Midtown Park engagement continues; LAFCO to seek municipal-housing consultant contract in May

Policy staff updated commissioners on the Midtown Park apartments study and broader municipal-housing work during the March 15 LAFCO meeting.

Consultants conducting the Midtown Park study have completed two of four planned site surveys and have held two of six planned resident engagement meetings. Staff said the next resident engagement meeting is most likely March 30 and, weather permitting, may be held outdoors in the Midtown courtyard.

Staff also noted a procedural complication for city-owned properties under San Francisco's small-site acquisition program: city-owned property maintenance typically must be performed by the Department of Public Works unless a special waiver is obtained, which complicates repair and maintenance for Midtown tenants. LAFCO staff said they will work with the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development and other partners to explore waivers and solutions.

Commissioners emphasized centering tenants in the study process and thanked staff and the Mayor's office representative for time spent in outreach. LAFCO expects to bring a contract for a consultant to do the municipal-housing feasibility study at its May meeting and said the consultant team aims to complete the study by early 2025.