Commission authorizes letter seeking $1 million to seed equitable clean-energy hub and feasibility study

The commission voted to authorize Chair Stevenson to transmit a letter asking the mayor and the Board of Supervisors to include a $1,000,000 allocation to kick-start long-term, equitable funding and implementation of the Climate Action Plan.

Director Deborah Raphael described the funding proposal as a two-part package: roughly one-third for a one-time, technical and legal analysis to evaluate ballot measures and long-term funding mechanisms (including consultants and legal experts), and roughly two-thirds to seed an "equitable clean energy hub" to support community-based organizations, workforce development, contractor education and early implementation pilots. Raphael said the department and community partners have been discussing the concept and that the $1 million is intended as start-up funding to help co-create funding options rather than to fully implement the CAP.

Commissioners discussed tactical steps—consistent messaging, an advocacy letter, potential op-eds, targeted outreach to supervisors and philanthropists, and convening of community partners. Several commissioners volunteered to assist with outreach. Commissioner Wald moved that Chair Stevenson send a letter that lays out the ask, the proposed breakdown, partner groups and the rationale; Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion. During public comment, community groups including Our City San Francisco and the Climate Emergency Coalition urged the commission to push for much larger investments and recommended looking at revenue bonds and other mechanisms.

The commission recorded a unanimous roll-call vote to authorize the letter. Staff said the budget calendar is compressed and encouraged timely coordination with supervisors to propose add-backs or amendments during the Board's budget process.