Board committee approves forwarding $5.6 million state grant for Bayview vehicle triage center expansion

The Budget and Finance Committee on April 20 voted to forward to the full Board a resolution authorizing the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) to accept and expend a $5.6 million state grant to cover capital costs at the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center.

Deputy Director Emily Cohen said the grant — a 2021–22 California Budget Act award administered by HCD — will cover approximately $4.2 million in capital construction and about $1.4 million for professional services (design, engineering and project management provided by Public Works). The Bayview site opened in January with a Phase 1 capacity of 49 vehicle slots and by the time of the committee meeting was serving 62 adults in 49 vehicles; Cohen said phase 2 will expand capacity to roughly 130 spots by the end of the calendar year.

Cohen said the site operates under a two‑year lease with the state and is intended as a temporary, two‑year project; HSH is also exploring West Side sites for future vehicle triage centers. Supervisors asked about operating costs and whether capital investments can be moved if the lease ends; Cohen said some equipment is portable and others are site-specific, and that operating costs are funded separately by the city while the state grant covers capital costs.

BLA reported that this grant requires no local match and recommended approval. Several supervisors praised the model as an important tool for serving people living in vehicles while noting more sites will be necessary. Public commenters — including community groups and service providers — largely supported the acquisition of more triage and safe-parking capacity.

The committee forwarded the resolution with a positive recommendation; the full Board will consider acceptance of the HCD funds on April 26.