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Board backs SFMTA joint-development policy as a revenue tool to stabilize Muni
Summary
Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution supporting SFMTA's joint-development policy, which Supervisor Melgar said could help close a roughly $321 million structural deficit for Muni by generating new income from agency-owned property.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on March 4 adopted a resolution supporting the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s joint-development goals and policy, a move advocates said could unlock new revenue streams from SFMTA-owned properties to help shore up Muni’s budget.
Supervisor Matt Dorsey’s colleague Supervisor Melgar told the board the policy could help address a $321,000,000 structural deficit that threatens service cuts, fare increases and loss of programs such as school crossing guards. "The joint development program goals and policy unlock new income streams... by developing the real estate assets the agency owns for revenue-generating uses without burdening taxpayers," Melgar said.
Melgar described the policy as a way to create housing, services for riders, shops and a more stable revenue base for transit operations; he cited examples of major cities using joint development successfully. The clerk recorded adoption of the resolution without objection.
Why this matters: Muni’s multi-hundred-million-dollar structural gap has prompted officials to seek alternative revenue sources. Joint development—leasing or developing land above stations, on parking lots, and at bus yards—can produce long-term income and housing opportunities but requires coordination with transit planning and community engagement.
What’s next: The board's resolution signals legislative support; staff from SFMTA and city planning will be expected to coordinate on specific projects and community engagement plans.
