San Francisco updates $52B capital plan for infrastructure investments through 2035

In a recent meeting, officials from the City of San Francisco provided an extensive update on the city's 10-year capital plan, which outlines infrastructure investments from fiscal years 2026 to 2035. The presentation, led by Nishad Joshi from the Office of Resilience and Capital Planning, highlighted the plan's growth and the challenges faced in funding critical projects.

The capital plan, which was approved in April, has seen a significant increase in its budget, rising from $32 billion in the previous cycle to $52 billion. This growth is primarily attributed to investments from enterprise and external agencies, while the general fund has seen a modest increase of only 2.7%. This stagnation reflects ongoing budgetary challenges that have limited the city's ability to invest in essential maintenance and renewal projects.

A key focus of the meeting was the funding sources for the capital plan. Over 50% of the funding comes from federal, state, and other sources, with general fund cash and general obligation (GO) bonds making up a smaller portion. The presentation emphasized the importance of GO bonds, which have historically been used for large-scale projects, and highlighted the city's success in securing voter approval for these bonds, particularly for affordable housing initiatives.

However, the meeting also addressed the growing deferred maintenance backlog, which has surged from approximately $400 million in 2018 to nearly $1 billion today. This increase is attributed to both the inability to address immediate needs and the emergence of new critical requirements. The officials warned that without adequate funding, this backlog would continue to grow, further straining the city's infrastructure.

Kate Faust, the capital planning manager, discussed the city's debt programs, including certificates of participation (COPs), which have been increasingly utilized to support essential city functions and maintenance needs. These funding sources are crucial for addressing projects that may not attract voter support but are necessary for the city's operational integrity.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued advocacy for funding that aligns with the capital plan recommendations, as the city navigates its financial constraints while aiming to meet the infrastructure needs of its residents. The discussions underscored the importance of strategic planning and community engagement in securing the necessary resources for San Francisco's future development.