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Board rejects ordinance that would have barred taxpayer‑backed affordable housing cash‑outs for political campaigns
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 3–8 to defeat an ordinance that would have prohibited nonprofit affordable‑housing developers from using cash‑out proceeds while city loans remained outstanding to fund political campaigns. Supporters said the measure closed a loophole; opponents warned of First Amendment and fairness concerns.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 3–8 on March 21 to reject an ordinance that would have amended the Administrative Code to bar use of cash‑out proceeds from affordable housing projects funded in whole or in part by taxpayer dollars for political campaigns while city loans or grants remained outstanding.
Proponents said the ordinance, introduced by Supervisor Farrell, was aimed at preventing developers who benefit from Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) loans from leveraging public investment into political spending. "I firmly believe that we should ensure every penny available for affordable housing in San Francisco is being solely used for affordable housing needs, period," Supervisor Farrell said during the debate.
Supporters argued the…
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