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Board delays decision on Yellow Pages pilot; controller to analyze economic and jobs impacts by May 10
Summary
The Board of Supervisors continued an ordinance establishing a three‑year pilot to limit mass distribution of Yellow Pages phone books and to require an opt‑in for households. The board asked the Controller's Office to prepare a focused economic analysis and scheduled the item for continued hearing on May 10, 2011.
The Board continued consideration of an ordinance to establish a three‑year pilot limiting unsolicited distribution of Yellow Pages phone books and creating an opt‑in system. President Hsu (sponsor) described the proposal as intended to reduce environmental waste and give consumers a choice about receiving directories. The board agreed to continue the item to May 10, 2011, so the Controller’s Office can provide a targeted economic assessment of likely job and business impacts.
Why it matters: The item drew unusually broad public input and intense debate at committee and before the board. Supporters framed the pilot as an environmental and consumer‑choice measure — the sponsor noted an estimated 1.6 million books are delivered in San Francisco annually — while opponents warned of potential job losses in the local distribution and printing industry.
Economic threshold and controller review: Ted Egan of the Controller’s Office explained the office’s policy for conducting economic impact reports: “Our threshold that we use as a rough rule of thumb is $10,000,000 a year.” Egan told supervisors that the office had not prepared a report without a known material impact exceeding that threshold but said a focused assessment could be completed if the board requested it. Several supervisors asked for a short study on jobs and small‑business impacts before final action; the board set a May 10 date to receive that work and continue the ordinance vote.
Key points from debate: Supporters said the ordinance was not a ban and includes outreach and opt‑in protections for seniors, non‑English speakers and low‑income residents; President Hsu said the start date of the pilot was moved out by more than a year to allow industry adjustments and outreach. Opponents, including small‑business representatives and some supervisors, sought a controller review because the industry claimed the change could cost local distribution jobs; Supervisor Ellsberg moved for referral for additional analysis, but the board instead agreed to continue to May 10 after negotiating a six‑week timetable for the controller’s review.
Board action and timing: President Hsu introduced technical amendments and moved the item forward for debate. After discussion and a motion to continue from Hsu, seconded by Supervisor Cohen, the board continued the item to May 10, 2011, to receive the Controller’s Office analysis and to give additional time for public outreach and review.
