Supervisors may have approved a “no drama” budget for the next two fiscal years at Tuesday’s meeting, but its submission of some charter amendments planned for the November Ballot included some low drama and high showmanship—at least by the board’s standards.
They also approved a leg up in an affordable housing lottery for veterans, as well as a deal with meal delivery services to drop the companies’ lawsuit against the city.
Additionally, a hearing on one ominous economic indicator the city is facing appears to be forthcoming.
Budget to Bed
Supervisors and Mayor London Breed’s office hashed out the budget agreement at a late-night committee meeting last month. Both sides emerged pleased: It was described by budget chair and District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen as being less contentious than past years, but it still featured some minor fireworks and a whole lot of “add-backs.”
Struggle Toward the Ballot
Meanwhile, discussion over planned charter amendments to be approved by voters in November produced more drama as well as a possible threat of litigation.
Housing for Veterans
A proposal from District 4 Supervisor Gordon Mar to extend Certificate of Preference eligibility to veterans also passed. The legislation would entitle veterans of the armed forces to higher priority in the application process for Below Market Rate (BMR) housing.
Hungry for Compromise
The board also approved another Peskin-sponsored item amending rules approved during the height of the pandemic targeting certain sharp practices by online meal delivery services such as GrubHub and DoorDash, which sued the city over the rules.
Fiscal Foreshadowing
At Roll Call District 2 member Catherine Stefani introduced a letter of inquiry to the Assessor-Recorder, Controller and other departments asking for information on the impact of reduced demand for commercial space, especially downtown, on city tax revenues.