Commission adopts FY 2026-27 small-business budget priorities amid citywide deficit

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) and the commission discussed fiscal-year 2026-27 budget priorities and the mayor's guidance to departments to identify ongoing savings amid a projected multi-year general-fund shortfall.

Merrick Pascual, OEWD chief financial officer, outlined the citywide fiscal outlook and schedule: departments must submit proposed budgets by Feb. 23; the mayor will present a proposed budget in May with final Board of Supervisors action in June and July. He said the mayor's instructions ask departments to identify $400 million in ongoing general-fund savings citywide as part of a multi-year plan.

Commission priorities read into the record emphasized affordability (addressing operating costs and workforce needs), safe and clean commercial corridors (public safety, cleanliness, loading zones, transit connections), and community-rooted economic development that supports culturally significant businesses. Commissioners voted to approve the priorities and requested a subsequent hearing when OEWD has a draft proposal to show specific budget impacts and trade-offs.

OEWD also noted the Storefront Opportunity Grant program to activate vacant commercial spaces in targeted neighborhoods and reminded commissioners of the grant application deadline.