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City planners outline Housing Trust Fund; commission backs raising small‑project inclusionary threshold
Summary
City staff explained a proposed Housing Trust Fund charter amendment that would set a dedicated general‑fund allocation for affordable housing; the commission also recommended an ordinance moving the inclusionary requirement threshold from five to 10 units as part of the package. Small‑builder groups strongly supported the change.
City planning staff and the Mayor's Office of Housing presented an informational briefing on Aug. 16 describing the proposed Housing Trust Fund — a charter amendment and accompanying legislation to create a dedicated, growing allocation for affordable housing.
Dan Adams of the Mayor's Office outlined the fund's structure and rationale: initial general‑fund allocations of approximately $20 million in year one, growing in later years tied to increases in general‑fund revenue and anticipated revenue streams including legacy redevelopment tax increment, an allocation of hotel tax and a portion of a proposed gross‑receipts tax. Adams said the charter includes a mayoral veto mechanism that could delay implementation if the fund would harm the general fund.
The presentation emphasized program components: continued funding for below‑market‑rate production, expanded homeownership and stabilization programs, and incentives designed to spur market‑rate production and on‑site BMR units. "The Housing Trust Fund is funded through general fund revenue," Adams said, adding the working group that drafted the program included more than 50 stakeholder organizations.
The commission then considered a related ordinance to move the inclusionary program's threshold from projects with 5+ units back to projects with 10+ units — a change to the companion legislation that would only take effect if voters approve the Housing Trust Fund in November. After extensive public comment — particularly from small builders and the Residential Builders Association arguing the five‑unit trigger had curtailed small infill production — the commission voted unanimously to recommend the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors.
Supporters including the mayor's office and housing advocates argued the combined package balances new funding with measures to stimulate smaller scale neighborhood housing projects. Opponents urged protections and phased approaches for smaller developers; commissioners asked staff to study feasibility prototypes and continue stakeholder outreach as the legislative package moves forward.
