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Supervisors introduce several charter and ballot measures: Dignity Fund, Free City College proposal and public-advocate charter amendment
Summary
At the May 24 meeting supervisors introduced multiple proposals intended for the November ballot, including a "Dignity Fund" for seniors and disabled services, a mansion/transfer tax to make City College free, and a charter amendment to create an Office of Public Advocate and strengthen independent oversight.
Multiple supervisors introduced proposals and charter amendments May 24 that they said are intended for placement on the November ballot if the board proceeds with the process.
Supervisor Katy Tang, Supervisor Jane Kim, Supervisor Malia Cohen and others described proposals in the meeting: Supervisor Cohen announced the "Dignity Fund," a proposed dedicated revenue stream and ballot measure intended to provide at least $30 million annually for senior, disabled and long-term care services to help residents age in place. Cohen said the fund would support in-home care, housing modifications, meal delivery and eviction prevention programs.
Supervisor Jane Kim outlined a "mansion tax"—an increase to the real-estate transfer tax on higher-value residential property sales—intended to generate revenue to make City College tuition-free for San Francisco residents. Kim said the tax would apply to transactions over thresholds (examples cited in remarks: $5 million, $10 million, $25 million) and that the proposal might raise more than needed for free community college, leaving room for related educational stipends for books, transportation and childcare.
Supervisor David Campos and a coalition led by former Assemblymember Tom Ammiano announced a charter amendment proposal to create an Office of Public Advocate. Campos said the office would provide constituent services, take complaints and have authority over appointing the director of the Office of Citizen Complaints (OCC) in order to increase independence and accountability in areas including police oversight and labor standards enforcement. Supervisor Cohen also described a separate ballot measure to change the Office of Citizens’ Complaints into a Department of Independent Police Oversight with auditing authority and a proactive auditing function.
Supervisors said these proposals remain subject to drafting, hearings, and the charter-amendment process; sponsors and backers acknowledged they were building cosponsors and coalition support.
Ending: Supervisors said the measures would move through legislative drafting and committee review before potential placement on the November ballot; each proposal would require additional detail on funding levels, ballot language and legal review.
