The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on a significant ordinance aimed at amending the administrative code to protect tenants in buildings receiving low-income housing tax credits or tax-exempt multifamily revenue bonds. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that tenant-occupied units remain under the rent ordinance as long as any existing tenants reside there, unless all tenants agree otherwise in writing.

Supervisor Preston introduced the ordinance, highlighting its purpose to close a loophole in the city's rent control policy that has led to substantial rent increases for residents, particularly at the Frederick Douglass Haines Garden Apartments. This affordable housing complex has faced severe rent hikes since 2019, affecting long-term residents, many of whom are African American and have lived there for decades. One resident reported a rent increase from $1,408 to $1,921 in just one year, with projections indicating further increases that could lead to a staggering 182% rise over five years.

The ordinance aims to restore rent control protections for these tenants and revert their rents to previous levels, plus allowable annual increases. It builds on past efforts to ensure that residents do not lose their rent control protections simply because their landlord receives tax credit financing. The legislation is designed to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents expressed their fears of being priced out of their homes due to escalating rents. Many shared personal stories of financial struggles and the impact of rising costs on their ability to remain in their community. The overwhelming sentiment was a plea for support in passing the legislation to safeguard their housing stability.

The meeting concluded with a call for public support of the ordinance, emphasizing the importance of protecting long-term residents and maintaining the diversity of the community in San Francisco. The proposed changes are seen as a crucial step in addressing the housing crisis and ensuring that vulnerable populations are not displaced.