The San Francisco Housing Authority Commission convened on Friday, July 21, to address key issues affecting the city's housing landscape. The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming the presence of all commissioners, including President Joaquin Torres and Commissioners Leroy Lindo, Luana Kim, and Mary Anne Pikes.
The first significant agenda item was the acknowledgment of the Ramaytush Ohlone community, the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. The commission recognized their unceded ancestral homeland and expressed respect for their role as caretakers of the land, affirming their sovereign rights.
Following this, President Torres delivered a report highlighting recent developments in housing maintenance and management. He referenced a hearing held the previous day at the Board of Supervisors, initiated by Supervisor Shimon Walton, which focused on the performance of contractors responsible for property maintenance. Torres noted that while some progress had been made, there were still significant challenges that needed to be addressed.
The discussion emphasized the importance of revisiting the strategic plan for the Housing Authority, particularly in relation to monitoring maintenance metrics and overall performance. Torres pointed out the need for improved coordination and communication among staff to better support the city’s housing goals.
Additionally, the commission discussed ongoing efforts regarding Plaza East, including potential redevelopment and community engagement, as well as upcoming applications related to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. Torres stressed the necessity of having a comprehensive understanding of the metrics that would guide the commission's work moving forward.
The meeting concluded with a reminder that a more detailed strategic plan is expected to be presented in August, which will outline the next steps for the Housing Authority in addressing these pressing issues. The commission remains committed to enhancing the living conditions for residents and ensuring effective management of housing resources in San Francisco.