Committee backs Housing Innovation pilot to help owners add ADUs, aid childcare-worker homebuyers

The Land Use and Transportation Committee on June 11 voted to forward an ordinance establishing a Housing Innovation Program that would provide loans and technical assistance to low‑ and moderate‑income homeowners to construct accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other new units, and to offer targeted down‑payment assistance for childcare workers.

Chair Supervisor Mirna Melgar told the committee she and co‑sponsors had worked with anti‑displacement advocates and homeownership groups to craft targeted eligibility and amendments. Planning and committee staff described the program as a pilot intended to help owners who are “house rich and cash poor” add housing density and to support home‑based childcare operations.

With no in‑person public commenters, the committee took remote public comment briefly and then voted to send the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation. Supervisors Aaron Peskin, Dean Preston and Melgar recorded their votes in favor.