Board approves equity and accountability amendments to $400 million transportation bond, sends amended measure to committee of the whole

The Board of Supervisors on Feb. 8 agreed to amendments to a proposed $400 million general obligation bond for transportation and street safety to add stronger equity and accountability language.

Supervisor Connie Chan proposed changes that would explicitly reference the Municipal Transportation Agency's (SFMTA) Muni Service Equity Strategy, add funding language to "expand job access and connectivity for underserved communities into the outer neighborhoods of the city," and require annual public hearings before the Board on bond program implementation. The draft also clarifies that sustainable transportation investments should support the transit workforce and local and disadvantaged business enterprises.

Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson told the board the city attorney's office had reviewed the amendments "as to form" and noted a prior committee change regarding project labor agreement language was not before the board that day. She also explained that adding the amendment would require the matter to be continued until next week for a committee of the whole review in order to comply with municipal elections code timing.

Supervisor discussions and vote

Supervisors praised the equity focus. Supervisor Safai asked whether the amendments risked violating separation of authority between the Board and SFMTA; Deputy City Attorney Pearson said the attorney's office had reviewed the language. Supervisor Peskin urged the city to prioritize accountability and equitable benefits when investing $400 million in capital improvements.

The board adopted Supervisor Chan's amendments and then proceeded to adopt the amended resolution and ordinance on first reading; the matter was placed on the committee of the whole agenda for Feb. 15, 2022 at 3 p.m. for additional review required under municipal elections law.

Why it matters: The bond would authorize up to $400 million for transportation and safety projects; the amendments shift the measure's emphasis toward explicitly addressing longstanding mobility gaps for underserved neighborhoods and adding formal Board oversight.

Quotations: "When we talked about sustainable transportation, we must commit to funding the most disadvantaged communities who have historically been left out of the conversation," Supervisor Chan said. Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson said the amendments were "approved as to form" and explained the procedural requirement to continue the item for a committee of the whole review.

Ending: The amended bond will go back to the Board sitting as a committee of the whole on Feb. 15, 2022 for the required review; if placed on the ballot as drafted it will require an eight‑vote threshold for final approval under the charter for general obligation bonds.