OCII director updates commissioners on SB 593 replacement‑housing bill and Mission Bay Block 9 award

At the Aug. 15 meeting, OCII’s executive director provided two updates of note: an update on replacement‑housing legislation in Sacramento and a recognition for an OCII‑sponsored affordable housing project.

The director said senator Scott Wiener had introduced replacement‑housing legislation (referred to in the meeting as SB 593), which passed senate committees and the full senate 35–2 and was advancing through Assembly committees. Staff said, if the schedule holds, the bill was likely to reach the governor’s desk in a few weeks. The director named OCII staff and external partners who assisted with outreach and preparation related to the legislation.

Kim Obstfeld later briefed the commission on Mission Bay South Block 9, known as HomeRise at Mission Bay, a 140‑unit permanent supportive housing project that recently won the Urban Land Institute’s Award for Excellence for 2023. Obstfeld noted the project was co‑sponsored by HomeRise (formerly Community Housing Partnership) and Bridge Housing, and includes on‑site supportive services provided in collaboration with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and the Department of Public Health. Lease up began in fall 2022 and the building was fully leased earlier in 2023.

Commissioners applauded the award and asked staff to continue outreach and tours to community groups so local organizations and churches can see new projects and opportunities for involvement.