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MOHCD HUD funding package moves forward amid sharp criticism from Supervisor Walton and community callers over equity
Summary
The committee advanced four HUD accept/expand resolutions (HOPWA, ESG, CDBG, HOME) to the Board; Director Brian Chu described allocations and deadlines, but Supervisor Shamaya Walton and public callers faulted MOHCD for allocating under 2% to Black‑led organizations and pressed for immediate corrective investment from general funds.
The Budget & Finance Committee on May 20 voted to forward four federal housing‑and‑community development actions — accept/expand resolutions for HOPWA, ESG, CDBG and HOME funds — to the Board, while a sharp equity dispute surfaced in committee discussion and public comment.
Brian Chu, director of the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD), presented the federal funding package covering HOPWA (~$7.0M), ESG (~$1.6M), CDBG (~$18.6M) and HOME (~$5.4M) entitlements plus program income, and summarized priority uses including long‑term rental subsidies, shelters and eviction prevention. Chu said the federal deadlines required moving the HUD portion now and that larger general fund allocations would be decided later.
Supervisor Shamaya Walton challenged MOHCD’s selections for CDBG allocations, saying the RFP prioritized Black‑led organizations but that "less than 2%" of the federal funds went to Black‑led groups. Walton called the outcome "an absolute disgrace," said the city must not perpetuate systemic racism in funding and demanded a plan. Chu responded that MOHCD identified an additional $2 million from general fund allocations to target Black‑led organizations — split into two $1 million efforts (one RFP recently issued; another million for capacity building) — and said those steps were taken in collaboration with community groups and the Human Rights Commission.
During public comment, Dr. Monique LaSarr of the Rafiki Coalition reiterated that Black‑led organizations received less than 2% and urged immediate action and accountability. After discussion, the committee voted to forward Item 7 (HOPWA), Item 8 (ESG) and Item 10 (HOME) to the Board with positive recommendations; Supervisor Walton moved Item 9 (CDBG) forward without recommendation. All roll calls were 3–0.
The Board will consider final acceptance and appropriation; MOHCD said further general fund decisions remain pending the mayor’s budget guidance.
