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Supervisors hear $27 billion capital plan as streets and seismic work top short-term gaps
Summary
City officials presented a $27 billion, 10‑year capital plan that lists both funded projects and unfunded needs; the administration urged a mix of bonds, pay‑as‑you‑go growth and new revenue while supervisors pressed for realistic scenarios and a streets‑funding plan.
The Budget & Finance Committee on April 28 heard a presentation of the city's 10‑year capital expenditure plan, which forecasts roughly $27,000,000,000 in projects over the next decade and highlights a growing backlog of deferred maintenance.
City Administrator Ed Lee introduced the plan and Brian Strong of the Office of the City Administrator delivered the detailed briefing. Strong said the plan covers a wide range of assets — from police and fire stations to libraries, parks, the water system and transit — and is intended to coordinate long‑term maintenance and new construction across the city's departments.
Why it matters: Strong and other officials emphasized the unusual step of listing unfunded needs as well as funded work so supervisors can see the full backlog. That realism matters because delaying renewal work increases long‑term costs; the plan projects growing backlogs if pay‑as‑you‑go funding remains below recommendations.
Key facts: The plan assumes the general fund will increase the annual capital set‑aside by roughly 10 percent a year (a long‑standing policy), starting near $63 million and rising over time. City‑controlled general fund and enterprise work comprise about $17–18 billion of the total; PUC water and MTA transportation projects compose much of the remainder.
Streets and seismic work are high priorities. Officials described an earthquake safety bond series (phase 2 at about $450 million) and funding targeted at hospital seismic work and the Veterans Building. The administration also highlighted the auxiliary cistern program and other earthquake‑response investments for fire suppression after a major quake.
Supervisors pushed for realism and scenario planning. Committee members asked for dual scenarios showing the aspirational 10 percent growth target and a more conservative, likely‑fundable path. Director of Public Works Ed Ryskin told the committee that to hold the pavement condition index (PCI) near current levels (~63) requires on the order of $52–53 million annually for streets; lower pay‑as‑you‑go levels would cause PCI to decline steeply and raise future repair costs.
Next steps: Strong asked the committee to forward the plan to the full board with a recommendation; the presentation and committee follow‑ups will be used to finalize the capital plan and to inform the mayor's proposed budget.
Ending: The committee accepted the briefing and will weigh the plan against competing demands during the coming budget process.
