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Supervisors introduce a package of neighborhood, language‑access and legacy business measures
Summary
On July 9 the Board introduced several new proposals: a neighborhood preference program for affordable housing, a legacy business preservation fund to bring measures to voters, a language‑access pilot for board meetings, a surveillance accountability ordinance, and a measure to increase public‑benefits enrollment in supportive housing.
Supervisors used the July 9 meeting to introduce multiple pieces of legislation covering housing preference, cultural preservation, language access, surveillance oversight and supportive‑housing benefits.
Neighborhood preference for affordable housing: Supervisors Christensen, Cohen and Weiner introduced legislation to give priority in certain affordable housing lotteries to neighborhood residents and to expand preferences to people displaced by no‑fault and Ellis Act evictions, expirations of rent‑restricted units, and unit demolitions. Sponsors said the change is intended to increase the odds that people displaced or long rooted in a neighborhood can remain close to home when new affordability is produced.
Legacy Business Historic Preservation Fund: Supervisor David Campos introduced a ballot measure concept to create a Legacy Business Fund. The proposal would make registry‑listed legacy businesses (businesses with long tenure and community ties) eligible for grants — $500 per employee up to $50,000 per business and up to $4.50 per square foot to landlords who sign ten‑year leases with legacy tenants. Campos' office estimated first‑year costs near $3 million; the measure is proposed for referral to the November ballot.
Language access pilot for board meetings: Supervisor Yee proposed a pilot to place staff from the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs at Board of Supervisors meetings beginning September 2015 to offer on‑site interpretation in Spanish, Tagalog and Chinese and to translate simplified agendas and legislation when feasible.
Surveillance accountability ordinance: Supervisor Avalos introduced an ordinance that would require Board approval of surveillance policies and reporting before departments seek funding for surveillance technologies, mandate annual reports and require the Controller to audit such technologies; Avalos said the measure should be considered as part of the budget process and to govern items such as proposed body‑worn cameras.
Public benefits enrollment in supportive housing: Supervisor Farrell introduced an ordinance requiring housing providers and the Human Services Agency to track and report enrollment and outreach efforts to maximize tenants' public benefits (e.g., CalWORKs, CalFresh, SSI, IHSS). The proposal includes provider audits and a worksheet for eligibility criteria to be posted publicly.
Ending: The introduced measures will proceed through committee and public hearings; some sponsors signaled plans to return with ballot language or to request waivers of the normal 30‑day rule for budget‑linked items.
