LAFCO to pursue Midtown Park resident‑ownership study and municipal housing feasibility work

Executive Officer Jeremy Pollock briefed the commission on LAFCO’s workplan priorities and recent steps, including a Board of Supervisors resolution supporting a LAFCO–SFPUC memorandum of understanding and several new study ideas.

Pollock said LAFCO plans to issue an RFP for a facilitator to conduct a community process with residents at Midtown Park Apartments — the one remaining city‑owned housing site — to explore resident ownership and control options. He also described a proposed feasibility study on municipal housing and social housing models, and a request from the Board president to study municipal community laundromat needs in high‑density areas such as Chinatown where a substantial share of commercial laundromats have closed.

Commissioners stressed centering Midtown Park residents and ensuring the city’s engagement addresses past unfulfilled promises at the site. Commissioner Dean Preston said the Midtown work was significant because residents have long sought a more equitable ownership outcome. LAFCO staff said no contracts will be executed without the commission’s approval.

The office also noted potential new work on municipal housing finance tied to public‑bank discussions and on the potential transition from PG&E to Golden State Energy, with LAFCO seeking sources (academic, philanthropic or intern support) to scope those studies.