Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Free City College topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves $9 million to launch 'Free City College' program, 9-1
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 9–1 to appropriate $9 million from new real property transfer-tax revenues to begin offering tuition-free enrollment at City College in fall 2017; debate centered on voter intent, budget trade-offs and program details.
Supervisor Kim introduced a supplemental appropriation to use $9 million in revenues tied to Proposition W to guarantee free City College tuition for San Francisco residents beginning in fall 2017.
The measure, advanced as an ordinance on first reading, drew broad praise for its aim to expand access to postsecondary training but also criticism about the timing and budgetary impact. Supporters said the appropriation follows promises made during the Prop W campaign and would create a pathway for residents to improve earnings and job prospects. Opponents warned the city faces a multiyear budget shortfall and urged a fuller plan and vetting through the regular budget process.
Supervisor Kim framed the appropriation as fulfilling the voters’ intent and as a local investment in workforce mobility, saying the city could afford the program and should not mean‑test it. ‘‘We are fortunate to be a part of this great city that has the resources and the wealth, to make this a reality,’’ she said. Supervisor Farrell cast the lone no vote, arguing that new programs should be considered in the context of the full budget and weighed against urgent needs such as homelessness services. Controller Ben Rosenfield told the board there is money available in the current fiscal year to support additional appropriations but warned of projected multi‑year shortfalls for the coming fiscal years.
The roll call produced nine ayes and one no (Supervisor Farrell). The ordinance passed on first reading and will return for a second reading; supporters urged the mayor to appropriate matching funds and for City College and the mayor’s budget office to provide program details, including staffing and enrollment management, ahead of implementation.
Why it matters: The appropriation is intended to start a locally funded, tuition‑free City College offering for San Francisco residents in fall 2017. The vote reflects a policy choice to prioritize access to postsecondary training while raising questions about long‑term fiscal sustainability and program design.
