San Francisco County's budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024 has been proposed at $183 million, focusing heavily on housing and community development initiatives. This budget includes funding for 127 positions across four divisions: housing, community development, homeownership, and below-market rate housing, along with finance and administration.

The housing division aims to enhance multifamily housing and develop policies to address the city's housing crisis. Meanwhile, the community development division collaborates with community-based organizations (CBOs) to foster an inclusive city through grant-making. Notably, the Homeownership and Below Market Rate (HBMR) division manages affordable housing lotteries and inclusionary housing programs.

A significant portion of the budget—approximately 60%—is allocated outside the board's annual appropriation process, relying on various funding sources such as geo bonds, federal and state grants, and development impact fees. The proposed budget reflects a shift from one-time revenues, which are expected to decrease, to a more sustainable funding model.

Key highlights from the budget proposal include $91 million earmarked for the small sites program, which focuses on acquiring and rehabilitating rent-controlled housing to prevent loss of affordable units. Additionally, $18 million is allocated for tenant right to counsel, ensuring legal support for tenants facing eviction.

The meeting underscored the urgency of deploying these funds effectively, with supervisors emphasizing the need for aggressive acquisition strategies to address the housing crisis. As the mayor's budget office finalizes funding decisions, the department remains committed to engaging CBO partners and ensuring that available resources are utilized to their fullest potential. The anticipated outcomes of these initiatives aim to bolster affordable housing options and support vulnerable populations in San Francisco.