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Board tweaks GoSolar SF: nonprofit cap raised with matching requirement, deed restrictions shortened to 30 years
Summary
Supervisors amended the GoSolar SF program to alter caps for nonprofit multi-unit projects, require workforce training connections for some commercial installations, and shorten required deed restrictions for nonprofit multi-unit projects from 50 to 30 years; the measures passed on first reading after debate.
The Board of Supervisors amended and passed on first reading two related items (18 and 19) that change the city's GoSolar SF incentives. The amendments were introduced at the meeting and adopted before the roll-call votes.
Key changes adopted: 1) The maximum incentive cap for multi-unit residential buildings owned by nonprofits was revised. The prior proposal raised the cap to $250,000; the Board amended that to a maximum $150,000 city contribution with an administrative program allowing nonprofits to obtain additional matching dollars up to $250,000 if the nonprofit raises matching funds on a 1:1 basis for the amount between $150,000 and $250,000. 2) The deed restriction term for nonprofit-owned multi-unit projects was shortened from 50 years to 30 years to align with HUD practice. 3) For commercial/industrial/manufacturing properties to be eligible for the incentive, installers must be trained through the city's workforce development program (an added requirement in the amendments).
The Planning/PUC sponsor and the deputy city attorney explained the changes on the floor; Deputy City Attorney Cheryl Adams summarized the three main amendments during the hearing. Supervisors debated whether higher caps would be consumed by better-resourced actors and whether matching requirements would steer scarce funds toward smaller organizations. "A greater few who can afford it will eat up the fund that's there," said one sponsor, arguing for a $150,000 base with matching above that.
Board votes: Item 18 (the ordinance amending the environment code to increase incentives, as amended) passed on first reading (10 ayes, 1 no). Item 19 (appropriation to fund the incentives) passed on first reading (9 ayes, 2 noes).
Why it matters: The changes aim to target limited incentive dollars to nonprofits and low-income applicants while allowing larger projects to access additional funds if they can raise matching dollars. The workforce training requirement links the incentive program to local job training objectives.
Speakers: Deputy City Attorney Cheryl Adams, Supervisor sponsoring the amendment, and Supervisors Ellsberg and others commented. The Public Utilities Commission staff indicated potential candidate projects were waiting but cost constraints and the existing $30,000 ceiling limited uptake.
Action details: Item 18 (amended ordinance) passed 10-1 on first reading; item 19 (funding appropriation) passed first reading 9-2.
