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Rules Committee advances artist‑housing certification ordinance tied to 1687 Market project
Summary
The Rules Committee voted to accept amendments and forward to the full Board an ordinance directing the Arts Commission to create an artist‑housing certification and registry to qualify applicants for projects including 1687 Market Street. Supporters said the program will help retain working artists; the amendment package was approved without objection.
The San Francisco Rules Committee on Oct. 27 recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt an ordinance directing the Arts Commission to develop and maintain a certification process and registry to identify artists eligible for affordable artist housing, including units at the privately funded 1687 Market Street project.
President Mandelmann, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee a recent $100,000,000 private gift is helping fund development at 1687 Market Street and that the certification program would ensure a transparent applicant pool for that and future artist‑oriented affordable housing projects. Mandelmann said his office circulated amendments to clarify findings, remove a section governing the Arts Commission’s contracting and fee‑setting (deferring fee proposals for internal Commission consideration), expand the range of arts and artists who may qualify, and add an operative date to allow 1687 Market to use the program.
Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs, said the city lacks a formal artist certification program and that a registry would help keep working artists in San Francisco and make affordable apartments and creative spaces available “not only at 1687 Market Street, but at other properties citywide.” Community supporters — including artists, arts organizations and project partners — urged the committee to advance the ordinance. Raymie Dare, formerly of Mercy Housing California, said the 1687 Market project aims to provide 94 permanent affordable homes with incomes ranging from 30% to 80% of AMI and will include rehearsal and performance space for both residents and the wider arts community.
After public comment, Mandelmann moved to accept the circulated amendments and forward the item with a positive recommendation to the full Board. The amendments and the recommendation motion each passed without objection; Supervisors Dorsey, Mandelmann and Vice Chair Sherrill voted aye.
The full Board will consider the ordinance at its Nov. 4, 2025 agenda unless otherwise noted.
