The Mayor's Budget For Housing

Much of this year's budget debate has centered on the issue of affordable housing. Lost in the shuffle is the fact that the proposed 2007-2008 citywide housing budget is $217.5 million, an increase of $6 million over the current year budget of $212 million. Mayor Gavin Newsom's budget for housing reflects the City's ongoing prioritization of supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals and families, as well as a renewed emphasis on public housing revitalization through the HOPE SF program. The Mayor's budget also continues San Francisco's long-term commitment to creating new rental housing for very-low income families and seniors and providing first-time homebuyer opportunities for low and moderate income San Franciscans.

In broad terms, the budget includes $158.9 million through the Mayor's Office of Housing and the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency to support 2,746 affordable housing units in the coming year. In addition, increased investments totaling $8.8 million has been added to the Human Services Agency and Public Health Department to fund more supportive housing units, including a new master lease hotel with 78 units.

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