San Francisco Board establishes 706 Mission Fund for community accountability and open space

In a significant step towards enhancing community resources, the San Francisco County Board of Supervisors has moved to establish the 706 Mission Fund, aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of funds related to the 706 Mission Street property. This ordinance, discussed in a recent meeting, is designed to channel funds from a long-standing purchase and sale agreement into community-driven projects, particularly in the South of Market (SoMa) area.

The 706 Mission Fund will allow the Recreation and Parks Department and the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development to allocate resources for specific community needs, following recommendations from the SoMa Community Stabilization Fund Community Advisory Committee. This initiative stems from a decade-long effort to address the community's concerns regarding the use of funds that were originally intended to support affordable housing and open space development.

Supervisor Paskin, who has been instrumental in pushing for this ordinance, highlighted the historical context of the agreement, noting that the community had previously struggled to receive adequate responses from city officials regarding the allocation of over $3 million in affordable housing fees. The recent commitment from the developer to pay these outstanding fees is a positive development, ensuring that funds will soon be available for community projects.

Community members expressed their support during the meeting, emphasizing the importance of transparency in how these funds are managed. Alan Lowe, a former Recreation and Park Commissioner, underscored the need for clear accounting and community involvement in the expenditure of these funds. Nisha Olivas from United Players echoed this sentiment, stressing the necessity of maintaining a focus on open space and recreational opportunities for local youth and families.

The establishment of the 706 Mission Fund marks a pivotal moment for the SoMa community, which has historically faced challenges related to open space and recreational facilities. With this ordinance, the Board of Supervisors aims to ensure that the community has a direct say in how funds are utilized, fostering a more engaged and responsive local government.

As the city moves forward with this initiative, residents can anticipate a more transparent process that prioritizes community needs and enhances the quality of life in the South of Market area. The next steps will involve the implementation of the fund and ongoing collaboration with community advisory groups to ensure that the intended benefits are realized.