Committee advances Housing Innovation Program amendments, continues final action to July 11

Chair Mirna Malgar introduced an ordinance to create a Housing Innovation Program aimed at developing, financing and supporting housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. During the committee meeting on June 13, she read a set of substantive amendments into the record, including a clarified definition of “property owner,” a five‑year ownership look‑back for eligibility, and repayment deferral rules for new units.

The amendments also add a provision requiring borrowers to accept referrals of households with rental subsidies from the San Francisco Housing Authority or the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing as a condition of certain loans, and preserve protections against tenant displacement under the Ellis Act (identified in the record as California Government Code section 7060). The measure removes separate loan paragraphs for tenant acquisition-co‑op assistance to be addressed in a different program, and adds authority for MOHCD to adopt rules intended to prevent abuse and fraud.

Members of the public who spoke during the item broadly supported the concept but urged stronger funding and program design. Former Supervisor John Avalos (Council of Community Housing Organizations) and community housing advocates said the city should use the program to expand homeownership and retrofit units; several speakers noted the initial $10,000,000 figure described in the staff materials is modest relative to need. Zach Weisenberger of Young Community Developers said, “This program will enable low and moderate income homeowners to access financing and technical assistance to construct new units on their property,” and urged funding and safeguards to protect long‑time homeowners and meet equity goals.

After public comment, Chair Malgar moved to amend the ordinance as read and continue it for further action on July 11. The committee recorded roll‑call votes and registered three ayes (Supervisor Peskin, Supervisor Preston, Chair Malgar); the motion to amend and continue passed and the item will return on July 11 for further consideration.

What happens next: The committee’s amendments will be incorporated into the draft ordinance; staff and the City Attorney will prepare the finalized text and a revised fiscal/implementation analysis for the July 11 meeting. If returned with the committee’s recommendation, the item is expected to appear on the Board of Supervisors agenda of June 28 unless otherwise stated.