OCII briefed on state bill SB 593 to authorize replacement housing demolished for urban renewal

Executive Director Koslovsky told the commission Sept. 5 that Sen. Scott Wiener introduced SB 593 to authorize replacement of housing demolished during urban renewal. Koslovsky said the legislation would address roughly 6,000 units lost since the early 2000s and had cleared Senate committees and the full Senate before moving through Assembly committees with an expected full-assembly vote by mid-September.

Koslovsky said the Department of Finance has proposed legislative modifications that staff are tracking, and noted the amendment deadline is mid-September with the governor receiving the bill for signature if it passes the Assembly; the governor would have up to 30 days to sign or veto. "We're crossing our fingers," Koslovsky said, summarizing the agency's hope that the bill advances to expedite replacement affordable housing resources to San Francisco.

Koslovsky acknowledged many local partners and staff who have worked on the issue, including the mayor's legislative support and outreach in media and stakeholder engagement.