SFPUC increases annual digital equity grant for Southeast Community Center to $200,000

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on March 26 approved revisions to the Southeast Community Center digital equity operator grant program that increase the annual grant amount to a not‑to‑exceed $200,000 and add expanded career training, job placement and performance metrics.

Elise Washington, senior administrative analyst on the community benefits team, told commissioners the Access Program at 1800 Oakdale Avenue was created under commitments in the 1979 Historic Southeast Mitigation Agreement to provide education, job skills development and senior services to offset impacts of the Southeast wastewater treatment plant. Washington said the Access Program launched in September 2023 after a competitive solicitation and provides technology loaner devices, classes on computer basics, and industry‑recognized training in IT support, data analytics, cybersecurity and other fields.

Washington said in fiscal year 2023–24 nearly 100 community members used one or more services and that 61 percent of those served self‑reported residence in Southeast ZIP codes (including 94124, 94107). She said 60 percent of individuals served were age 45 or older. Under the revised rules, staff said the program would expand outreach and workforce partnerships and add metrics required by the controller’s office.

Commissioners asked how the new funding compares to prior levels; Washington said the prior annual award was $125,000 and the increase is intended to raise annual participants from about 100 to roughly 130 and to deepen job‑placement services. The Southeast Community Facility Commission unanimously recommended approval before the SFPUC vote.

Public commenters, including Southeast Facility Commission leadership and community partners, supported the increase and highlighted ongoing digital divide challenges in Bayview‑Hunters Point. The SFPUC voted unanimously to adopt the revised grant rules and award limit.