LAFCO issues municipal housing RFP, updates commissioners on green bank progress

At the Nov. 21 meeting the LAFCO executive officer reported that the commission issued a request for proposals on Nov. 10 for a municipal housing agency pilot study intended to recommend a structure for a city-owned mixed-income housing entity. He said the RFP window was opened longer than usual, this is the third issuance, and that proposals are due Jan. 5, 2026. The executive officer noted a correction on the RFP’s not-to-exceed amount: $300,000.

The executive officer also updated the commission on the San Francisco Green Bank process. He said the board of advisors approved a resolution on Oct. 28 urging the treasurer to begin establishing a San Francisco Green Bank if pre-opening funding becomes available. The resolution, he said, requests LAFCO provide assistance as requested. The executive officer emphasized the resolution does not appropriate funds but signals city interest.

He reported survey results from a local advocacy poll (a random sample of approximately 540 likely voters) showing majority support for a public bank in San Francisco and said respondents were more likely to back a public bank if it included a green bank function. The executive officer gave a pre-opening budget estimate of $1.3 million to $2.6 million to cover hiring an interim professional banker and outside legal counsel experienced in banking law; he cited an estimated capitalization need of $26 million for day‑one operations.

Commissioners asked about funding sources and whether the municipal housing study should require all‑electric housing standards; staff said the RFP is not prescriptive on that element but the panel could discuss green-housing requirements with the selected proposer. The executive officer said the results of the municipal housing study and green bank planning would inform future budget recommendations and related oversight work.