Supervisors introduce ordinance to expand citywide navigation centers, require reporting and minimum stays

Supervisor Matt Haney introduced a revised ordinance Dec. 17 directing city agencies to work with supervisors to locate and open navigation centers across San Francisco districts and to standardize a navigation‑center model the board said has produced stable housing exits.

What the legislation would do: The draft requires that the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the Human Services Agency and other relevant departments work with supervisors to open navigation centers calibrated to district needs. The proposal defines core features of the navigation‑center model, including intake and assessment, on‑site services, daily activities, intensive case management and an initial 90‑day stay tied to a care plan — and it encourages continuing stays until a stable housing exit is achieved.

Board discussion: Haney and cosponsors (Walton, Ronan and Preston) argued the city needs both permanent housing production and immediate, scaled shelter capacity. "While we must continue to create more housing exits, people who are living on the streets tonight cannot wait for new housing to come online," Haney said. Several supervisors said districts should each step up to identify sites and partner with the mayor’s office; some members asked that the item be deliberated further in committee to work through siting and neighborhood questions.

Next steps: The ordinance was introduced at the meeting; no final vote was taken. Supervisors said it will proceed through committee for detailed hearings, site selection and adoption timelines.