Housing organizations urge funding approval for San Francisco affordable housing projects

San Francisco County officials are taking significant steps to address the ongoing challenges in affordable housing development. During a recent government meeting, the committee approved a recommendation to provide additional gap funding for two key projects: the affordable housing developments at 555 Larkin and 4840 Mission Street. This funding aims to mitigate financial impacts caused by delays in utility infrastructure, which have hindered nonprofit developers.

Charlie Shamless, representing the Council of Community Housing Organizations, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating that it is crucial for maintaining the affordable housing production pipeline. The delays, attributed to factors beyond the developers' control, have created financing challenges that could stall progress on these essential housing projects.

The committee also discussed broader issues related to utility delays, particularly concerning PG&E. David Pilpel raised concerns about the utility's slow response times and suggested that state legislation should enforce stricter timelines for utility connections. He argued that these delays disproportionately affect affordable housing projects, further complicating an already challenging development landscape.

Mitch Mandkin from the San Francisco Housing Development Corporation echoed these sentiments, advocating for increased support for affordable housing developers. He highlighted the need for a state solution to address the financial burdens imposed by utility delays, while also stressing the importance of ensuring that funding for these projects remains a priority.

In addition to the affordable housing discussions, the committee addressed resolutions related to the San Francisco International Airport's lease agreements. The airport is seeking to update agreements that have been in place for over 40 years, which would provide more stability for airlines and the city. The committee decided to continue discussions on these items to ensure thorough consideration.

As the meeting concluded, the committee moved forward with the approved funding for affordable housing and acknowledged the need for ongoing dialogue about utility infrastructure and airport agreements. These decisions reflect a commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the San Francisco community, particularly in the realm of affordable housing development.