Committee forwards Housing Element update amid sharp debate over land banking, funding and accountability

The committee recommended sending the Housing Element 2022 update and conforming amendments to the full Board with a committee report after an extensive presentation by Planning Department staff and a lengthy public‑comment period.

Planning staff summarized the Housing Element’s values, five goals (including an explicit right to housing and actions to repair historic discrimination), a reinforced focus on racial and geographic equity, a sites inventory and a suite of more than 300 actions. Staff described state-required accountability measures including mid‑cycle checking points that would require adoption of additional strategies (including funding and land‑banking) if the City is off track by income group. Planning also noted HCD’s preliminary certification letter and said certification would follow Board approval and the Mayor’s signature.

Supervisors pressed the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) on acquisitions, land banking, and timing of Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs). Supervisor Dean Preston criticized the administration for not using voter‑approved Prop I revenue and a COP acquisition pot quickly enough and for delays issuing NOFAs; Director Shaw (MOHCD) said programs exist (preservation versus production), that guidelines for small‑sites preservation were finalized in September, that a new small‑sites manager and preservation director will accelerate acquisitions, and that NOFA drafts are being finalized.

Public comment included dozens of callers and on‑chamber speakers representing tenants’ groups, the REP Coalition, the Housing Action Coalition, the Housing Stability Fund Oversight Board and other organizations. Comments ranged from urging immediate increased spending on deeply affordable housing and land banking, to support for adopting the plan to avoid loss of state funding. Several callers urged the Board and MOHCD to form an immediate multi‑agency body to recommend funding and acquisition priorities.

Motion and vote: Supervisor Preston moved to send the Housing Element and related General Plan amendments to the full Board with a committee report. Roll call recorded Supervisor Aaron Peskin excused; Supervisors Preston and Melgar voted aye and the motion passed. The item will proceed to the full Board for consideration.