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Board declares intent to expand local rent control if Costa‑Hawkins is repealed; Supervisor Dorsey voices opposition to statewide measure
Summary
The board adopted a resolution stating its intent to expand local rent control protections should the Costa‑Hawkins Act be repealed by statewide ballot measure; Supervisor Dorsey said he will oppose the state measure because it enables local preemption in some jurisdictions.
On Sept. 3 the San Francisco Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution declaring the board's intent to expand local rent control protections if California's Costa‑Hawkins Rental Housing Act is repealed by ballot on Nov. 5, 2024.
Supervisor Dorsey spoke in support of the resolution but said he would oppose the statewide ballot measure he characterized as insufficient for renters statewide. Dorsey said the item signals the board's willingness to extend local protections while criticizing the statewide measure's design.
Why it matters: The resolution ties San Francisco policy to the outcome of a statewide ballot measure. If Costa‑Hawkins is repealed, the resolution signals the board's intent to move quickly to expand local renter protections; the transcript shows members adopted the resolution by unanimous consent.
Sponsor comments: Supervisor Dorsey said the state measure “does no such thing” as expand protections statewide and characterized it as focused on local preemption that could enable anti‑housing jurisdictions to avoid state housing rules. He noted support from some statewide leaders for opposing views and said he would vote against the statewide measure while supporting the board resolution expressing San Francisco's intent.
Next steps: The resolution is a statement of intent contingent on the statewide vote and does not itself change local law. Any expansion of local rent control would require subsequent legislation or ordinance action by the board.
Ending: The board adopted the resolution on first reading; the policy response to a potential repeal of Costa‑Hawkins will depend on the Nov. 5 statewide vote and any follow‑up ordinance the board chooses to enact.
