Committee backs expansion of PUC local‑business program with protections for SF firms

The Budget & Finance Committee on Feb. 6 advanced an ordinance amending the San Francisco Administrative Code to extend contracting opportunities to certified San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Local Business Enterprises (LBEs).

President Hsu and colleagues told the committee the 2006 PUC LBE program—created to give small businesses in the regional water service area fair access to Water System Improvement Program work—has successfully created regional opportunities and should be extended to other PUC cost‑share and maintenance projects. The legislation would also allow LBEs on projects located up to 70 miles from San Francisco to receive the PUC LBE discount while including a provision preventing that discount from disadvantaging San Francisco‑based LBEs.

Radhika Fox of the SFPUC described the program’s reach and goals, saying the PUC has certified roughly 225 PUC LBEs through the same process as San Francisco LBEs. Chris Schulman of the Office of Small Business reported the Small Business Commission unanimously recommended approval and thanked supervisors and PUC staff for including protections for San Francisco firms.

During public comment, contractors and union representatives said the expansion would stimulate work in Alameda and surrounding counties and create opportunities for small, micro and emerging businesses. Supervisor John Avalos and others noted the regional benefit and pledged support; President Hsu asked for a technical amendment to preserve San Francisco LBEs’ priority position. Chair Supervisor Mark Farrell moved to accept the technical amendments and to forward the item to the full Board with recommendation; both motions were carried without objection.

The committee record shows the ordinance as introduced will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for further consideration.