OCII holds workshop on SB 593 replacement housing; community advocates press for rapid, equity-focused implementation

OCII staff updated the Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure on Senate Bill 593 — the replacement housing legislation — and sought input on priorities and next steps on Nov. 7.

Elizabeth Colomelo, OCII housing program manager, said SB 593 authorizes OCII to use a portion of tax increment financing to fund replacement housing (up to 5,842 units) subject to state law and city budget processes. Colomelo said staff currently estimate the first funds could be available in late 2025 or 2026 and that achieving the statute's full unit target would likely require multiple issuances over the following decades. Staff emphasized a focus on lower AMI tiers, maximizing priority for certificate-of-preference holders (including descendants added by 2022 legislation), and exploring alternative financing and small-sites opportunities to stretch bond proceeds.

The presentation was followed by extensive public comment from community leaders, CAC chairs, and longtime residents. Dr. Veronica Honeycutt (Hunters Point Shipyard CAC chair) urged the commission to "drop everything and focus" on replacement housing, pressed for protections for legacy residents and seniors during redevelopment, and recommended quick action on RFQs and priorities. Other speakers — including Oscar James and community organizations representing the Western Addition, Japantown and Hunters Point — repeated calls to prioritize areas of historic displacement and to explore homeownership and small-sites strategies.

Staff said next steps include adopting a replacement housing priorities policy, soliciting a financing team in early 2024, coordinating with the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development on projects and outreach, and continuing COP outreach to identify preference-holders and descendants.

Why it matters: SB 593 offers a long-term financing pathway to replace units destroyed during redevelopment-era projects and prioritize affected communities; implementation choices (project locations, AMI targets, use of predevelopment funds) will shape how and when units come online.

Next steps: Staff plans an RFQ for financing team work in early 2024, further community outreach and surveys of preference-holders, and returning to the commission with a priorities resolution.