Board approves emergency ‘core initiatives’ ordinance to speed homelessness, mental‑health response, 10–1

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 approved an ordinance amending the administrative code to establish “core initiatives” intended to strengthen the city’s response to homelessness, substance use and behavioral‑health crises. The ordinance passed as amended by a 10–1 roll call vote, with Supervisor Walton the lone dissent.

Proponents said the measure gives city leaders the tools to move faster on shelter, treatment and outreach while preserving legislative oversight. Supervisor Chan, who led the budget committee through the item, said the committee agreed to technical edits and circulated amendments that, among other things, limit non‑governmental donations accepted for the initiatives to $10 million and clarify publication timing and the 45‑day filing clock; Chan noted the authority granted under the ordinance would be time‑limited to Jan. 8,…