Tenderloin supplemental: supervisors back more study and continue $10M package to call of the chair

Supervisor Dean Preston presented an emergency supplemental on May 24 seeking $10 million from the general reserve for immediate Tenderloin interventions: $4 million to expand community ambassador coverage on underserved blocks, $3 million for smallbusiness safety and security grants (up to $10,000 each), and $3 million to launch a street dealing intervention team focused on violence interruption and non‑police engagement.

BLA estimated the ambassador funds could expand coverage up to 15 blocks for one year depending on procurement and service intensity, and that the $3 million small‑business pool would support roughly 300 grants at $10,000 apiece. Preston and public commenters emphasized a patchwork of existing programs and widespread calls from residents and merchants for expanded non‑police presence and services; service providers urged trauma‑informed, wraparound interventions and treatment on demand.

Committee members expressed support for ambassadors and business grants but raised concerns about timing and fiscal constraints given an impending mayoral budget and a projected city deficit. Vice Chair Rafael Mendelmann asked about the street intervention model's goals and evidence. Preston described examples of negotiated engagement used elsewhere and said some local nonprofits already do this work informally; he argued the city should formalize and fund it. Chair Chan moved to continue the ordinance to the call of the chair to allow further budget integration; the committee voted to continue the item.