[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6599774,"mediaKeyId","3006063-5cde95b4c6880636711df274aa9063cb","parentId",3006063,"title","Board authorizes up to 260 new light‑rail vehicles from Siemens; supervisors applaud but note funding must be phased","audioSeconds",206,"startMs",455000,"endMs",661000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3006063-5cde95b4c6880636711df274aa9063cb&start=455&end=661","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3006063-5cde95b4c6880636711df274aa9063cb/thumbnail_455000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6599774/San-Francisco-County/California/Board-authorizes-up-to-260-new-lightrail-vehicles-from-Siemens-supervisors-applaud-but-note-funding-must-be-phased","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6599774-db66347946dd9d8c48374e64483d15f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776648920&Signature=iUEvZkunAIR6ctlpPrpFlZThIX9PFUnSUOMqn6NW0fOJ24F-C9iHsk2RoGTPruyccDGwn1DCpGeLR8ruXYMqVlXqHlYSuvG9n6K35qkFc~wXfFCv9c6OVH4e4HYd3CXfKHbxxEuleIlS3zOKmq1flp9CzhLnnMMnZi5PtcFeRNsxyViJuqYC4ClNVUadDiO0pdYokBgjnwKmVffvI5lkLyZYa4gPiUsQ~YDlJjJm3D4bN2daYW50eMKEN1YWxjbZv7V4-COeiqNDnVitaqiKyfuBp0sK1RspxNUonAYiv6O5WTCoPSTgwY5LJz7Vi14h~MsrIo-qEWkS41tL0pObyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Francisco County, CA","date","2025-04-16T04:17:00Z","article","The Board of Supervisors authorized a resolution to procure up to 260 light‑rail vehicles, spare parts and related services from Siemens Industry Inc. in an amount not to exceed approximately $1.2 billion over a 15‑year term.

Supervisor Scott Wiener, who introduced the item, described the procurement as “a big step forward for Muni and for public transportation in San Francisco.” Wiener detailed operational problems with the current LRV fleet: frequent breakdowns, insufficient numbers to replace damaged vehicles and service gaps. “Our light rail vehicle fleet is not even close to up to the task,” Wiener told the board.

Supportive remarks came from colleagues who said the contract will almost double the LRV fleet and improve vehicle reliability. “These trains will run about 50,000 miles before they ever even need service,” Supervisor Jane Kim said, referencing staff projections included with the contract authorization. Several supervisors emphasized the contract authorization does not mean the full $1.2 billion is funded on day one — funding will be phased. As Wiener said, “This contract is not fully funded. Nor should it be.”

Supervisor Hollis recalled past procurement problems and urged the SFMTA and city to adopt higher performance and reliability standards; other supervisors signaled support for continued oversight of the procurement and for aligning the purchase schedule with capital budgets.

Action: the board adopted the authorization to enter a contract with Siemens for up to 260 LRVs and related services, with the understanding that the city will fund purchases over time and will need further budget approvals to execute vehicle orders.

Why it matters: Muni’s light‑rail fleet has been a persistent operational problem; doubling fleet size and improving vehicle reliability are central to restoring service levels. The contract clears a procurement pathway that SFMTA officials said will be executed in phases as funding becomes available.

What to watch for: SFMTA will return with specific procurement orders and budget actions required to place vehicle orders and integrate new cars into service. Supervisors and the public will likely scrutinize delivery schedules, performance warranties and maintenance commitments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sanfrancisco Government tv - 141024600009/09/14 - Apr 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board authorized a long‑term procurement program with Siemens to replace and expand Muni’s light‑rail vehicle (LRV) fleet. Supervisors praised the purchase as critical to improving transit reliability but stressed the contract will be funded in phases and requires future budget commitments.","taxTitle","San Francisco County, California","taxId",2862,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6599776,"Board approves batch of ordinances, resolutions; votes at a glance from Sept. 9 meeting",43,87000,130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3006063-5cde95b4c6880636711df274aa9063cb&start=87&end=130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3006063-5cde95b4c6880636711df274aa9063cb/thumbnail_87000.jpg","/articles/6599776/San-Francisco-County/California/Board-approves-batch-of-ordinances-resolutions-votes-at-a-glance-from-Sept-9-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6599776-4d7ef24ca3429c887273d9cd5fce26c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1776648920&Signature=CFCv90ZcqimQFotFlz1k2SSPyjPxBt8-pJtIkKngIomQ~wu8QHHf2jBtRI7aiqxsdliN0syYWqjY5xvklOnZYsBcKLgtnh3Pm64clVqQXyx0sOOhCPFgjdMsrU-0PetZZbh9Hs9oHJlXTFz-BSl40vkyH8DZQGYnwdcgKwdOljyILzkZz8EmN11MJcRI9pHF-fbjElXbnJ9v0Bi1qBzHa7iQImOxyX3neRlOnzY2AQ373hDRR1UmjgJ6ZIKr60QYu-iMdA4UbKrd~tOi0Jj-yLlCo62r4U6FEaWqSZ0VckeoHl-EaQsSUyA~R1b-WOYupITPQv6MbEMav6mRhP8snA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9 adopted a set of ordinances and resolutions on the consent calendar and by roll call, covering street vacations, rezonings, professional services contracts and grant acceptances.

Key adopted items (actions taken during the Sept. 9 meeting):

- Ordinance to vacate portion of Macaupin Street to enable the Macaupin Hub City Plaza project (Item 1). Roll call vote recorded: unanimous (11 ayes). The ordinance was finally passed.

- Ordinance to amend the Planning Code to rezone Macoppin Plaza to public use and open space zoning (Item 2). Adopted on the consent calendar.

- Ordinance creating Underground District No. 360 on Ringgold Alley from Eighth to Ninth Street and related environmental findings (Item 3). Adopted on the consent calendar.

- Ordinance amending police business and tax regulations regarding mechanical amusement devices and arcades (Item 4). Adopted on the consent calendar.

- Agreement to waive competitive solicitation and authorize the Recreation & Parks general manager to enter a professional services agreement with Lidos for up to ~$1,900,000 (Item 5). Adopted.

- Ordinance to set the property tax rate and establish the tenant pass‑through rate for fiscal year 2014–15 (Item 6). Adopted.

- Resolution authorizing the Police Department to accept a gift of 10 AEDs valued at ~$15,000 for the Tenderloin District Station (Item 7). Adopted.

- Resolution authorizing the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families to accept and expand a $478,000 grant for 200 youth employment opportunities (Item 8). Adopted.

- Resolution approving Modification No. 2 to Bombardier Transportation’s professional services agreement for air train operation and maintenance—3‑year contract through 02/28/2017 not to exceed $101,000,000 (Item 9). Adopted.

- Resolution approving an amendment to the Department of Public Health contract with Toyon Associates for regulatory reporting and revenue optimization services, additional term through 03/31/2018 and amount not to exceed ~$5,000,000 (Item 10). Adopted.

- Resolution authorizing retroactive acceptance by the Public Library of a $720,000 in‑kind gift and cash from Friends of the San Francisco Public Library to support library programs (Item 11). Adopted.

- Resolution authorizing an exchange agreement of city property between SFUSD and the Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community Development near McAllister and Ash Alley, and additional fee of approximately $2,700,000 involving property at 1950 Mission Street (Item 12). Adopted.

- Resolution to approve a contract with Siemens Industry Inc. to procure up to 260 light rail vehicles, parts and services for up to $1.2 billion over 15 years (Item 13). Adopted; separate article discusses this procurement in greater detail.

- Resolution authorizing the Department of Public Works to accept and expand a grant of up to ~$122,000 from the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District for streetscape improvements (Item 14). Adopted.

How the votes were recorded: several items were adopted on unanimous consent (“same house, same call”), and multiple roll calls earlier in the meeting recorded unanimous support for the consent calendar items. Where a specific roll call tally appeared in the record it was 11 ayes; for many consent items the clerk recorded “same house, same call” and the items were adopted without additional roll call debate.

Why this matters: the adopted measures cover a mix of land‑use implementation, public‑safety gifts, grant acceptances and procurement contracts that together enable projects and services across city departments. A number of the adopted actions provide funding authority or contractual authority that in turn link to capital projects and operations in transportation, parks, public safety and libraries.

What’s next: several of the larger procurements and contracts (notably the Siemens light‑rail vehicle procurement and the Bombardier air‑train contract modification) will require multi‑year funding and oversight by departments; the Transbay CFD hearing elsewhere on the agenda will address a major financing source for downtown infrastructure.","The Board of Supervisors adopted multiple ordinances and resolutions on consent and by roll call, including land use changes, procurement contracts and grant acceptances. Several high‑profile contracts were also introduced or discussed elsewhere on the agenda.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6599783,"San Francisco delays Transbay Transit Center Mello‑Roos vote after closed‑session bargaining; city seeks waivers from developers",9315,5893000,15208000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3006063-5cde95b4c6880636711df274aa9063cb&start=5893&end=15208","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3006063-5cde95b4c6880636711df274aa9063cb/thumbnail_5893000.jpg","/articles/6599783/San-Francisco-County/California/San-Francisco-delays-Transbay-Transit-Center-MelloRoos-vote-after-closedsession-bargaining-city-seeks-waivers-from-developers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6599783-703ad1015c822a1d33a20d84f65dba39/orig.mp4?Expires=1776648920&Signature=FpS-iJjr7i7GSRqattMqtq87wk5ZIbkJIjEFJRSQJDfAu9XgwBhoMdw8nPienRzlg0OrcAILwhHv0uVN51Qw7r~XD93m4tShLkqP4jytI87LsTDSZnQ8WyWBIIhUA3l0l1zMfuTUl8j8FvqqIl6mzpoIKcXMrxMWiPnXDwSyRPtrrgs~6PkF-SGMpxdeiBIexL0w4IxEKg687J99JMjAcl9Lo8LI8YZJ5PtXZsFKHwKmp91JJ3C~4gB1RyF8X77aG1hZINQTpnOQUYFkJ5d3ZkQAfxq3cGUEgrkHbisdOzf0Z1hQ6c~S8JvN6C~bow5FszEiP~-7~lVEieBEMLwzeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","San Francisco supervisors opened a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed Community Facilities District (CFD) to raise money for the Transbay Transit Center and the downtown rail extension, but continued the measure for two weeks after closed‑session discussions about potential litigation and a last‑minute funding adjustment.

Planning Department staff framed the hearing as the second legislative step toward forming the district. “This is the second legislative action, relating to the formation of the Transbay, the Transit Center CFD or Mello Roos District,” Adam Barrett, a Planning Department presenter, told the board during the public hearing.

The CFD would impose an annual special tax on new development in the Transit Center district; revenue projections discussed at the hearing aimed to generate roughly $800 million in net proceeds to help pay for the Transbay Transit Center’s train facilities, a rooftop park and streetscape and open‑space projects. Nadia Sasse, director of the Office of Public Finance, told supervisors the resolutions under consideration would allow bond issuances capped at $1.4 billion but that the staff’s working projection of net bond proceeds available for construction was about $806 million under current assumptions.

Scott Boulay of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority outlined how the CFD fits with other funding sources for the downtown rail extension (DTX), which would bring Caltrain and future high‑speed rail into the new transit center. “There are 19 buildings that are underway in the Transit Center district plan area,” Boulay said, and the CFD proceeds are one piece of a multi‑source financing plan that also includes land sales, tax‑increment revenues and anticipated federal New Starts funds.

During the public hearing dozens of speakers urged the board to approve the CFD unchanged, saying delays would increase costs and imperil transit funding. “Funding delayed is funding denied,” Bob Feinbaum of Save Muni said. Local business groups, neighborhood associations, labor organizations and transit advocates also urged approval.

But developers and their advisors had signaled opposition to the district’s draft escalation terms and the prospect of multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar special taxes tied to the upzoning that enabled much taller tower projects in the plan area. After a closed‑session meeting to obtain legal advice, city staff reported back with a compromise path aimed at preserving the city’s projected revenue while addressing developer concerns.

City negotiators told the board they would seek developer waivers and a technical change to the district’s escalation mechanics: reduce one escalation parameter from 4% to 2% and extend the period during which special taxes can be levied so the district’s cashflows remain sufficient to deliver the same bond proceeds. “The idea is it’s like having a mortgage that goes longer. You can pay slightly less, but the mortgage is for the same amount,” a city staffer identified during the closed‑session report said.

Mr. Rich (city staff reporting after closed session) explained the terms the administration would seek from the developers before bringing the district back for a vote. In return for the longer payment period, developers would be asked to sign four binding waivers: (1) waive any right to sue the city over the CFD; (2) waive the normal 90‑day notice prior to a property‑owner election; (3) agree in writing to vote in favor of formation at the required landowner election; and (4) if the CFD were later invalidated for any reason, agree to negotiate an alternative mechanism that delivers equivalent funding to the city.

Supervisor Kim moved a set of technical amendments to the resolutions and the rate and method of apportionment to clarify the district boundary, the property types subject to tax and consistency with the Transit Center District Plan. Kim said she was “really pleased to see that we are moving forward with the resolution to form the Transbay Transit Center District Community Facilities District and that the city will be securing the entire value of the special taxes as to make the investments” promised in the plan.

Supervisor Scott Wiener, who led board debate last week on the topic, emphasized the regional stakes. “The two go together and they must, go together,” Wiener said of the up‑zoning and the transit build‑out, arguing that any signal of reduced local commitment would jeopardize chances to secure federal and regional dollars for the downtown rail extension.

Action and next steps: the board voted to continue the public hearing and related resolutions for two weeks so staff can circulate the proposed technical amendments and obtain signed waivers from the affected property owners/developers. City finance staff said the modification (lower escalation and longer payment period) is intended to leave projected bond proceeds for the Transbay program unchanged and to avoid litigation that could delay construction financing.

Why it matters: the CFD is intended to fund both transit infrastructure—chiefly the downtown rail extension to connect Caltrain and high‑speed rail to the new Transbay Transit Center—and local open‑space and streetscape improvements that were part of the district plan. Supervisors, the mayor’s office, the TJPA and the Office of Public Finance repeatedly told the board that preserving the projected revenue is critical to meeting construction timetables and to maintaining the city’s ability to draw down federal loans and grants tied to a full funding plan.

What to watch for: staff said the board will return to the matter in two weeks (the board set a continuance) if and only if the city gets the signed waivers. If the waivers are not delivered, the administration said it would instead recommend proceeding on the original terms in the resolutions currently before the board.

Votes and formal actions: the hearing covered three related resolutions (resolution of formation, resolution determining necessity to incur bonded indebtedness, and resolution calling the landowner election). The board continued the items; no final formation vote was taken at the Tuesday meeting.

'Votes at a glance' and additional adopted items from the same meeting are reported in a separate article.","The Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing on forming a Mello‑Roos Community Facilities District (CFD) to fund the Transbay Transit Center and the downtown rail extension, then continued the matter for two weeks while city and developers negotiate technical amendments and legal waivers intended to preserve projected funding for the project.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board authorizes up to 260 new light‑rail vehicles from Siemens; supervisors applaud but note funding must be phased

Board approves batch of ordinances, resolutions; votes at a glance from Sept. 9 meeting

San Francisco delays Transbay Transit Center Mello‑Roos vote after closed‑session bargaining; city seeks waivers from developers