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Supervisors report on transportation funding, health plan change and updates to all‑electric ordinance
Summary
Supervisors reported updates on regional transportation funding shortfalls, a new city Medicare PPO selection, and proposed clarifications to the city's all‑electric ordinance during the Sept. 3 meeting.
Several supervisors used the Sept. 3 meeting to report on outside boards and current policy work affecting the region's transit and city operations.
Supervisor Dorsey reported on the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, saying travel by bridge, bus and ferry remains well below pre‑pandemic commute levels but is trending upward and that the district is incrementally restoring service and improving connections with partner agencies. He said the district is working with state officials to secure the final $250 million needed for the last phase of seismic retrofit work and expects a funding plan for board action in September. Dorsey also reported that the Health Service Board designated Blue Shield of California as the city's Medicare PPO provider after an RFP process and that the change is projected to save the city about $40 million over three years; he said retirees have expressed concerns about Blue Shield's reputation and that the board expects close monitoring of the rollout.
Supervisor Mandelmann said he will introduce legislation to revise San Francisco's 2020 all‑electric ordinance to clarify that appliances covered by the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) are exempt. Mandelmann said the amendment is intended to protect health and safety while keeping the city's commitment to eliminate fossil fuels from the built environment; he credited staff from SF Environment and the City Attorney's Office for drafting the amendments. Mandelmann also announced a resolution proclaiming September as the city's annual transit month and reported updates from the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) and the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), including a reported $3.4 billion Federal Transit Administration commitment for the downtown rail extension that nonetheless leaves an estimated $2.5 billion funding gap.
Supervisor Ronan provided an update on regional transportation coordination. She said the Metropolitan Transportation Commission has convened a select committee to build consensus on a regional transportation measure framework after state legislation did not move forward; the select committee is expected to approve a final framework in October. Ronan said recent ballot developments removed a planned $20 billion general obligation bond for affordable housing from the November ballot, prompting continued planning for a housing bond in a later election season.
Why it matters: The reports describe ongoing funding gaps and procurement steps for major regional projects (seismic retrofit and downtown rail extension), a major change in the city's retiree health plan procurement with projected savings, and a local code revision intended to avoid federal preemption issues around appliance regulation.
Ending: Supervisors signaled further oversight and follow‑up work: Dorsey said he will monitor the health plan transition; Mandelmann is advancing code amendments and transit month recognition; and regional transportation bodies will continue to pursue funding and coordination for long‑range projects.
