Environment commissioners vote not to approve department budget, citing climate and staffing risks

The San Francisco Commission on the Environment on Feb. 4 voted not to approve the Department of the Environment’s proposed budget for fiscal years 2026–27 and 2027–28, recording formal opposition to cuts that staff warned would eliminate more than 7.81 full‑time equivalent positions and imperil climate and clean‑transportation programs.

"I will make the motion not to approve this budget," President Mike Sullivan said before moving the motion. Deputy Director Leo Chi described a shortfall that citywide approaches estimate at nearly $1 billion and detailed department‑level impacts including a 10% general‑fund reduction directive and loss of specific work orders from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission totaling roughly $591,319.

Commission discussion focused on the risk that staff reductions would reduce the department’s ability to implement recently awarded federal and state grants, and would constrain future grant applications. Staff warned that some grants rely on fractional staff time from teams that would be affected. Ty (staff) told commissioners that, administratively, the department must still submit a balanced budget that complies with mayoral instructions by the Feb. 23 deadline, and that any vote will be included in the transmittal to the mayor.

Public comment included Louis Bloomberg of Indivisible SF, who urged the commission to press the mayor and supervisors to restore funding and highlighted the department’s grant leverage. After debate, President Sullivan’s motion not to approve the budget was seconded and passed on roll call by the commissioners present.

Commissioners said the vote was intended to send a policy message and to document dissent; staff said the commission’s position will be transmitted to the mayor’s office while the administrative process to submit a balanced budget continues.