, 2026, at 6:15 PM (though the transcript begins with "Good morning," suggesting a possible discrepancy between the scheduled time and the recording). Chair Connie Chan presided, joined by Vice Chair Matt Dorsey and Member Danny Sauter. The committee considered five items, including a long-term parks funding agreement for Hunters Point Shipyard, an $8.5 million loan to the San Francisco Zoological Society, the annual designation of official city newspapers, and a lease amendment for a cargo airline at SFO. All items were approved and forwarded to the full Board of Supervisors for the May 19 agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2 (Zoo Loan): Multiple speakers opposed the loan, citing lack of transparency, financial mismanagement, and animal welfare concerns. Michael Angelo Torres (D3 resident, animal commissioner) noted that community warnings predated the BLA audit and criticized the zoo’s resistance to oversight. Sidney Dent advocated for direct city management of the zoo rather than a bailout. One speaker opposed bringing pandas to the zoo. Others requested strong safeguards on expenditures and animal acquisitions. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Hunters Point Shipyard Parks Funding: Mark Slutskin (OCII), Antonio Guerrero (Rec Park), and an Arts Commission representative presented a 66‑year joint community facilities agreement to fund operation and maintenance of 13.5 acres of parks and public art in Phase 1 (767 housing units). The costs are 100% covered by a Community Facilities District (CFD), with no General Fund dollars. Rec Park will manage the parks and enforce park code; the Arts Commission will oversee art maintenance. Chair Chan emphasized community engagement and local prioritization. The item was unanimously moved to the full board. - Item 2 – Zoo Loan: Antonio Guerrero (Rec Park) summarized a joint letter outlining a plan for financial stability, strategic planning, governance improvements, and operational enhancements. Nick Minard (BLA) confirmed the loan agreement matches the previously discussed term sheet, with repayment over 10 years after final disbursement (estimated 12‑13 years total). The loan is up to $8.5 million ($6.5 million plus a potential $2 million reserve). Chair Chan expressed confidence based on the audit and the zoo’s alignment with recommendations. The item was approved unanimously. - Items 3 & 4 – Official Newspapers: Sophie Hayward (Office of Contract Administration) presented the annual designation of official newspapers under Proposition J (1994). The Office of Contract Administration recommended the San Francisco Examiner as daily official newspaper, the Bay Area Reporter and Wind Newspaper as weekly community‑based outlets, and several monthly neighborhood‑based periodicals (Examiner, El Tecalote, Henry Society Journal, Noe Valley Voice, Potrero View, SF Bay Times, SF Chronicle, World Journal). Vice Chair Dorsey offered amendments to add Sing Tao and El Reportero as monthly neighborhood‑based publications, citing the importance of community journalism and language access. The amendments were accepted, and the resolutions were forwarded to the full board with a unanimous vote. - Item 5 – SFO Lease Amendment: Daniel Sang (SFO) requested approval to add Air Zeta Co. as a signatory airline to the airport’s 2023 Lease and Use Agreement. The lease runs through June 30, 2033. Air Zeta began cargo operations in August 2025 under a permit. The airport projects $15 million in revenue from rent and landing fees through 2033, with $2.2 million going to the city’s General Fund. The BLA recommended approval. No public comments were received. The item was unanimously forwarded to the full board. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Moved to full board with recommendation (3‑0). - Item 2: Moved to full board with recommendation (3‑0). - Items 3&4: Amended to add Sing Tao and El Reportero; moved to full board with amended recommendation (3‑0). - Item 5: Moved to full board with recommendation (3‑0). The committee also reminded the public that the Budget and Appropriation Committee would meet at 1:30 PM that afternoon to begin budget hearings with enterprise agencies.

The Budget and Appropriation Committee, chaired by Supervisor Connie Chan and joined by Vice Chair Matt Dorsey and members Danny Souter and Shaman Walton, convened on May 13, 2026, at 9:45 AM to hear the Mayor's proposed budget for 13 departments for fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28. The committee reviewed presentations from department heads, heard public comment, and voted to continue the items to the next meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Griffin Lee (Connect SF) commented on the MTA budget, noting discrepancies in transit budget percentages presented in different meetings and calling for clearer transparency. Discussion Items - Opening Remarks: Chair Chan outlined guiding principles for budget review, prioritizing services for vulnerable communities and scrutinizing vacancies, management ratios, and administrative costs. Mayor's Budget Director Sophia Kittler introduced the May 1st budget, highlighting SFO's passenger growth and general fund contribution, DBI's full grant portfolio funding, MTA's fiscal discipline and reliance on ballot measures, and the Port's Fisherman's Wharf initiative. - Airport (SFO): Director Mike Nakornket reported robust recovery with 98% of pre-pandemic employment. The proposed operating budget is $1.79B (FY27) and $1.95B (FY28). SFO contributes a record $60M annual service payment to the general fund. No new positions proposed; 200+ vacancies being filled. Management is 7% of FTEs. Chair Chan asked about federal immigration enforcement, autonomous vehicles, and labor harmony; Director affirmed sanctuary city policy and partnership with Waymo. - Board of Appeals: Legal Assistant Alec Longway presented a small, self-supporting department. Proposed budget decreases slightly due to lower system costs. Filing fees unchanged since 2010; a surcharge analysis is underway. - Child Support Services: Director Karen Roy reported $21M delivered to families in FY24-25, fully funded by federal/state revenue. 73 budgeted positions, 77% filled. Demand expected to rise due to cost of living. - Department of the Environment: Director Ty presented a complex budget with 86% decline in direct general fund support over five years (from $2.9M to $391K). Clean transportation team reduced from 5 to 1.5 FTE due to cuts. A $200K year-two cut threatens further position elimination. The department brings in $85M in grants but capacity to apply for new grants is diminished. - Law Library: Director Diane Rodriguez noted a 37% drop in filing fee revenue since 2008. 80% of civil filings are self-represented. The library serves as the only public law library in San Francisco. A technology position remains vacant due to budget constraints. - Public Library: COO Maureen Singleton presented a $400M total budget over two years, with 735 FTEs and 27 branches. Circulation is on track to reach 14.9M, breaking records. Patron satisfaction is 9.0 out of 10. Five branches exceed pre-COVID foot traffic. - Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA): Director Julie Kirschbaum described an unprecedented fiscal cliff. The two-year budget protects Muni and Paratransit service, assuming passage of regional and local revenue measures. If measures fail, 30% headcount reduction, 20 route eliminations, and service cuts after 9 PM. The budget eliminates 500+ vacant positions and an additional 54 operating and 35 project positions. Fare increases and efficiency measures are included. - Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and Planning: CFO Alex Koskin presented the merger of permitting functions. No direct cost savings; focus on efficiency. Permit modernization with OpenGov is a $5.9M pilot contract expiring September 2026; proposed $7.1M/year for continued implementation. Chair Chan expressed strong concerns about metrics, alternatives, and a letter from the Building Inspection Commission opposing leadership merger. She requested a written response and a backup plan if OpenGov fails. - Port: Director Mike and Deputy Director Megan Wallace presented a $234M (FY27) and $188M (FY28) budget. Revenues exceed pre-pandemic levels but expenditures grow faster. $1.9B deferred maintenance. Focus on safety, cleanliness, and 24/7 operations. Illegal vending enforcement task force deployed at over 50 events. Requesting 10 additional FTEs (total 317). - Public Utilities Commission (PUC): General Manager Dennis Herrera and Budget Director Anna Dunning presented a $2.2B operating budget. Rate increases: water 7%, wastewater 15% and 14.5%, power 7%, but CleanPowerSF rates down 20-25%. Average single-family bill rises from $160-170 to $180-190 per month. Capital budget focuses on regulatory compliance and system resiliency. - Rent Arbitration Board: Executive Director Christina Varner reported 3,861 filings in FY24-25, projected 4,400 this year. 50 FTEs, 49 filled. Annual per-unit fee remains $59 for two years due to fund balance. Department is modernizing case management system. - Retirement System (SFERS): CEO Alison Romano reported 97% funded status, $48B in assets, and $62.6M proposed budget. Investment returns exceeded actuarial expectations, saving the city $42.4M in contributions this year. 60% of city employees participate in the deferred compensation plan. Key Outcomes - Motion to Excuse Supervisor Mandelman: Passed 4-0 (Chan, Dorsey, Sauter, Walton). - Motion to Continue Items 1-3: The committee voted 4-0 to continue the hearing and both ordinances (appropriation and salary) to the May 20, 2026 meeting for further review.

The San Francisco Port Commission met on May 12, 2026, with all five commissioners present. The meeting covered the executive director's report highlighting a $10.1 million net surplus, new leases, an update on the Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District (CBD) grant, and the Exploratorium's sea level rise education initiative. All formal votes were unanimous, and the meeting adjourned in memory of labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr. Consent Calendar - Resolution 2626: Award of construction contract for Pier 80 improvements. Approved. - Resolution 2627: Approval to terminate existing lease with JPPF and enter into a new lease for a restaurant space at 1300 Battery Street, with rent credits for tenant improvements. Approved. - Resolution 2628: Settlement agreement with Bowers Intelligent Transportation Inc. resolving balances, including port waiver of certain rent for safety upgrades at Pier 50 and litigation release. Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on any agenda items, either in person or remotely. Discussion Items - Acting Executive Director's Report (Item 6A): Michael Martin reported a $10.1 million net surplus for the first nine months of the fiscal year, driven by a $5 million legal settlement from the Pilot Thomas oil spill, disciplined fiscal management, and strong interest earnings. He announced the return of commercial salmon season after a three-year closure, community engagement kickoffs for Fisherman's Wharf Forward and two coastal resilience projects (Downtown and South Beach), a trades career fair with 27 organizations and over 400 students, the maiden call of Virgin Voyages at Pier 27, and bike/pedestrian safety improvements on Terry Francois Boulevard. The port also improved fireworks notifications via a new webpage and email list. Commissioners commended the report and asked about the settlement's impact on the budget (5M of 10.1M surplus). - New Lease with Vanguard Construction (Item 8A): The port proposed an 18-month lease at Pier 94 for a temporary cement batching plant to support Caltrans' US 101 repaving. The lease generates $335,000 in revenue and offers rent credits for filling onsite water ponding, reducing future repair costs. The port staff noted the Southern Advisory Committee supported the plan, which avoids 18,000 truck trips and reduces CO2 emissions by 45 metric tons. Commissioner McNeely inquired about community impacts; staff stated the route is predominantly industrial. Commissioner Lee asked about the cost of filling ponding if done by the port, but no figure was provided. The item was approved unanimously. - Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District Update (Item 9A): Brie Mon, Executive Director of the CBD, presented progress since the grant's approval in 2023. The total grant funding is $6.3 million over 3.5 years. Highlights include: 170,000 hospitality interactions, 117,000 pounds of trash collected, 4,500 graffiti removals, and 2,500 wellness checks. Promenade improvements added seating, planters, and a fish mural. Events such as Pier Party (15,000 visitors), Fleet Fest (150,000), and Warm Up at the Wharf (16,000) were held. The CBD generated $201,000 in revenue, reinvested into the wharf. Future plans include a light canopy at Crabwell Plaza, Jefferson Street banners, and a wine and oyster festival. Commissioners praised the accountability and impact, with Vice President Englum asking about economic impact relative to the $9 billion tourism economy. Staff noted that such a study could be done but was not in the current scope. The CBD board chair Taryn Hoppe clarified that the $200,000 revenue is supplementary and not the core purpose. President Gilman encouraged deeper local resident engagement and asked about the district's renewal strategy, which includes expansion and increased property assessments. The port plans to return with a bridging funding proposal to avoid a cliff in January 2027. The item was informational. - Exploratorium Sea Level Rise Education Initiative (Item 10A): Patrick Foster (Port Planning) introduced the program, followed by Rob Semper (Chief Science Officer, Exploratorium). The initiative aims to increase public awareness of sea level rise through exhibits, teacher workshops, and school field trips. A waterfront field station will be installed on the public plaza at Piers 15/17, featuring interactive exhibits such as a shifting shorelines map, a tide gauge display showing 160 years of data, and a bronze seawall cross-section. Installation is planned for summer 2026. The program is a partnership with the Port and BCDC. Commissioners expressed strong support, noting the educational value for all ages. Commissioner Lee suggested adding a physical model showing projected water levels. The item was informational. Key Outcomes - Approvals: All consent calendar items (Resolutions 2626, 2627, 2628) and the Vanguard lease (Resolution 2629) were approved unanimously. - Directives: Staff will brief the commission on the Fisherman's Wharf CBD renewal strategy and bridging funding. Staff will also coordinate with Exploratorium to enhance the narrative linking private capital to resilience investments. - Next Steps: The port will continue community engagement on resilience projects (South Beach meeting June 2, Downtown TBD). The Exploratorium field station installation is expected by summer 2026. The CBD will pursue early renewal of its management contract with district expansion and updated assessment formulas. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:26 p.m. in memory of Larry Mazzola Sr., former business manager of Plumbers Union Local 38, who passed away recently.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting on May 12, 2026, at 10:15 AM. The meeting featured a monthly appearance by Mayor Daniel Lurie, who announced a 22% reduction in unsheltered homelessness since 2024 and an 85% drop in tent encampments. The board passed several ordinances, including a major commission streamlining ordinance (Item 20) by a 6-4 vote, sent a drug-free permanent supportive housing ordinance back to committee, and adopted sidewalk assessment reports. Numerous commendations were presented, and new business was introduced including resolutions on historic civil rights cases, health care access, and transit improvements. Consent Calendar - Items 1-5 and 7-17 were passed on same-house-same-call or without objection, including appropriations for the public defender, fire department overtime, zoo loan, grant agreements, and a lease for the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center. - Items 9-13 (grant agreements for homeless services and Castro Theater) were adopted together. - Item 14 (lease at 338th Street) was approved 9-0 after Supervisor Dorsey recused himself. - Items 15-16 (public health grants) were adopted 10-0. - Item 18 (multifamily housing revenue notes for 94-unit project) was adopted 10-0. - Item 19 (appointments to Behavioral Health Commission) approved without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Sidewalk Assessment Hearings (Items 21-24): Multiple property owners expressed concerns about responsibility for sidewalk repairs, especially when damage is caused by city-planted tree roots. One speaker noted a fatal trip-and-fall incident. Others argued the city should bear costs, not property owners. - General Public Comment: Speakers addressed the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center leadership (asking for co-director model), speed camera surveillance concerns, support for transgender housing subsidies, AI regulation, transportation improvements, and the Marina Safeway project. - DOJ Police Reform Continuance: Public commenters criticized repeated delays and expressed frustration with lack of progress. Discussion Items - Item 6 – Drug-Free Permanent Supportive Housing Ordinance: Chair Dorsey reported a productive meeting with the San Francisco and Marin Medical Society, reaching an agreement in principle on eviction protection language. Because substantive amendments are needed, he moved to send the item back to committee. The motion passed without objection. - Item 20 – Commission Streamlining Ordinance: Supervisors Melgar, Mahmoud, Walton, and Mandelman spoke. Melgar expressed support for most changes but opposed eliminating the Early Care and Education Oversight and Advisory Committee, stating it would diminish community oversight. Mahmoud highlighted the task force's work (21 public meetings, 556 public comments, 667 written comments). Walton noted the ordinance came without recommendation and expressed concern about losing community voice. Mandelman supported the ordinance as a necessary pruning of government. The ordinance passed 6-4 (Wong, Dorsey, Mahmoud, Mandelman, Sauter, Cheryl in favor; Chan, Chen, Melgar, Walton opposed). - Item 25 – DOJ Police Reform Update: Supervisor Walton moved to continue the hearing to November 10, 2026, citing no new information. The motion passed 9-0. - Item 26 – Downtown Hospitality Zone Ordinance: Supervisor Sauter explained this implements a state law allowing up to 20 new liquor licenses downtown (amended to 15 in committee). The file was duplicated for further amendments. Supervisors Chan, Walton, and Cheryl expressed support but noted the rushed timeline. The ordinance passed 10-0 on first reading. Key Outcomes - Homelessness data: Mayor Lurie reported unsheltered homelessness at lowest in 15 years, down 22% since 2024, tents down 85%, and 1,000 fewer people sleeping on streets. - Item 6 sent back to committee for further amendment and consensus building. - Item 20 (Commission Streamlining) passed 6-4 on first reading, eliminating 36 defunct bodies and standardizing terms. Trailing legislation is expected. - Items 22 and 24 (Sidewalk Assessment Reports) adopted with amendments after one property was removed from the blight list. - Item 25 continued to November 10, 2026. - New Business Introduced: - Resolution commemorating 140th anniversary of Yick Wo v. Hopkins civil rights case (Supervisor Dorsey). - Resolution supporting SB 1422 to restore Medi-Cal for undocumented adults (Supervisor Mahmood). - Resolution supporting HR 8426, the Crime Survivor Support and Stability Act (President Mandelman). - Hearing request on making public transit more family-friendly (Supervisor Sauter). - Resolution supporting SB 436, extending eviction notice period from 3 to 14 days (Supervisor Melgar). - Adjournment in memory of Lawrence Michael Stephanie, father of former Assemblymember Catherine Stefani.

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) held its regular meeting on May 12, 2026, at 9:45 AM. Commissioners present: President Arce, Vice President Leveroni, Commissioner Jamdar, Commissioner Thurlow; Commissioner Stacy was excused. The meeting began with a land acknowledgment of the unceded territory of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. Agenda items included approval of minutes, general public comment, quarterly capital program reports, a license agreement with the City of Sunnyvale, three sets of fee revisions, and a contract contingency increase. Consent Calendar - Item 3: Approval of Minutes of April 14, 2026 – Approved unanimously (4-0). - Item 6: Consent Calendar – Three items approved unanimously (4-0) with no discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4 (General Public Comment): - Francisco de Costa expressed concern that three reservoirs are filthy and that the city ignores this health issue. He stated that Hetch Hetchy Valley water is holy water and criticized the use of drinking water for flushing toilets, advocating for gradual gray water adoption. He accused the city of corruption and lacking standards. - Peter Dreckmeyer, policy director for Yosemite River Galaya, noted that the commission’s correspondence log contained many negative comments, mostly about the combined stormwater system. He warned of an approaching El Niño, possibly the largest on record, and urged the commission to prepare. - Item 5 (Water Enterprise & Water System Improvement Quarterly Reports): No public comments. - Item 6 (Consent Calendar): One caller commented, but the content was not detailed in the transcript. - Items 8, 9, 10 (Fee Revisions): Francisco de Costa returned, criticizing the fee proposals, stating that fired street employees were qualified, and questioning whether the rate manager had done an audit or held community workshops. He complained about slow repairs and high costs for electrical work. - Item 11 (Contract Contingency Increase): No public comments. Discussion Items - Item 5 – Quarterly Reports on Water Enterprise CIP and Water System Improvement Program: Katie Miller, Director of Water Capital Programs, presented a combined update. Water Enterprise CIP spending reached $178 million during the past two quarters, the highest in five years, driven by projects like the Sunol Valley Water Treatment Plant Ozone Project. A table showed cost variances: about half the projects forecast cost increases, while five forecast decreases. Major cost increases included three regional dam projects (Turner, San Andreas, and Pilarcitos Dams) with a combined increase of $1.24 billion, attributed to better understanding of scope during planning. These projects were deferred to years 11–20 of the 20-year CIP to meet affordability and resource constraints. Other increases came from the main replacement project (adding $900 million) and the potable emergency firefighting water system (adding $500 million over 20 years). Commissioners inquired about the structural work for solar panels on the reservoir roof, the cost escalation factors (4% first 10 years, 3% second 10 years), and the budget variances for water supply/storage and transmission. - Item 7 – License to City of Sunnyvale: Rosanna Russell, Real Estate Director, presented a no-fee, month-to-month revocable license for the City of Sunnyvale to use approximately 17 acres of SFPUC land for an existing public recreational path. The new license replaces 10 outdated licenses (some dating to 1957) with robust provisions protecting the PUC’s access, requiring written consent for changes, comprehensive indemnity, and CEQA review. Sunnyvale will maintain the path (saving the PUC $104,000/year) and install educational signage about the Hetch Hetchy water system. One previously unlicensed parcel was identified and included. Commissioner Thurlow asked about that parcel and liability; Russell clarified. The item passed unanimously. - Items 8, 9, 10 – Fee Revisions for Water, Wastewater, and Power Enterprises: Matthew Freiberg, Rates Manager, presented three fee packages. He explained that miscellaneous fees are separate from utility rates and are designed to ensure ratepayer equity and incentivize compliance. The methodology uses fully burdened labor costs plus materials; some fees are set below or above cost as a policy matter. - Item 8 (Water Enterprise): Four revised fees: temporary hydrant connection ($955), temporary hydrant meter rental deposit (1-inch and 3-inch), hydrant flushing fee, and backflow tag fee. Increases are due to higher staff effort from updated rules and regulations. The backflow tag fee recovers only a fraction of cost due to broader benefits. The item passed unanimously. - Item 9 (Wastewater Enterprise): Three new fees for the Stormwater Management Ordinance (SMO) compliance: $500 annual self-certification non-reporting penalty, tiered reinspection fees (50%, 100%, 150% of cost), and an administrative civil penalty of $1,111 per acre per day for noncompliance (capped at $1,000 or $2,000/day). About 40% of SMO customers fail to self-certify; there are 17 notices of violation. Freiberg said the goal is compliance, not revenue, and a grace period will precede enforcement. Rates were based on peer agency comparison and policy judgment. The item passed unanimously. - Item 10 (Power Enterprise): Twelve new fees for services previously provided free: streetlight installation (application, site investigation, photometric review, inspection), streetlight shield, municipal pole use (non-banner), new/upgrade/removal of metered service ($3,000), metered service modification ($2,000), rules and regulations variance ($5,000), generator interconnection (low fee to incentivize solar), and gas service request ($930). Commissioner Jamdar asked about the impact on residential electrification; Freiberg clarified that Hetch Hetchy Power serves mostly municipal and large multifamily customers, not single-family homes. Commissioner Thurlow asked how the discount level for the generator fee was determined; Freiberg said it involved internal discussions and peer benchmarking. The item passed unanimously. - Item 11 – Contingency Increase for Contract HH1013: Kim McFarland, Project Manager, requested a $500,000 increase to the cost contingency and a 274-day duration extension (new deadline March 30, 2027) for the Moccasin Compound Water System microfiltration unit project. Geotechnical investigation had underestimated bedrock depth, requiring a shift to drilled piers. Additional design modifications arose from the foundation change and Hetch Hetchy requests. Vice President Leveroni asked about the initial geotechnical investigation; McFarland acknowledged it was insufficient and noted that lessons learned include more densified borings in the future. The item passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Item 3 (Minutes): Approved (4-0). - Item 6 (Consent Calendar): Approved (4-0). - Item 7 (Sunnyvale License): Approved (4-0). - Item 8 (Water Fee Revisions): Approved (4-0). - Item 9 (Wastewater Fee Revisions): Approved (4-0). - Item 10 (Power Fee Revisions): Approved (4-0). - Item 11 (Contract Contingency Increase): Approved (4-0). - Directives: The commission took note of communications (Item 12) and initiated no new items (Item 13). - Next Steps: Fee revisions will take effect July 1, 2026, with a grace period for wastewater and power fees to allow for outreach and warning. The general manager will execute the Sunnyvale license. Staff will continue to monitor stormwater ordinance compliance and may adjust fees if noncompliance persists.

The Rules Committee, chaired by Supervisor Shamann Walton, met on May 11, 2026, to consider three items: the reappointment of Jeanette Howard to the Treasure Island Development Authority Board, an ordinance to implement a downtown hospitality zone with reduced-cost liquor licenses (SB 395), and an ordinance establishing a Hate Crime Reward Fund. The meeting included public comment, and the committee voted on each item, with the hospitality zone ordinance generating significant discussion due to timing pressures and stakeholder concerns. Consent Calendar - Reappointment of Jeanette Howard: The committee unanimously approved a motion to recommend the mayor's reappointment of Jeanette Howard to the Treasure Island Development Authority Board for a term ending February 26, 2029. No public comment was received. Public Comments & Testimony - Mercy Rodriguez (CEO, Union Square Alliance): Expressed full support for the hospitality zone ordinance, stating the area could potentially absorb up to 50 new businesses. She argued that the program is essential for downtown revitalization and attracting visitors, noting 12,000 hotel rooms nearby and a need for diverse offerings to show the city's recovery. - Unnamed downtown operator representative: Opposed the hospitality zone ordinance as introduced, citing insufficient demand. He noted there are 40 full liquor licenses parked at the ABC (turned in by failed operators), with a recent sale at $90,000 (down from the $100–150,000 range mentioned earlier). He argued that new low-cost licenses would undercut struggling existing businesses and requested a continuance for stakeholder input, stating downtown is still 300,000 room nights below 2019 convention levels. Discussion Items - Item 2: Ordinance to Create Downtown Hospitality Zone (SB 395 Implementation): - Presentation by Ben Van Houten (OEWD Director of Nightlife Initiatives): The ordinance would allow up to 20 new non-transferable restaurant liquor licenses at the ABC application fee of $20,000, compared to secondary market prices of $100–$150,000. Boundaries include areas around Union Square, Fifth Street, Market Street, and others. A requested amendment would reduce the maximum to 15 licenses (with intent to monitor for two years before possibly issuing the remaining five). - Committee members expressed frustration: Chair Walton noted that outreach to offices only occurred the week prior, leaving no time to understand unintended consequences. Vice Chair Sherrill and President Mandelman echoed concerns about being "jammed" and the lack of stakeholder engagement. President Mandelman highlighted the July 1 state deadline as a pressure point. - Deputy City Attorney Brad Rossi clarified uncertainty about the deadline: state law requires the board to adopt an ordinance, but it is unclear whether it must be effective by July 1 or just passed. He requested time to consult with the drafting attorney. - The committee debated options: duplicating the file to allow full board action (with possibility of continuance) versus continuing the item in committee. Public comment included support from Union Square Alliance and opposition from an existing operator. - After discussion, the committee voted to accept the amendment (reducing to 15 licenses) and then to send the amended ordinance to the full Board of Supervisors as a committee report without recommendation. They also voted to duplicate the file and continue the duplicated version to the call of the chair, preserving the ability to amend or continue later. - Item 3: Ordinance to Establish San Francisco Hate Crime Reward Fund: - Presented by Brian Dahl (Legislative Aide, Supervisor Matt Dorsey): The fund would provide rewards for information leading to hate crime charges, modeled after the existing homicide reward fund. No appropriation is made; the fund relies on donations or board appropriations. Carl Nasita (SFPD Government Affairs) confirmed the fund is a category six fund. - No public comment was received. The committee unanimously voted to recommend the ordinance to the full board with a positive recommendation. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Motion to recommend reappointment of Jeanette Howard passed unanimously (3-0). - Item 2: Amendment to reduce licenses from 20 to 15 was accepted unanimously. The amended ordinance was sent to the full board without recommendation (unanimous). The file was duplicated and continued to the call of the chair in committee (unanimous), allowing further deliberation before the May 19, 2026 full board meeting. - Item 3: Ordinance to create Hate Crime Reward Fund was recommended to the full board with a positive recommendation (unanimous). - Meeting adjourned after completing the agenda. Note: The committee emphasized concerns about the July 1, 2026 state deadline for the hospitality zone ordinance. If not acted upon in time, the program could be delayed by a year. The committee urged further consultation with stakeholders and the city attorney before final action.

The Transportation Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, chaired by Supervisor Mirna Melgar and joined by Vice Chair Supervisor Cheyenne Chen and Supervisor Malal Mahmood, met on May 11, 2026, to consider two agenda items. The first item was a resolution approving the list of projects to be funded by Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds. The second item was a resolution of intention to renew and expand the Downtown Community Benefit District (CBD), managed by the Downtown SF Partnership. Both items were approved unanimously with amendments and forwarded to the full Board of Supervisors. Discussion Items Item 1: RMRA Fund Projects - Ian Schneider, San Francisco Public Works Government Affairs, presented a resolution to certify a list of 150 street resurfacing blocks (corrected from 165 via clerical amendment) to be funded by RMRA funds from Senate Bill 1 (Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017). The projects are in the design phase and expected to be advertised for construction in 2026 or early 2027. Funding sources include general fund, certificates of participation, state local partnership program, Prop L, Prop AA, Highway Users Tax Account, and RMRA. Prioritization is based on pavement condition index, project readiness, funding availability, and alignment with Vision Zero and climate resiliency goals. - No public comments were received. - The committee adopted the clerical amendment (correcting block count from 165 to 150) and voted unanimously to send the resolution to the full board with a positive recommendation. Item 2: Downtown Community Benefit District Renewal and Expansion - Supervisor Danny Sauter (District 3) introduced the resolution, noting it is a procedural step to authorize a special assessment ballot procedure, not a vote on the renewal itself. The CBD, first established in 2019, seeks early renewal to update its budget, expand boundaries, and deliver enhanced services. The renewed term would run from January 2027 to December 2036 (with a noted error in the petition packet regarding the end date, corrected via notices to property owners on April 24 and 27, 2026). - Jackie Hazelwood, OEWD CBD Program Director, presented details: the district expands from 43 to 70 blocks, encompassing 840 parcels across three zones (Financial District/Jackson Square, Embarcadero, and Port). The initial assessment budget is $11 million, with a total budget of $11.3 million. Enhanced services include additional sidewalk sweeping, pressure washing, business attraction/retention, and a proposed park overlay for Embarcadero Park (contingent on park renovation, no sooner than FY 2028-29). The park overlay budget is $2.5 million, with assessment rates structured by proximity to the park. - Supervisor Sauter proposed two amendments to insert the date of the committee of the whole hearing (July 21, 2026) on pages 5 and 7 of the resolution. - Public comments: Three speakers expressed strong support. Robbie Silver (President/CEO, Downtown SF Partnership) emphasized the need for early renewal to respond to increased demands for services and downtown recovery. Dan Kingsley (board member) noted foot traffic at 50% of pre-pandemic levels and sales tax revenue at two-thirds, and highlighted expanded services (ambassadors from 6am-8pm to 5am-10pm, street cleaning from twice to four times daily, power washing every four weeks). Chris Freeze (Redco Development, board member) spoke from experience with similar BIDs in San Jose and supported the expansion for long-term success. - The committee adopted the amendments and voted unanimously to send the resolution as amended to the full board with a positive recommendation. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Resolution approving RMRA fund project list (150 blocks) passed unanimously (3-0) with clerical amendment. Forwarded to Board of Supervisors for May 19, 2026 agenda. - Item 2: Resolution of intention to renew and expand the Downtown CBD passed unanimously (3-0) with amendments inserting the committee of the whole hearing date of July 21, 2026. Forwarded to Board of Supervisors. Ballots to be mailed to property owners on June 6, 2026, with a 45-day ballot period ending July 21, 2026. If more than 50% of votes support, the board may renew the CBD, with services commencing January 1, 2027.

The San Francisco Planning Commission convened on Thursday, May 7, 2026, to consider a major modification of the Balboa Reservoir development and a related planning code amendment. The meeting also featured a farewell tribute to departing Commissioner Theresa Imperial, who served since February 2020, and comments from Commissioner Shamann Walton regarding construction impacts on neighboring schools. The commission unanimously approved the Balboa Reservoir items. Consent Calendar - Item 1: The Commission unanimously voted (6-0) to approve the consent calendar item as proposed with conditions. Commission Comments & Testimony - Farewell to Commissioner Imperial: Commissioner Theresa Imperial announced her departure from the commission after six years of service. She noted the BLA published recommendations on impact fees and inclusionary housing. Every commissioner and Director Dan Sider offered tributes, praising her preparedness, community advocacy, depth of knowledge, and dedication to equity and affordable housing. Director Sider remarked that her "inquisitiveness, thoughtfulness, and listening" were highly valued by the department staff. - Commissioner Walton on Construction Impacts: Commissioner Shamann Walton reported on visits to two school sites adjacent to active construction. At St. Thomas More School near the SF Golf Course project, he observed heavy machinery operating ten feet from classrooms, 92-decibel noise levels, and significant dust with no adequate mitigation. He noted similar complaints from Marshall Elementary near a 16th Street affordable housing development. Commissioner Walton stated the existing controls are failing these schools and pledged to work with the City Attorney to explore changes to the building code or enforcement mechanisms. - Public Comment: One public speaker addressed the commission regarding demolition calculation definitions and enforcement. The speaker argued the recently revised definition was an improvement but should have been set at 40% removal of elements to better preserve existing housing, citing three project examples and an SF Standard article. The speaker urged rigorous scrutiny and preemptive enforcement of preservation rules. Department Matters & Director's Announcements - Director Dan Sider announced a Fillmore Community Action Plan workshop on housing and a significant budget update. The Mayor's proposed budget is approximately $20 million larger than projected in February, primarily due to the ongoing merger with DBI, bringing 40-50 additional staff into the Planning Department from DBI's administration, legislation, communications, and disaster oversight groups. He also addressed a public question regarding the 'Building Eye' name change. Discussion Items (Items 7A & 7B): Balboa Reservoir Modifications - Project Summary: The Commission considered a Planning Code Amendment and Major Modifications for Blocks C and D of the Balboa Reservoir development, a 17.6-acre site near Ocean Avenue and City College. The overall project includes 1,100 residential units, of which 50% are designated affordable. Site infrastructure work began in late 2025, and vertical construction is underway on the first two 100% affordable buildings (E and A). - Supervisor Melgar: District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar spoke in strong support, noting the project's positive impact on Ocean Avenue businesses and the community engagement process. She highlighted the significant achievement of building the affordable units first and the inclusion of much-needed educator housing. - Project Sponsor Presentation (Avalon Bay / Pyatak Architects): Nora Collins (Avalon Bay) and Peter Waller (Pyatak) presented the proposal for a combined 243-unit building across Blocks C and D (18.5% studios, 35% one-bedroom, 44% two-bedroom, 2% three-bedroom). The building is scaled down to 5 and 6 stories from the maximum allowed. Key modifications requested include: a bridge connecting the blocks over a public paseo for circulation and additional units; relocation of parking to Block G; removal of stoops replaced with private porches; and a shift in materiality (brick base, shingles, mansard roof). The design aims to frame a new publicly accessible 2-acre central park. - Public Testimony: No members of the public provided testimony on this item. - Commission Deliberation: Commissioners universally praised the project. Vice President Moore called the design "remarkable" and "better than it was before," highlighting the thoughtful scaling and material choices. Commissioner Braun questioned whether the passageway under the bridge would read as private; the architect confirmed it is over 40 feet wide with no fencing, ensuring it functions as an inviting public throughway. Commissioners McGarry, Williams, and Imperial commended the community process and the prioritization of affordable housing. Commissioner Seo (absent) sent comments praising the provision of larger family-sized units. Key Outcomes - Vote on Items 7A & 7B: The Commission unanimously voted (6-0) to adopt a recommendation of approval for the Balboa Reservoir Planning Code Amendment (Item 7A) and to approve the Major Modification request for Blocks C and D (Item 7B). - Project Next Steps: The development team plans to continue construction on affordable buildings E and A and begin construction on Blocks C, D, G, and the central park in the next year.