San Francisco Supervisors urge increased affordable housing investments amid mayoral delays

Affordable housing took center stage at the recent San Francisco County Board of Supervisors meeting, with sharp criticisms directed at Mayor London Breed for obstructing key housing initiatives. Supervisor Dean Preston highlighted ongoing disputes over funding and policy differences, emphasizing that the mayor has delayed or defunded crucial affordable housing projects.

Preston pointed out that the Board has authorized significant investments in affordable housing, urging the use of Proposition I revenue from 2020, which the mayor has consistently refused to budget. He noted that the mayor's decision to cut $20 million from the housing stability fund has left many projects without necessary funding, effectively stalling efforts to preserve and develop affordable housing.

The discussion also touched on specific projects, including the indefinite delay of affordable housing development at Parcel K in Hayes Valley and the mayor's intervention to block a project at 400 Devisidero that could have provided over 160 homes for working-class and formerly homeless residents. Preston warned that continued obstruction could jeopardize the city’s access to state affordable housing funds.

Supervisor Myrna Melgar echoed Preston's concerns, stressing the need for a more robust investment in affordable housing across all districts, particularly on the West Side of the city. She expressed a commitment to ensuring that future housing policies benefit all areas of San Francisco, advocating for a balanced approach that includes both market-rate and affordable housing.

The meeting underscored a growing urgency among supervisors to address the city's housing crisis, with calls for the administration to align more closely with the Board's vision for affordable housing development. As discussions continue, the Board remains poised to push for necessary changes to ensure that San Francisco can meet its housing needs effectively.