San Francisco prepares for biannual homeless population count this Thursday

The San Francisco Government meeting on April 16, 2025, focused on several key issues, including the upcoming biannual homeless point-in-time count, proposed water quality standards for the San Joaquin River, and a new surtax on business licenses for publicly traded companies based on executive compensation ratios.

Supervisor Farrell introduced a hearing request regarding the city's homeless population count, scheduled for Thursday evening. This count is crucial for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as it helps determine federal funding for homeless services. Farrell emphasized the importance of the data collected, which will inform the city’s strategies to address homelessness. He invited his colleagues to participate in both the count and the subsequent hearing to discuss the results and potential actions.

Supervisor Feuer, alongside Supervisor Peskin, proposed a hearing on the State Water Resources Control Board's plan to restore flow to the San Joaquin River. This initiative aims to improve water quality and support endangered salmon populations. The board's proposal, which has not been updated in two decades, could lead to significant water supply cutbacks for San Francisco and surrounding areas. Feuer noted the differing perspectives from environmental groups and city representatives regarding the implications of the proposed changes.

Additionally, Supervisor Kim announced plans to draft a surtax on the city's business license tax for publicly traded companies. This tax would apply if a company's CEO compensation ratio to the median worker is deemed unreasonable, inspired by similar legislation in Portland. Kim expressed interest in determining an appropriate compensation ratio for San Francisco, aiming to address income inequality.

The meeting highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to tackle pressing social and environmental issues, with significant implications for local policy and community welfare. Further discussions and hearings will follow to explore these topics in greater depth.