Annie Gaus

For neighborhoods that deal with the Sisyphean task of keeping streets clean, the city’s existing customer service sometimes doesn’t cut it.&nbsp;

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For neighborhoods that deal with the Sisyphean task of keeping streets clean, the city’s existing customer service sometimes doesn’t cut it.&nbsp;

For some of the most common complaints, such as loose trash, graffiti or feces, it can take hours or even days for a crew from the city&#8217;s Department of Public Works to resolve the issue. That’s partly due to redundancy and confusion between cleanup crews employed by the Department of Public Works and privately-funded community benefit districts, or CBDs, that work in high-traffic commercial corridors.

For some of the most common complaints, such as loose trash, graffiti or feces, it can take hours or even days for a crew from the city's Department of Public Works to resolve the issue. That’s partly due to redundancy and confusion between cleanup crews employed by the Department of Public Works and privately-funded community benefit districts, or CBDs, that work in high-traffic commercial corridors.

For some of the most common complaints, such as loose trash, graffiti or feces, it can take hours or even days for a crew from the city&#8217;s Department of Public Works to resolve the issue. That’s partly due to redundancy and confusion between cleanup crews employed by the Department of Public Works and privately-funded community benefit districts, or CBDs, that work in high-traffic commercial corridors.

The city is hoping that a technological fix will change that. An app called Connected Worker, which was introduced on a pilot basis last year, promises to dramatically improve response times for everyday cleanup while better integrating private CBDs into the city’s expansive 311 system.&nbsp;

The city is hoping that a technological fix will change that. An app called Connected Worker, which was introduced on a pilot basis last year, promises to dramatically improve response times for everyday cleanup while better integrating private CBDs into the city’s expansive 311 system.&nbsp;

“The benefit to the city and neighborhood is that the response time is significantly faster,” said Andrew Robinson, executive director of the East Cut CBD, which has 22 full-time staff working 24 hours a day. “We want to respond to those things, and make sure our data is also in the city’s system so the city can see what we’re doing.”&nbsp;

“The benefit to the city and neighborhood is that the response time is significantly faster,” said Andrew Robinson, executive director of the East Cut CBD, which has 22 full-time staff working 24 hours a day. “We want to respond to those things, and make sure our data is also in the city’s system so the city can see what we’re doing.”&nbsp;

The city’s 311 customer service system processes roughly 50,000 calls for service in a typical month. Requests for cleaning make up the lion’s share of those requests: In October, about 40% of all 311 requests were for street and sidewalk cleanup. The city’s 17 active CBDs, which serve limited geographic areas and are funded by local businesses and property owners, are often already at the scene and can respond to those requests much more quickly than city teams.

The city’s 311 customer service system processes roughly 50,000 calls for service in a typical month. Requests for cleaning make up the lion’s share of those requests: In October, about 40% of all 311 requests were for street and sidewalk cleanup. The city’s 17 active CBDs, which serve limited geographic areas and are funded by local businesses and property owners, are often already at the scene and can respond to those requests much more quickly than city teams.

Until recently, however, the CBDs and Public Works cleaning crews had no easy way to communicate. That meant that city crews would arrive at a cleanup scene only to find that it had already been handled by a private neighborhood crew, creating wasted time and effort across Public Works’ response system.&nbsp;

Until recently, however, the CBDs and Public Works cleaning crews had no easy way to communicate. That meant that city crews would arrive at a cleanup scene only to find that it had already been handled by a private neighborhood crew, creating wasted time and effort across Public Works’ response system.&nbsp;

“My hunch is that it would often mean the city wouldn’t send someone out as fast,” added Robinson. “[The app] has really improved communications.”&nbsp;

“My hunch is that it would often mean the city wouldn’t send someone out as fast,” added Robinson. “[The app] has really improved communications.”&nbsp;

The recent push is part of Shine On SF, a public-private initiative launched by Mayor London Breed to scrub down and beautify San Francisco neighborhoods. With a carve-out of about $92 million from this year’s budget, the initiative includes funding for dedicated cleanup along key commercial corridors, trash can replacements, and improvements to the 311 response system, among other efforts.&nbsp;

The recent push is part of Shine On SF, a public-private initiative launched by Mayor London Breed to scrub down and beautify San Francisco neighborhoods. With a carve-out of about $92 million from this year’s budget, the initiative includes funding for dedicated cleanup along key commercial corridors, trash can replacements, and improvements to the 311 response system, among other efforts.&nbsp;

“Sometimes things just aren&#8217;t run the best they could be,” Noaeh Pinaire, a laborer with Public Works who scrubs down Castro Street as part of the new beautification efforts, told Here/Say in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/heres-how-san-francisco-deep-cleans-its-streets/">a recent interview</a>. “In essence, [it’s] the allocation of resources&#8230;maybe people are getting put in areas that necessarily don&#8217;t need all that manpower. I think it&#8217;s just small things like that.”

“Sometimes things just aren't run the best they could be,” Noaeh Pinaire, a laborer with Public Works who scrubs down Castro Street as part of the new beautification efforts, told Here/Say in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/heres-how-san-francisco-deep-cleans-its-streets/">a recent interview</a>. “In essence, [it’s] the allocation of resources...maybe people are getting put in areas that necessarily don't need all that manpower. I think it's just small things like that.”

“Sometimes things just aren&#8217;t run the best they could be,” Noaeh Pinaire, a laborer with Public Works who scrubs down Castro Street as part of the new beautification efforts, told Here/Say in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/heres-how-san-francisco-deep-cleans-its-streets/">a recent interview</a>. “In essence, [it’s] the allocation of resources&#8230;maybe people are getting put in areas that necessarily don&#8217;t need all that manpower. I think it&#8217;s just small things like that.”

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The Mayor’s Office frames the cleanup efforts as part of a broader recovery, positing that cleaner and better cared-for streets will make San Francisco a more inviting place to visit as the city’s battered tourism sector crawls back from COVID.&nbsp;

The Mayor’s Office frames the cleanup efforts as part of a broader recovery, positing that cleaner and better cared-for streets will make San Francisco a more inviting place to visit as the city’s battered tourism sector crawls back from COVID.&nbsp;

Using general fund money, the city commissioned developer Connected Bits, which also built the external 311 app, to create an app for cleanup workers in the field. That allows CBD workers to address and resolve complaints within the city’s existing 311 infrastructure, freeing up more time for Public Works staff to respond to citywide complaints.&nbsp;

Using general fund money, the city commissioned developer Connected Bits, which also built the external 311 app, to create an app for cleanup workers in the field. That allows CBD workers to address and resolve complaints within the city’s existing 311 infrastructure, freeing up more time for Public Works staff to respond to citywide complaints.&nbsp;

The average resolution times using the app were significantly faster compared to comparable calls routed through 311: Loose trash cleanup took about 5 hours on average with the app, compared to 34 hours citywide, according to data provided by the city. Public graffiti cleanup took 4 hours, compared to 6 days. Neighborhood CBDs must opt in to the app, and six of the city’s 17 CBDs are participating right now.&nbsp;

The average resolution times using the app were significantly faster compared to comparable calls routed through 311: Loose trash cleanup took about 5 hours on average with the app, compared to 34 hours citywide, according to data provided by the city. Public graffiti cleanup took 4 hours, compared to 6 days. Neighborhood CBDs must opt in to the app, and six of the city’s 17 CBDs are participating right now.&nbsp;

Robinson said that the “long game” is to build a unified response system that includes all CBDs, and perhaps even other nonprofits that provide maintenance or safety services in San Francisco neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Robinson said that the “long game” is to build a unified response system that includes all CBDs, and perhaps even other nonprofits that provide maintenance or safety services in San Francisco neighborhoods.&nbsp;

“The sidewalks in front of your house or business&#8230;often have more intense use than anyone should ever be expected to take care of,” Robinson said. “Now I’m able to invest the money I’m putting into responding to calls into more work on the streets.”

“The sidewalks in front of your house or business...often have more intense use than anyone should ever be expected to take care of,” Robinson said. “Now I’m able to invest the money I’m putting into responding to calls into more work on the streets.”

“The sidewalks in front of your house or business&#8230;often have more intense use than anyone should ever be expected to take care of,” Robinson said. “Now I’m able to invest the money I’m putting into responding to calls into more work on the streets.”

To help streets sparkle, S.F. looks to revamped tech for cleanup crews

Mask mandates are officially back in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Mask mandates are officially back in San Francisco.&nbsp;

With limited exceptions, anyone in an indoor establishment will be required to wear a face covering regardless of vaccination status, according to a health order issued by eight Bay Area jurisdictions on Monday.&nbsp;

With limited exceptions, anyone in an indoor establishment will be required to wear a face covering regardless of vaccination status, according to a health order issued by eight Bay Area jurisdictions on Monday.&nbsp;

The order goes into effect on Tuesday, Aug. 3, and applies to all indoor public spaces in the counties of San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma, as well as the city of Berkeley.&nbsp;

The order goes into effect on Tuesday, Aug. 3, and applies to all indoor public spaces in the counties of San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma, as well as the city of Berkeley.&nbsp;

“Across the Bay Area region, we are seeing COVID cases surging, and hospitalizations are on a steep rise again especially among the unvaccinated,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, public health officer for Contra Costa county, at a press conference on Monday.&nbsp;

“Across the Bay Area region, we are seeing COVID cases surging, and hospitalizations are on a steep rise again especially among the unvaccinated,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, public health officer for Contra Costa county, at a press conference on Monday.&nbsp;

Officials for each Bay Area county reported that the vast majority of COVID-19 hospitalizations are among unvaccinated people, and described the masking order as a preventative measure to avoid stricter restrictions on activities.&nbsp;

Officials for each Bay Area county reported that the vast majority of COVID-19 hospitalizations are among unvaccinated people, and described the masking order as a preventative measure to avoid stricter restrictions on activities.&nbsp;

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The mask mandate wasn’t a surprise, and follows a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/your-questions-about-masking-in-sf-answered/">recommendation to mask up indoors</a> that was already in place in San Francisco and elsewhere. Indoor dining will still be permitted under the masking order, though patrons will be asked to wear a mask if not actively eating or drinking.&nbsp;

The mask mandate wasn’t a surprise, and follows a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/your-questions-about-masking-in-sf-answered/">recommendation to mask up indoors</a> that was already in place in San Francisco and elsewhere. Indoor dining will still be permitted under the masking order, though patrons will be asked to wear a mask if not actively eating or drinking.&nbsp;

Dr. Naveena Bobba, San Francisco’s Deputy Director of Health, said vaccinated people make up a very small fraction of hospitalizations in San Francisco. Vaccinated people who wound up in the hospital tended to be elderly and at high risk, Bay Area officials said. 

Dr. Naveena Bobba, San Francisco’s Deputy Director of Health, said vaccinated people make up a very small fraction of hospitalizations in San Francisco. Vaccinated people who wound up in the hospital tended to be elderly and at high risk, Bay Area officials said.

“Vaccinated people are still protected against the most severe outcomes; nonetheless, there is evidence that vaccinated people can still spread the virus to others,” said Dr. Sundari Mase, health officer for Sonoma county.&nbsp;

“Vaccinated people are still protected against the most severe outcomes; nonetheless, there is evidence that vaccinated people can still spread the virus to others,” said Dr. Sundari Mase, health officer for Sonoma county.&nbsp;

The Delta variant, which is believed to be about 60% more transmissible than the COVID-19 strain that drove last year’s fall and winter surges, now accounts for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/as-covid-evolves-so-does-san-franciscos-vaccination-strategy/">majority of new cases</a> in the Bay Area and the U.S.&nbsp;

The Delta variant, which is believed to be about 60% more transmissible than the COVID-19 strain that drove last year’s fall and winter surges, now accounts for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/as-covid-evolves-so-does-san-franciscos-vaccination-strategy/">majority of new cases</a> in the Bay Area and the U.S.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, 76% of all residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The remaining 24% of the population includes children under 12, and others who are either unable to receive a vaccine or have opted not to.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, 76% of all residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The remaining 24% of the population includes children under 12, and others who are either unable to receive a vaccine or have opted not to.&nbsp;

San Francisco health officials have emphasized consistently that vaccinations are critical to stamping out any further surge in cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

San Francisco health officials have emphasized consistently that vaccinations are critical to stamping out any further surge in cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week, Mayor London Breed said that her office is working with the City Attorney to devise a potential <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-is-looking-at-ways-to-mandate-vaccines-for-non-city-employees-says-mayor-breed/">broader vaccine mandate</a> beyond the city’s own workforce of roughly 37,000 employees. Breed did not elaborate on who that mandate could apply to, but said that “as soon as we have the details of what we are able to do, we will do them.”&nbsp;

Last week, Mayor London Breed said that her office is working with the City Attorney to devise a potential <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-is-looking-at-ways-to-mandate-vaccines-for-non-city-employees-says-mayor-breed/">broader vaccine mandate</a> beyond the city’s own workforce of roughly 37,000 employees. Breed did not elaborate on who that mandate could apply to, but said that “as soon as we have the details of what we are able to do, we will do them.”&nbsp;

Bobba said on Monday that the city isn’t planning any specific enforcement measures of the masking mandate, but praised the judgment and caution shown by most residents throughout the pandemic.&nbsp;

Bobba said on Monday that the city isn’t planning any specific enforcement measures of the masking mandate, but praised the judgment and caution shown by most residents throughout the pandemic.&nbsp;

“One of the things we know about the Bay Area [is that residents] tend to follow the science and data,” Bobba said.&nbsp;

“One of the things we know about the Bay Area [is that residents] tend to follow the science and data,” Bobba said.&nbsp;

Farnitano described the masking mandate as a temporary measure, and said that health officials are closely watching hospitalization rates in the hopes of avoiding a shortage in available beds that befell many cities across the U.S. last year.&nbsp;

Farnitano described the masking mandate as a temporary measure, and said that health officials are closely watching hospitalization rates in the hopes of avoiding a shortage in available beds that befell many cities across the U.S. last year.&nbsp;

He said that if hospitalizations drop to the low levels last observed in mid-June, counties may reevaluate masking mandates.&nbsp;

He said that if hospitalizations drop to the low levels last observed in mid-June, counties may reevaluate masking mandates.&nbsp;

“We know that vaccinated individuals, while they can get infected, most cases are mild or even asymptomatic. It’s the hospitalizations we’re really worried about,” Farnitano said. “Even if you survive a COVID hospitalization, I wouldn&#8217;t wish a hospitalization on anyone. It&#8217;s a terrible experience.”

“We know that vaccinated individuals, while they can get infected, most cases are mild or even asymptomatic. It’s the hospitalizations we’re really worried about,” Farnitano said. “Even if you survive a COVID hospitalization, I wouldn't wish a hospitalization on anyone. It's a terrible experience.”

“We know that vaccinated individuals, while they can get infected, most cases are mild or even asymptomatic. It’s the hospitalizations we’re really worried about,” Farnitano said. “Even if you survive a COVID hospitalization, I wouldn&#8217;t wish a hospitalization on anyone. It&#8217;s a terrible experience.”

San Francisco, Bay Area counties reinstate indoor mask mandates for all residents

The morning after a recent burglary spree in Union Square, Mayor London Breed zeroed in on the money<meta charset="utf-8">—not what was gained or lost by the thieves and their victims, but rather the impact of such incidents on San Francisco’s massive, yet over-stretched budget.&nbsp;

The morning after a recent burglary spree in Union Square, Mayor London Breed zeroed in on the money<meta charset="utf-8">—not what was gained or lost by the thieves and their victims, but rather the impact of such incidents on San Francisco’s massive, yet over-stretched budget.&nbsp;

&#8220;What happens when people vandalize and commit those level of crimes in San Francisco, we not only lose those businesses, we lose those jobs,” said Breed at a Nov. 20 press conference. “We lose that tax revenue that helps to support our economy that helps to support many of the social service programs that we have in the city in the first place. We can&#8217;t allow that to happen.”

"What happens when people vandalize and commit those level of crimes in San Francisco, we not only lose those businesses, we lose those jobs,” said Breed at a Nov. 20 press conference. “We lose that tax revenue that helps to support our economy that helps to support many of the social service programs that we have in the city in the first place. We can't allow that to happen.”

&#8220;What happens when people vandalize and commit those level of crimes in San Francisco, we not only lose those businesses, we lose those jobs,” said Breed at a Nov. 20 press conference. “We lose that tax revenue that helps to support our economy that helps to support many of the social service programs that we have in the city in the first place. We can&#8217;t allow that to happen.”

As the city crawls out of the pandemic, its roughly $13 billion annual budget hinges in part on the fate of downtown: how quickly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/indoor-mask-mandates-dampen-outlook-for-s-f-s-downtown/">workers return to offices</a>, how many merchants survive, and even sales tax revenue from holiday shoppers and tourists. Prior to the pandemic, Districts 3 and 6—which encompass downtown—generated more than half of the city’s sales tax revenue, along with an outsized portion of business and property taxes.

As the city crawls out of the pandemic, its roughly $13 billion annual budget hinges in part on the fate of downtown: how quickly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/indoor-mask-mandates-dampen-outlook-for-s-f-s-downtown/">workers return to offices</a>, how many merchants survive, and even sales tax revenue from holiday shoppers and tourists. Prior to the pandemic, Districts 3 and 6—which encompass downtown—generated more than half of the city’s sales tax revenue, along with an outsized portion of business and property taxes.

Bolstered by a roaring economy and tourism sector, San Francisco’s annual budget was on a steady upward climb for years, roughly doubling between 2011 and 2021. As the city’s economy boomed, businesses taxes nearly tripled between 2010 and 2020. Over the same period, flourishing tourism and conventions drove hotel and sales taxes past the billion-dollar mark; likewise, rising real estate values helped to push property tax collections, which are based on assessed values per year, to new heights.&nbsp;

Bolstered by a roaring economy and tourism sector, San Francisco’s annual budget was on a steady upward climb for years, roughly doubling between 2011 and 2021. As the city’s economy boomed, businesses taxes nearly tripled between 2010 and 2020. Over the same period, flourishing tourism and conventions drove hotel and sales taxes past the billion-dollar mark; likewise, rising real estate values helped to push property tax collections, which are based on assessed values per year, to new heights.&nbsp;

But COVID knocked much of that growth off track, and San Francisco&#8217;s economy has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-financial-district-merchants-long-recovery-ahead/">slower to recover</a> than other major cities, at least by some measures: In a report published last week, the city’s budget office noted that despite improvements in recent months, hotel occupancy, office visits and trips downtown remained drastically below pre-COVID levels in October. Small business formation remains flat, and convention bookings—typically a cash cow for the city—are very slow.

But COVID knocked much of that growth off track, and San Francisco's economy has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-financial-district-merchants-long-recovery-ahead/">slower to recover</a> than other major cities, at least by some measures: In a report published last week, the city’s budget office noted that despite improvements in recent months, hotel occupancy, office visits and trips downtown remained drastically below pre-COVID levels in October. Small business formation remains flat, and convention bookings—typically a cash cow for the city—are very slow.

But COVID knocked much of that growth off track, and San Francisco&#8217;s economy has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-financial-district-merchants-long-recovery-ahead/">slower to recover</a> than other major cities, at least by some measures: In a report published last week, the city’s budget office noted that despite improvements in recent months, hotel occupancy, office visits and trips downtown remained drastically below pre-COVID levels in October. Small business formation remains flat, and convention bookings—typically a cash cow for the city—are very slow.

During the pandemic, an infusion of federal and state funds helped to close the city’s budget gap<meta charset="utf-8">—but continuing economic malaise spells an uncertain future for San Francisco’s precariously balanced budget.&nbsp;

During the pandemic, an infusion of federal and state funds helped to close the city’s budget gap<meta charset="utf-8">—but continuing economic malaise spells an uncertain future for San Francisco’s precariously balanced budget.&nbsp;

Explore the visualization below to see how key revenue sources have changed over time.

Explore the visualization below to see how key revenue sources have changed over time.

As to where San Francisco’s money goes, tax and other revenues flow into a highly complex collection of funds—some of which are restricted to specific uses, and others that are discretionary.&nbsp;

As to where San Francisco’s money goes, tax and other revenues flow into a highly complex collection of funds—some of which are restricted to specific uses, and others that are discretionary.&nbsp;

Unlike most other U.S. cities, San Francisco is incorporated as both a city and county. That means it carries out both municipal functions, such as police and fire, and county-level functions, such as courts. San Francisco’s budget also includes so-called “enterprise” departments that generate their own revenues and function much like a business: San Francisco International Airport, Port of San Francisco, Municipal Transportation Agency, the Department of Public Health and the Public Utilities Commission. Service charges, primarily from those departments, make up the city’s single largest source of revenue. Those revenues are restricted, and largely flow back into enterprise funds to support those same departments.

Unlike most other U.S. cities, San Francisco is incorporated as both a city and county. That means it carries out both municipal functions, such as police and fire, and county-level functions, such as courts. San Francisco’s budget also includes so-called “enterprise” departments that generate their own revenues and function much like a business: San Francisco International Airport, Port of San Francisco, Municipal Transportation Agency, the Department of Public Health and the Public Utilities Commission. Service charges, primarily from those departments, make up the city’s single largest source of revenue. Those revenues are restricted, and largely flow back into enterprise funds to support those same departments.

Most of the city’s local tax revenue flows into the General Fund, which reflects discretionary spending that can be adjusted each year as part of the budget negotiation process. Some revenues, however, are restricted to special funds serving a specific purpose<meta charset="utf-8">—like debt repayment, capital projects, or parks and library maintenance<meta charset="utf-8">—that voters have approved over the years. Transfers are authorized flows of money in and out of funds that help balance the city’s budget.

Most of the city’s local tax revenue flows into the General Fund, which reflects discretionary spending that can be adjusted each year as part of the budget negotiation process. Some revenues, however, are restricted to special funds serving a specific purpose<meta charset="utf-8">—like debt repayment, capital projects, or parks and library maintenance<meta charset="utf-8">—that voters have approved over the years. Transfers are authorized flows of money in and out of funds that help balance the city’s budget.

San Francisco’s spending is categorized by use, from public protection and community health to arts and culture. <a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-sankey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to open the full interactive version</a> of the chart below to see the flow of San Francisco&#8217;s money flows through various funds and uses in the current budget cycle.

San Francisco’s spending is categorized by use, from public protection and community health to arts and culture. <a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-sankey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to open the full interactive version</a> of the chart below to see the flow of San Francisco's money flows through various funds and uses in the current budget cycle.

San Francisco’s spending is categorized by use, from public protection and community health to arts and culture. <a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-sankey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to open the full interactive version</a> of the chart below to see the flow of San Francisco&#8217;s money flows through various funds and uses in the current budget cycle.

San Francisco’s money is allocated across 53 departments and agencies with budgets as high as $2.7 billion (Department of Public Health) and as low as $1 million (Board of Appeals) for the fiscal year ending in June.

San Francisco’s money is allocated across 53 departments and agencies with budgets as high as $2.7 billion (Department of Public Health) and as low as $1 million (Board of Appeals) for the fiscal year ending in June.

Every year, the Mayor&#8217;s Office and the Controller&#8217;s Office review revenue forecasts for upcoming years and issue detailed guidance to city departments on the preparation of their budgets. Individual departments then submit their own budget plans to the Controller and the Mayor&#8217;s Office, which consolidates those budget requests into a balanced citywide <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">budget proposal</a>.

Every year, the Mayor's Office and the Controller's Office review revenue forecasts for upcoming years and issue detailed guidance to city departments on the preparation of their budgets. Individual departments then submit their own budget plans to the Controller and the Mayor's Office, which consolidates those budget requests into a balanced citywide <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">budget proposal</a>.

Every year, the Mayor&#8217;s Office and the Controller&#8217;s Office review revenue forecasts for upcoming years and issue detailed guidance to city departments on the preparation of their budgets. Individual departments then submit their own budget plans to the Controller and the Mayor&#8217;s Office, which consolidates those budget requests into a balanced citywide <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">budget proposal</a>.

In June of each year, Supervisors hold a series of hearings with department heads, as well as with members of the public, in order to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-kick-off-13-billion-budget-negotiations/">develop their own budget recommendations</a> and requests for their districts. The Board of Supervisors must approve a final budget by August 1, which then heads to the Mayor’s desk for final signature.&nbsp;

In June of each year, Supervisors hold a series of hearings with department heads, as well as with members of the public, in order to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-kick-off-13-billion-budget-negotiations/">develop their own budget recommendations</a> and requests for their districts. The Board of Supervisors must approve a final budget by August 1, which then heads to the Mayor’s desk for final signature.&nbsp;

In 2020 and 2021, the federal government passed two stimulus bills that allotted hundreds of millions in relief funds to San Francisco and other local governments that saw their revenues evaporate. Those stimulus funds flowed into San Francisco’s general fund, and into individual departments that were either heavily impacted by pandemic, such as the Municipal Transit Agency, or were tasked with emergency response, such as the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, which received an infusion of state and federal monies for emergency shelter last fiscal year.&nbsp;

In 2020 and 2021, the federal government passed two stimulus bills that allotted hundreds of millions in relief funds to San Francisco and other local governments that saw their revenues evaporate. Those stimulus funds flowed into San Francisco’s general fund, and into individual departments that were either heavily impacted by pandemic, such as the Municipal Transit Agency, or were tasked with emergency response, such as the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, which received an infusion of state and federal monies for emergency shelter last fiscal year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-bubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to explore the interactive bubble chart</a> shown below to see each department’s total budget for fiscal 2022, and how it compares to last year.

<a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-bubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to explore the interactive bubble chart</a> shown below to see each department’s total budget for fiscal 2022, and how it compares to last year.

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Department-level budgets are categorized by spending categories, fund source, and other details, and are codified in a document called the <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Budget/AAO%20FY2021-22%20%26%20FY2022-23%20-%20FINAL%2020210730.pdf">Annual Appropriation Ordinance</a> each year. That document is the final citywide budget signed by the Mayor in August.&nbsp;

Department-level budgets are categorized by spending categories, fund source, and other details, and are codified in a document called the <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Budget/AAO%20FY2021-22%20%26%20FY2022-23%20-%20FINAL%2020210730.pdf">Annual Appropriation Ordinance</a> each year. That document is the final citywide budget signed by the Mayor in August.&nbsp;

By a wide margin, the largest chunk of spending is compensation for the city’s workforce of roughly 35,000. Salaries and benefits typically make up the largest chunk of department-level spending. Depending on a department’s function, they might also allocate funds to areas like building improvements, capital projects, or grants to nonprofits. Departments also regularly hire other city departments for services like security, legal help, tax preparation, health care, or maintenance. The city’s budget analysts account for that activity through transfers, meaning those purchases are marked as revenue and adjusted later in the final budget preparation.&nbsp;

By a wide margin, the largest chunk of spending is compensation for the city’s workforce of roughly 35,000. Salaries and benefits typically make up the largest chunk of department-level spending. Depending on a department’s function, they might also allocate funds to areas like building improvements, capital projects, or grants to nonprofits. Departments also regularly hire other city departments for services like security, legal help, tax preparation, health care, or maintenance. The city’s budget analysts account for that activity through transfers, meaning those purchases are marked as revenue and adjusted later in the final budget preparation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-treemap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to explore the visualization</a> below to see how much each department plans to spend this year, and what those funds are used for.

<a href="https://elbertwang3.github.io/budget-treemap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to explore the visualization</a> below to see how much each department plans to spend this year, and what those funds are used for.

Visualizations by Elbert Wang &amp; Kaitlyn Bartley

Visualizations by Elbert Wang &amp; Kaitlyn Bartley

SF’s budget in 4 charts: The pandemic effect on city finances and the prospects for recovery

Manuela Tobias at CalMatters

David Sjostedt

When California legislators voted last June to again extend eviction protections, they promised <a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2021/06/california-eviction-moratorium-deal/">the third time would be the charm</a>.

When California legislators voted last June to again extend eviction protections, they promised <a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2021/06/california-eviction-moratorium-deal/">the third time would be the charm</a>.

But the state’s rent relief program, which has <a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2021/04/california-rent-relief-tenants/">struggled to reach the neediest tenants and landlords from the start</a>, continues to lag. As of last week, the state has paid $2.4 billion to about <a href="https://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/dashboard.html">214,000 households</a> — fewer than half of all who have applied for aid.&nbsp;

But the state’s rent relief program, which has <a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2021/04/california-rent-relief-tenants/">struggled to reach the neediest tenants and landlords from the start</a>, continues to lag. As of last week, the state has paid $2.4 billion to about <a href="https://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/dashboard.html">214,000 households</a> — fewer than half of all who have applied for aid.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, a little over half of the 19,021 households that have applied to the state&#8217;s program have received relief so far. As of March 22, a total of 9,512 local households had received an average of $11,461 through the program, bringing the total relief distributed in San Francisco through the state’s program to $109 million. A smaller, local relief program run by the city has distributed $21 million to 2,996 households.

In San Francisco, a little over half of the 19,021 households that have applied to the state's program have received relief so far. As of March 22, a total of 9,512 local households had received an average of $11,461 through the program, bringing the total relief distributed in San Francisco through the state’s program to $109 million. A smaller, local relief program run by the city has distributed $21 million to 2,996 households.

In San Francisco, a little over half of the 19,021 households that have applied to the state&#8217;s program have received relief so far. As of March 22, a total of 9,512 local households had received an average of $11,461 through the program, bringing the total relief distributed in San Francisco through the state’s program to $109 million. A smaller, local relief program run by the city has distributed $21 million to 2,996 households.

Delays in distributing state funds — one study found that the average tenant waited <a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2022/03/california-rent-relief-wait/">about three months to get paid</a> — forced legislators’ hands: Last Thursday, the state’s top legislative leaders struck another last-minute deal designed to stave off eviction for another three months for hundreds of thousands of renters who have applied for relief but are still waiting to hear back.&nbsp;

Delays in distributing state funds — one study found that the average tenant waited <a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2022/03/california-rent-relief-wait/">about three months to get paid</a> — forced legislators’ hands: Last Thursday, the state’s top legislative leaders struck another last-minute deal designed to stave off eviction for another three months for hundreds of thousands of renters who have applied for relief but are still waiting to hear back.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2179">Assembly Bill 2179</a>&nbsp;was approved today by the Assembly on a 60-0 vote. To pass, it requires two-thirds majorities in both the Assembly and state Senate. The current law, set to expire Thursday, says a judge must pause an eviction proceeding if a rent relief application is pending. The new legislation, expected to go into effect by Thursday, would shield tenants through June 30 as the state continues to process their paperwork.

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2179">Assembly Bill 2179</a>&nbsp;was approved today by the Assembly on a 60-0 vote. To pass, it requires two-thirds majorities in both the Assembly and state Senate. The current law, set to expire Thursday, says a judge must pause an eviction proceeding if a rent relief application is pending. The new legislation, expected to go into effect by Thursday, would shield tenants through June 30 as the state continues to process their paperwork.

“It is on us to take care of the thousands of Californians — landlords and tenants alike — who reached out to COVID-19 emergency rental assistance programs for help and still have their applications pending,” said Assemblymember Tim Grayson, a Concord Democrat who is the bill’s co-author.

“It is on us to take care of the thousands of Californians — landlords and tenants alike — who reached out to COVID-19 emergency rental assistance programs for help and still have their applications pending,” said Assemblymember Tim Grayson, a Concord Democrat who is the bill’s co-author.

“It would be cruel, wasteful and unfair to subject these Californians to eviction or the loss of rental income now, when they have done everything asked of them, and distribution of their emergency rental assistance is imminent,” he said in a statement.

“It would be cruel, wasteful and unfair to subject these Californians to eviction or the loss of rental income now, when they have done everything asked of them, and distribution of their emergency rental assistance is imminent,” he said in a statement.

But renters who do not <a href="https://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/index.html">apply to the program</a> by the Thursday deadline will not receive any protections. Landlords will still be able to take those tenants to court over missed rent starting Friday.

But renters who do not <a href="https://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/index.html">apply to the program</a> by the Thursday deadline will not receive any protections. Landlords will still be able to take those tenants to court over missed rent starting Friday.

The bill would also pre-empt several local moratoriums that are set to extend past the state’s. San Francisco city officials passed <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=10654230&amp;GUID=190AEC92-6F3D-4ACA-9700-E5C830A3C8C8">legislation</a> on March 11 that lengthened protections from evictions until the end of Mayor London Breed’s Covid emergency declaration.&nbsp;

The bill would also pre-empt several local moratoriums that are set to extend past the state’s. San Francisco city officials passed <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=10654230&amp;GUID=190AEC92-6F3D-4ACA-9700-E5C830A3C8C8">legislation</a> on March 11 that lengthened protections from evictions until the end of Mayor London Breed’s Covid emergency declaration.&nbsp;

Senator Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Phil Ting condemned the new state bill for “playing favorites” by leaving local moratoriums in some jurisdictions but not in others in a joint statement Monday.

Senator Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Phil Ting condemned the new state bill for “playing favorites” by leaving local moratoriums in some jurisdictions but not in others in a joint statement Monday.

“There is no policy rationale for overriding local eviction protections in San Francisco, etc., while allowing other cities to protect their renters,” the statement said.&nbsp;

“There is no policy rationale for overriding local eviction protections in San Francisco, etc., while allowing other cities to protect their renters,” the statement said.&nbsp;

California has about $5.4 billion in federal funds to help qualified applicants with 100% of unpaid rent dating back to April 2020, some of which is being distributed by local rent relief programs. Lawmakers last month <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB115">authorized more state spending</a> if the federal dollars don’t cover the costs.

California has about $5.4 billion in federal funds to help qualified applicants with 100% of unpaid rent dating back to April 2020, some of which is being distributed by local rent relief programs. Lawmakers last month <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB115">authorized more state spending</a> if the federal dollars don’t cover the costs.

Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, a Lakewood Democrat, <a href="https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/news/20220324-legislative-leaders-issue-statement-extension-rent-relief-legislation">endorsed the new bill in a joint statement</a> Thursday, promising it would move quickly through both houses.

Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, a Lakewood Democrat, <a href="https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/news/20220324-legislative-leaders-issue-statement-extension-rent-relief-legislation">endorsed the new bill in a joint statement</a> Thursday, promising it would move quickly through both houses.

Gov. Gavin Newsom appears likely to sign the bill. A spokesperson told CalMatters in an email: “The governor strongly supports an extension that continues to protect tenants well into the summer and ensures that every eligible applicant is protected under this nation-leading rent relief program as it winds down.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom appears likely to sign the bill. A spokesperson told CalMatters in an email: “The governor strongly supports an extension that continues to protect tenants well into the summer and ensures that every eligible applicant is protected under this nation-leading rent relief program as it winds down.”

Local protections at risk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-protections-at-risk">Local protections at risk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>

core/heading

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-protections-at-risk">Local protections at risk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>

On Friday, the <a href="https://cal-rha.org/">California Rental Housing Association</a>, which says it represents more than 20,000 landlords with 575,000 units across the state, issued a statement opposing the bill. The group said that statewide eviction protections are no longer necessary, and it urged the timely payment of rent relief. (Some major provisions of the statewide moratorium expired Sept. 30.)

On Friday, the <a href="https://cal-rha.org/">California Rental Housing Association</a>, which says it represents more than 20,000 landlords with 575,000 units across the state, issued a statement opposing the bill. The group said that statewide eviction protections are no longer necessary, and it urged the timely payment of rent relief. (Some major provisions of the statewide moratorium expired Sept. 30.)

“Enough is enough,” said Christine Kevane La Marca, CalRHA president. “By halting applications for those in need, and extending the eviction moratorium, rental housing providers are being forced to carry the financial weight of the pandemic and some of them will lose their properties as a result.”

“Enough is enough,” said Christine Kevane La Marca, CalRHA president. “By halting applications for those in need, and extending the eviction moratorium, rental housing providers are being forced to carry the financial weight of the pandemic and some of them will lose their properties as a result.”

Legislative leaders drove negotiations for the last-minute deal, according to Debra Carlton, executive vice president of the <a href="https://caanet.org/">California Apartment Association</a>, which also represents landlords at the state Capitol. As in the most recent extension negotiations last summer, Carlton said neither her group nor tenant advocates were at the table, but their recommendations were taken into account.

Legislative leaders drove negotiations for the last-minute deal, according to Debra Carlton, executive vice president of the <a href="https://caanet.org/">California Apartment Association</a>, which also represents landlords at the state Capitol. As in the most recent extension negotiations last summer, Carlton said neither her group nor tenant advocates were at the table, but their recommendations were taken into account.

The association’s main request was granted: Local jurisdictions won’t be allowed to enact new tenant protections until July 1, and any protections put in place by local governments after Aug. 19, 2020, will also be delayed.

The association’s main request was granted: Local jurisdictions won’t be allowed to enact new tenant protections until July 1, and any protections put in place by local governments after Aug. 19, 2020, will also be delayed.

That’s exactly what worries tenant advocates. The bill would postpone hard-fought protections that were set to go into effect on April 1, notably in <a href="https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/los-angeles-la-county-eviction-protections-what-it-means-local-renters-rent-freeze">Los Angeles County</a>, <a href="https://sf.gov/information/covid-19-emergency-tenant-protections">San Francisco</a> and <a href="https://www.fresnobee.com/fresnoland/article254508367.html">Fresno</a>. A few protections put in place before the cutoff — including in the <a href="https://housing.lacity.org/covid-19/renter-protections">city of Los Angeles</a> and <a href="https://www.acgov.org/cda/hcd/documents/EvictionMoratoriumOrdinanceSummaryFAQ8.11.20.pdf">Alameda County</a> — will remain in place.

That’s exactly what worries tenant advocates. The bill would postpone hard-fought protections that were set to go into effect on April 1, notably in <a href="https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/los-angeles-la-county-eviction-protections-what-it-means-local-renters-rent-freeze">Los Angeles County</a>, <a href="https://sf.gov/information/covid-19-emergency-tenant-protections">San Francisco</a> and <a href="https://www.fresnobee.com/fresnoland/article254508367.html">Fresno</a>. A few protections put in place before the cutoff — including in the <a href="https://housing.lacity.org/covid-19/renter-protections">city of Los Angeles</a> and <a href="https://www.acgov.org/cda/hcd/documents/EvictionMoratoriumOrdinanceSummaryFAQ8.11.20.pdf">Alameda County</a> — will remain in place.

“I see it as honestly cruel,” said Alexander Harnden, a staff attorney at <a href="https://innercitylaw.org/">Inner City Law Center</a>, which serves tenants across L.A. County. “Repealing protections the day before they’re set to kick in means a lot of people are not going to get that information. It’s really setting people up to get evicted.”

“I see it as honestly cruel,” said Alexander Harnden, a staff attorney at <a href="https://innercitylaw.org/">Inner City Law Center</a>, which serves tenants across L.A. County. “Repealing protections the day before they’re set to kick in means a lot of people are not going to get that information. It’s really setting people up to get evicted.”

Informing renters of the patchwork of protections in L.A. County has been no easy feat, Harnden said, as some tenants continue to have the false belief there’s an outright eviction ban statewide. In fact, sheriff’s departments across California have carried out <a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2021/07/california-eviction-moratorium-tenants/">at least 10,000 lockouts</a> — the last step in an eviction process — since the start of the pandemic, according to a CalMatters investigation last summer.

Informing renters of the patchwork of protections in L.A. County has been no easy feat, Harnden said, as some tenants continue to have the false belief there’s an outright eviction ban statewide. In fact, sheriff’s departments across California have carried out <a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2021/07/california-eviction-moratorium-tenants/">at least 10,000 lockouts</a> — the last step in an eviction process — since the start of the pandemic, according to a CalMatters investigation last summer.

Using data obtained through a Public Records Act request, Kyle Nelson, a Ph.D. candidate in sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles, found the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department performed lockouts at more than 8,600 households between April 2020 and September 2021.

Using data obtained through a Public Records Act request, Kyle Nelson, a Ph.D. candidate in sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles, found the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department performed lockouts at more than 8,600 households between April 2020 and September 2021.

Tenant advocates worry that after the application deadline for rent relief passes on Thursday, thousands of renters will still need help. In the <a href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/demo/hhp/hhp43.html">most recent survey</a> conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 977,000 California households at all income levels reported no confidence in their ability to pay April’s rent.

Tenant advocates worry that after the application deadline for rent relief passes on Thursday, thousands of renters will still need help. In the <a href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/demo/hhp/hhp43.html">most recent survey</a> conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 977,000 California households at all income levels reported no confidence in their ability to pay April’s rent.

According to <a href="https://www.ppic.org/publication/ppic-statewide-survey-californians-and-their-government-march-2022/?utm_source=CalMatters+Newsletters&amp;utm_campaign=e9e6242105-WHATMATTERS&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_faa7be558d-e9e6242105-151326976&amp;mc_cid=e9e6242105&amp;mc_eid=119767cb73">another poll released last week</a>, 34% of renters said they are “very concerned” about not having enough money to pay their housing costs.

According to <a href="https://www.ppic.org/publication/ppic-statewide-survey-californians-and-their-government-march-2022/?utm_source=CalMatters+Newsletters&amp;utm_campaign=e9e6242105-WHATMATTERS&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_faa7be558d-e9e6242105-151326976&amp;mc_cid=e9e6242105&amp;mc_eid=119767cb73">another poll released last week</a>, 34% of renters said they are “very concerned” about not having enough money to pay their housing costs.

“It feels like a mixed bag,” said Tina Rosales, legislative advocate at the <a href="https://wclp.org/">Western Center on Law and Poverty</a>. “With our <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2022/01/california-budget-newsom/">budget surplus</a>, we thought that there would be an extension of the deadline to apply for (rent relief), and there wasn’t.”

“It feels like a mixed bag,” said Tina Rosales, legislative advocate at the <a href="https://wclp.org/">Western Center on Law and Poverty</a>. “With our <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2022/01/california-budget-newsom/">budget surplus</a>, we thought that there would be an extension of the deadline to apply for (rent relief), and there wasn’t.”

According to another <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/user_files/user_files/000/072/973/original/TT_2021-22_ERAP_Survey.pdf">recent survey of 58 tenant organizations</a> across the state by <a href="https://www.tenantstogether.org/">Tenants Together</a>, an advocacy group, 90% of organizations helping renters apply for aid said their tenants reported difficulties applying. Half of survey respondents complained of inadequate language access and lack of community outreach.

According to another <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/user_files/user_files/000/072/973/original/TT_2021-22_ERAP_Survey.pdf">recent survey of 58 tenant organizations</a> across the state by <a href="https://www.tenantstogether.org/">Tenants Together</a>, an advocacy group, 90% of organizations helping renters apply for aid said their tenants reported difficulties applying. Half of survey respondents complained of inadequate language access and lack of community outreach.

“They’re basically saying, ‘Tough luck,’” said Shanti Singh, legislative and communications director for the group. “If we didn’t do our job telling you this program exists, that’s your problem now.”

“They’re basically saying, ‘Tough luck,’” said Shanti Singh, legislative and communications director for the group. “If we didn’t do our job telling you this program exists, that’s your problem now.”

Last June, a coalition of tenant advocacy groups filed a discrimination complaint against the state over <a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2021/10/california-rent-relief-immigrants-barriers/">language barriers</a> for non-English speakers. The case is now under <a href="https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/complaint-process">investigation</a> by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to Tiffany Hickey, a staff attorney at the <a href="https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/">Asian Law Caucus</a>.

Last June, a coalition of tenant advocacy groups filed a discrimination complaint against the state over <a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2021/10/california-rent-relief-immigrants-barriers/">language barriers</a> for non-English speakers. The case is now under <a href="https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/complaint-process">investigation</a> by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to Tiffany Hickey, a staff attorney at the <a href="https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/">Asian Law Caucus</a>.

“Throughout this complaint process we’ve really been pushing to have this investigated and addressed as quickly as possible because people are being left out of relief because they can’t access the program,” Hickey said.

“Throughout this complaint process we’ve really been pushing to have this investigated and addressed as quickly as possible because people are being left out of relief because they can’t access the program,” Hickey said.

California lawmakers struck a deal on eviction protections as local relief lags

With a moratorium on commercial evictions set to expire, San Francisco plans to establish a relief fund intended to help stave off a wave of closures and settle hundreds of millions in outstanding rent debt.&nbsp;

With a moratorium on commercial evictions set to expire, San Francisco plans to establish a relief fund intended to help stave off a wave of closures and settle hundreds of millions in outstanding rent debt.&nbsp;

Combined with a forbearance period, the city hopes that the fund will save thousands of small businesses and jobs, said Supervisor Ahsha Safai at a hearing of the Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance committee on Wednesday. The three-person committee voted unanimously to advance the plan to the full board.&nbsp;

Combined with a forbearance period, the city hopes that the fund will save thousands of small businesses and jobs, said Supervisor Ahsha Safai at a hearing of the Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance committee on Wednesday. The three-person committee voted unanimously to advance the plan to the full board.&nbsp;

“This is an imminent crisis&#8230;with the scale of back rent exceeding the hundreds of millions, this is something we’re very concerned about,” said Safai. “It affects every single district and every single merchant corridor.”

“This is an imminent crisis...with the scale of back rent exceeding the hundreds of millions, this is something we’re very concerned about,” said Safai. “It affects every single district and every single merchant corridor.”

“This is an imminent crisis&#8230;with the scale of back rent exceeding the hundreds of millions, this is something we’re very concerned about,” said Safai. “It affects every single district and every single merchant corridor.”

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