In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, officials raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the selection process for affordable housing developers. The discussion centered around a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued in 2019, which attracted three respondents. While one developer initially scored the highest, a supplemental question was introduced just days after the scoring, leading to confusion and potential discrepancies in the final results.

The supplemental question, which focused on experience with Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) housing preferences and community outreach, was deemed unusual as it was issued after the initial scores were calculated. This raised eyebrows among officials, who noted that the scoring did not align with the results presented in the selection memo. Two developers, CCDC and TNDC, were reported to have achieved a tie score due to the supplemental question, although the math did not support this conclusion.

Officials expressed concern that the current process does not adhere to best practices in government, as the ranking of proposals does not dictate the final selection. Instead, the MOHCD director has the discretion to recommend any developer from the list, regardless of their score. This lack of accountability prompted calls for legislative changes to ensure that scoring outcomes are respected in future selections.

The meeting also highlighted that similar issues had been documented in a 2021 audit of the MOHCD, indicating a pattern of procedural inconsistencies. As the need for affordable housing in San Francisco continues to grow, officials emphasized the importance of establishing a clear and fair selection process to foster trust and efficiency in the development of housing projects.

As discussions continue, the board is urged to consider amending the administrative code to enhance transparency and ensure that the selection process aligns with the community's needs and expectations. The outcome of these deliberations could significantly impact the future of affordable housing development in San Francisco.