Board rejects local rental-subsidy program for low‑income families after 6–5 vote

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 6–5 on Oct. 21 to defeat an ordinance that would have created a locally funded, need‑based rental subsidy program for homeless and very low‑income families.

The measure, introduced from the Land Use Committee and brought back after a prior 5–5 tie, would have authorized a rental subsidy program subject to charter fiscal controls and included a two‑year limit on subsidies as drafted. The board defeated the ordinance after extended debate over whether the Human Services Agency should have flexibility to extend subsidies and how income adjustments should be calculated.

Supporters, including Supervisor Daley, said the program would help families avoid entering the emergency shelter system while they seek employment or other services. Supervisor Daley offered an “amendment of the whole” that struck the phrase “dollar for dollar” and added language directing the Human…