Broad set‑aside reform draws large turnout; advocates urge exemptions for Children’s Fund, Prop H

Supervisor Ross Mercurini introduced a second‑draft charter amendment that would set a dollar cap on city charter set‑asides and authorize temporary reductions and waivers during fiscal shortfalls or emergencies.

The item drew one of the largest public turnouts of the hearing. Speakers representing child‑advocacy groups, the San Francisco Public Library, arts organizations, labor unions and parent groups urged the committee to exempt the Children’s Fund and Proposition H — both cited repeatedly as critical safety‑net funding for early care, school libraries, arts and other services. Antonia Lee of Coleman Advocates said those set‑asides protect low‑ and moderate‑income families who rely on childcare, after‑school programs and prevention services.

Library advocates warned that the Library Preservation Fund finances seismic upgrades, reopened branches and a growing set of community services — and urged that caps or retroactive reductions could jeopardize capital programs that depend on long‑term financing. Several speakers said Prop H already includes triggers and sunset provisions and noted that removing protections could lose services for tens of thousands of children and families.

Supervisor Mercurini said the draft is intended to start a difficult but necessary structural budget conversation and asked stakeholders to work with his office on amendments; the committee agreed to continue the item to the call of the chair to allow stakeholder meetings and redrafting. No committee vote was taken on final charter language at this hearing.