The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on two significant agenda items: the proposed amendments to legislation regarding security gates for businesses and a hearing on repurposing commercial real estate for residential use.

The meeting commenced with public comments on the proposed legislation concerning security gates. Several speakers expressed their support for the amendments, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures for small businesses, particularly in light of rising crime rates. One speaker highlighted the importance of allowing business owners to upgrade their security gates to more aesthetically pleasing options, while another, a cannabis dispensary owner, shared personal experiences of repeated break-ins and the financial burden of replacing windows. The consensus among speakers was clear: while beautification is important, the primary concern remains the safety and security of businesses.

Following the public comments, the committee moved to a motion to adopt the amendments to the legislation, which passed unanimously. The meeting then transitioned to the second agenda item, a hearing led by Supervisor Safaie on the potential for converting commercial real estate into residential housing to address the city's housing crisis.

The Budget and Legislative Analyst's Office presented a report outlining the challenges and opportunities associated with this conversion. The report indicated a significant increase in commercial vacancy rates, particularly in downtown San Francisco, which rose from 5.6% in 2019 to 24.1% in 2022. The analysis highlighted that while there is a pressing need for affordable housing, converting office spaces to residential units is complex and costly. The report suggested that only a small percentage of existing commercial properties are suitable for conversion without substantial financial incentives and regulatory changes.

Several presenters, including representatives from SPUR and Gensler, discussed the feasibility of such conversions and the necessary policy changes to facilitate them. They emphasized the importance of streamlining the approval process and providing financial incentives, such as tax abatements, to make these projects viable. The discussion also touched on the potential for creating mixed-income housing, with calls for further analysis on how to incorporate affordable housing into these conversions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring these issues, with plans for future hearings and discussions on the proposed legislation aimed at facilitating the adaptive reuse of commercial properties. The next steps include further public engagement and legislative action to address the pressing need for housing in San Francisco.