Committee advances two LAFCO outreach positions to support Clean Power SF

SAN FRANCISCO — The Government Audit and Oversight Committee agreed Tuesday to forward to the Board of Supervisors an ordinance authorizing two limited‑term positions for the San Francisco Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to staff community outreach for the city’s Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program.

Nancy Miller, executive officer to the San Francisco LAFCO, told the committee the ordinance request would add a senior community development specialist and a community development assistant to support CCA implementation and public programming. "The item before you is to add a staff person or authorize 2 staff people for San Francisco LAFCO for the purpose of implementing our community choice aggregation duties," Miller said.

Miller said the staffing would help manage contractors and lead community engagement for the program that aims to bring more renewable local electric providers to the city. She said the positions would be limited‑term and tied to project funding; "once that amount of money…is exhausted, we will basically terminate employment," she said.

Deborah Newman, the budget analyst, recommended trimming the initial request from 0.5 full‑time equivalent (FTE) per position to 0.2 FTE for the current fiscal year and said an April 20 start date was anticipated if the ordinance is approved. Newman also recommended a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between LAFCO and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to clarify responsibilities and funding arrangements because staff did not find a clear written agreement governing the program.

Miller said LAFCO disagreed with delaying authorization of the lower‑level assistant until the PUC fills its staff, arguing the two agencies’ staffing is independent and that requiring another return to the board would slow hiring. "We would like the ordinance to go forward as requested," Miller said.

Committee members pressed HR and LAFCO to ensure the job classification allows experience to substitute for formal degrees. Carrie Coe of the Department of Human Resources said the class specification "suggests a bachelor’s degree" but that examinations and established equivalency rules allow experience to meet minimum qualifications. Miller confirmed LAFCO will ensure equivalency is applied and said recruitment will be broad.

Supervisor Eric Marr, who moved the ordinance forward, urged speed, calling outreach "crucial" for what he called "Clean Power SF." Chair Ross Merkurimi said he was satisfied with the discussion and supported moving both positions forward; Supervisor Sophie Maxwell voiced support while urging that equivalency provisions be made prominent in recruitment materials.

The committee recorded its recommendation to advance the ordinance to the full Board of Supervisors for consideration on the March 24 agenda. The classification and final hiring requirements remain subject to HR examination processes.