Department Proposes $14M Budget to Expand Staffing and Technology for Housing Regulations

The San Francisco County government meeting held on June 16, 2021, focused primarily on the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and the department's plans for expansion and improvement in service delivery. The meeting began with a discussion led by a representative who highlighted the need for additional resources to meet the growing responsibilities of the department.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 is approximately $14 million, which includes funding for 47 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. This budget reflects a significant investment in technology and outreach efforts aimed at enhancing online services and compliance with the Language Access Ordinance. The department plans to move to a larger office space and add 12 new FTEs, including IT staff, to support these initiatives.

A key focus of the meeting was on racial equity and language access. The department is committed to developing a hiring and recruitment policy that aligns with the citywide framework, aiming to attract a diverse talent pool. This includes formalizing internship and apprenticeship programs and ensuring transparent and participatory recruiting processes.

The representative acknowledged the challenges faced during the pandemic, noting that operations were successfully transitioned to remote work while maintaining essential services. The department resumed hearings and mediations via video conference in May 2020, demonstrating adaptability in response to the crisis.

In response to questions about staffing needs due to expanded responsibilities, it was confirmed that the recent legislation extending rent control protections would require additional personnel. The department anticipates needing at least 12 new positions to manage the increased workload associated with monitoring approximately 45,000 additional rental units.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude towards various city officials and staff for their support in crafting legislation and navigating the challenges of the past year. The representative emphasized the importance of collaboration and the commitment to improving services for the community.