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Board allocates Prop L funds for Embarcadero/Jefferson quick-builds and District 5 daylighting; Prop K amendment clears Ortega construction reimbursement
Summary
SFCTA approved $744,000 for Embarcadero and Jefferson quick-build safety projects, $117,500 to paint curb daylighting across District 5, and amended a Prop K grant to release $280,000 for Ortega Street construction contingent on a Prop K policy waiver for retroactive reimbursement.
The San Francisco County Transportation Authority on May 13 approved Prop L funding for two quick-build projects on the northern Embarcadero and Jefferson Street and allocated funds to make District 5 the city’s first fully ‘‘daylighted’’ district. The board also amended a Prop K grant to allow release of $280,000 in construction funds for the Ortega Street improvements project, with conditions.
Why it matters: The quick-build projects and daylighting are aimed at reducing collisions and improving comfort for people walking and biking on high-injury corridors and at transit hubs. The Ortega amendment allows construction to proceed with reimbursement conditions after SFMTA completed design and began some construction activity in September 2024.
The allocations and project details: - Embarcadero and Jefferson Quick-Builds — SFMTA requested $744,000 in Prop L funds to implement quick-build safety improvements. Jefferson’s work would run from Hyde Street to Powell Street and could include refreshed crosswalks, turn-calming treatments, turn restrictions, and better connections to North Point Street on side streets. The Northern Embarcadero portion would extend from Bay Street to Chestnut Street and could reconfigure lanes and upgrade bike lanes to protected bike lanes. - District 5 daylighting — $117,500 in Prop L funds to paint or otherwise mark curb areas at approximately 235 intersections throughout District 5 to restrict parking near intersections and improve sight lines; staff called this the first fully daylighted district in the city. - Ortega Street / Prop K amendment — The authority granted an amendment to the Prop K standard grant agreement to update scope, schedule and budget and to release $280,000 of previously reserved sales tax funds for construction. SFMTA began construction in September 2024 after MTA board approval; the Prop K release is contingent on board approval of a policy waiver to allow retroactive reimbursement for those costs.
Staff and commissioner remarks: SFMTA project lead Rachel Seiberg described the quick-build treatments and coordination with Port and merchant stakeholders, and noted the projects build on the Embarcadero enhancement program and the city’s Biking and Rolling plan. Commissioner Sauter said he was pleased to see progress on waterfront safety and Jefferson improvements and warned these are early steps toward a safer, more accessible waterfront.
Commissioner Mahmood, who introduced the daylighting request for District 5, said, "I just wanted to say how excited I am to introduce this vote to make District 5 the first fully daylighted district in San Francisco." He and public commenters said daylighting improves visibility and reduces illegal parking near intersections.
Public comment: Walk San Francisco, Families for Safe Streets and the Bicycle Coalition spoke in favor of the quick-builds and daylighting; merchants and neighborhood representatives were referenced in staff outreach plans.
Conditions and next steps: The Ortega Prop K amendment requires a Prop K waiver to reimburse costs retroactively; staff noted the grant amendment updates and that SFMTA must meet conditions before funds are released. SFMTA will continue design-phase community outreach for quick-build corridor treatments and coordinate implementation timelines with nearby utility projects.
