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ODA outlines Holiday Plaza ramps, charging pilots and ADA grievance pilot for 2026
Summary
Office on Disability and Accessibility Director Eli Jelardin briefed the council on capital projects including two ADA ramps at Holiday Plaza (with ~$9M+ Prop B funding), SFMTA wheelchair‑charging pilots, the SOMA Arts Lula lift concept and an ADA grievance pilot slated for citywide rollout in 2026.
Eli Jelardin, director of the Office on Disability and Accessibility, gave the Mayor’s Disability Council an update on capital and programmatic efforts to improve physical and digital access across the city.
Jelardin said Holiday Plaza—a downtown gateway—will include two ADA‑compliant ramps (one from Market Street and another connecting to BART/Muni), curb ramp upgrades at Eddy Street and Cyril Magnin, landscape and lighting planning with DPW, and ongoing public engagement; Jelardin said the project is advancing with "approximately a little over $9,000,000 in Prop B funding" and phased construction through 2028.
The director also described two pilot wheelchair‑charging hubs SFMTA is developing in off‑street garages and a 120‑volt charging outlet recently installed at the Botanical Gardens. ODA emphasized safety, compatibility and user control as priorities while pilots inform potential citywide deployment.
On cultural and community infrastructure, Jelardin said the SOMA Arts project remains in concept phase, with design and budget alignment ongoing; one element under review is a Lula lift connecting floors at an arts center. ODA noted collaboration with the Arts Commission and DPW.
Jelardin said ODA is launching a citywide architectural access bulletin series (produced with architect Eric Mikotin) to translate technical accessibility requirements into practical guidance for designers and departments. He also reported the ADA grievance pilot—developed with Human Services Agency IT—should be evaluated soon with intent to roll out a citywide grievance system in 2026.
Why it matters: these projects and pilots translate planning and policy into physical access improvements and operational tools for residents with mobility and other disabilities. Jelardin framed the work as part of honoring the legacy of disability advocates and as a commitment to disability justice.
Next steps: ODA will continue concept reviews with DPW and partners, publish the architectural bulletins, evaluate the ADA grievance pilot and report back to the council as projects advance.
