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OCII and Lake Research Partners present COP holder survey: most holders want help and plan to use certificates
Summary
A survey of 114 Certificate of Preference holders indicates most know they hold certificates, roughly 58% are actively looking for housing, 78% want application assistance, and the majority are renters with high rent burdens; staff recommended targeted unit sizes, AMI tiering, senior options, and stronger outreach.
OCII staff and consultant Lake Research Partners presented initial findings Sept. 19 from a survey of active Certificate of Preference (COP) holders, showing a majority of respondents are interested in affordable housing in San Francisco and many need help applying.
David Mermin of Lake Research Partners said the team completed 114 telephone interviews from a list of 891 active COP holders and estimated a margin of error of plus or minus 9.2 percent. "The vast majority of these holders are aware that they are COP holders and ... 83% of them said they fully intend to use their COP for affordable housing in San Francisco," Mermin said.
Key findings presented: 58% of respondents said they were currently looking for housing; 78% said they could use assistance applying; a majority are aged roughly 50–75; nearly four in five respondents identified as African American; most have household incomes under $60,000; and among renters a majority report paying more than half their income on rent. Only 11% of the surveyed respondents said they had actually obtained housing using their COP, and 37% said they had applied previously.
Pam Sims, senior development specialist and COP program liaison, outlined preliminary recommendations based on the survey: prioritize development of 1‑ and 2‑bedroom units to match needs; continue income tiering to allow placements at 30–40% AMI; explore options to serve both ends of the income spectrum to balance subsidy needs; maintain a senior housing pipeline; and increase targeted outreach and education so holders understand eligibility and application steps.
Commissioners and public commenters pressed staff on response rate and outreach: Commissioner Singh noted that 114 responses represent a minority of the 891 active holders; staff said the survey used postcards, call‑in lines and additional outreach and that the sample is strong for a low‑income population. Maria Benjamin of the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development said agency staff update addresses when mail is returned and partner with community organizations for outreach. Several commissioners urged more direct, on‑the‑ground follow‑up, workshops, and targeted assistance for holders who say they "don't believe they qualify."
