Committee backs $100,000 assessment of SoMa Community Stabilization Fund ahead of $45 million in future fees

The Budget and Finance Committee voted to forward a resolution authorizing the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development to expand the SoMa Community Stabilization Fund by $100,000 to coordinate a strategic assessment of the fund’s performance.

Claudine Del Rosario of MOHCD said the fund was created in February 2005 and subsequently funded through developer impact fees (notably from Rincon Hill); the city expects to receive approximately $45,000,000 in additional impact fees from the Central SoMa plan. Del Rosario said the assessment will review prior investments, the Community Advisory Committee’s role in policy influence, and coordination with community‑based organizations to reduce displacement of residents and small businesses.

Three public callers supported the assessment. Rowena Robles, a consultant and professor at San Francisco State University, said documenting how the mayor’s office and CAC have supported South of Market residents—many of whom are immigrants—is important for future planning. Melody Hernandez, a member of the proposed assessment team, offered to field questions and said community knowledge makes this a timely evaluation. Mitchel Rivas, representing United Playas and a SoMa resident, asked the city to evaluate past outcomes before allocating the anticipated $45 million.

Chair Sandra Lee Feuer moved the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation and the clerk recorded the roll call. The committee announced the motion carried.