OCII renews executive director Thurston "Thor" Kaslowski's contract through 2030

SAN FRANCISCO — The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure on June 17 authorized a five-year extension of Thurston "Thor" Kaslowski's employment agreement as executive director of the successor agency to the Redevelopment Agency, making the term effective through June 30, 2030.

The commission voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 17-2025. The agreement does not change Kaslowski's base salary now, but it incorporates cost-of-living adjustments of 5.5% for fiscal year 2025–26 and 4.5% for fiscal year 2026–27; the commission also agreed to review a potential salary adjustment in January 2027 covering fiscal years 2027–30.

Kaslowski opened the agenda item with a report on accomplishments during his tenure and priorities for the office. "I respectfully submit myself for consideration to continue as your executive director," he told the commission. In the report he cited reactivation of the Candlestick Point project, passage of state legislation reauthorizing OCII's replacement housing authority to enable delivery of nearly 6,000 affordable units, and work on housing and community facilities in Mission Bay, Transbay and the Hunters Point Shipyard.

The office, Kaslowski said, generates roughly $140,000,000 in net property tax increment from its project areas — about 5% of the city's property tax revenue — and he said OCII continues to look for refinancing opportunities to reduce borrowing costs. OCII staff and supporters at the meeting emphasized the agency's role in delivering affordable housing and infrastructure in long-running redevelopment areas.

Human-resources lead Monica Davisteen presented the contract terms to the commission and summarized the key provisions: "The term of the agreement before you is for five years," she said, adding that there is no change to base compensation outside the COLA adjustments and that the commission will review a potential salary increase in January 2027.

Public commenters who spoke during the item urged the commission to reappoint Kaslowski. Longtime neighborhood resident Oscar James said Kaslowski had the community's interest at heart. "He's been a good mentor to me over the years. He stands for the city, but more importantly, he stands for the people," community member Mary Rivers said. Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown also spoke in support of Kaslowski.

Commissioners who spoke expressed support as well. Commissioner Miller cited data showing local hiring and wages tied to OCII projects, and Vice Chair Aquino, Commissioner Lim and others praised Kaslowski's leadership style and record.

The motion passed on a roll-call vote of 5 ayes with no dissent. The employment agreement will take effect immediately and run through June 30, 2030; the contract includes the specified COLAs and a commission review of salary in January 2027.

The commission did not identify other changes to Kaslowski's base compensation in the adopted agreement. Any future adjustments beyond the COLAs will return to the commission as required by the agreement.