Proposition A

San Francisco Health and Homelessness, Parks, and Streets Bond

Would authorize a bond for $487.5 million to finance the acquisition or improvement of real property, including: facilities to house and/or deliver services for people experiencing mental health challenges, substance abuse disorder, and/or homelessness; parks, open space, and recreation facilities including green and climate resilient infrastructure; and streets. Proposition A requires at least ⅔ (66.66% + 1) of voters approving to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Would raise an average of $40 million annually for 30 years, and the best estimate of the total cost of the bond (including principal and interest) that would be required to be repaid if all of the bonds are issued and sold is $960 million. The best estimate of the annual average tax rate for these bonds from fiscal year 2021-22 through fiscal year 2052-2053 is $10.66 per $100,000 of assessed valuation of all property to be taxed. Based on these estimates, the highest estimated annual property tax cost for these bonds for the owner of a home with an assessed value of $600,000 would be approximately $83.13.

Next San Francisco County Measure: Proposition B

See Endorsements for Proposition A

Pro:

Proponents of Proposition A argue that the COVID-19 pandemic has made the homelessness and mental health crisis even more challenging and underscored the need to create more shelter, permanent supportive housing, and expand mental health resources. They argue that it does not raise taxes in accordance with the City’s policy of retiring old bonds before new bonds are issued.

A YES vote on this measure means: The City would be authorized to issue $487.5 million in general obligation bonds to fund mental health and homelessness projects, parks, open spaces and recreation facilities, as well as improvements to streets, curb ramps and plazas.

SFRecoveryBond.com (Campaign Website)

Con:

Opponents of Proposition A argue that the City cannot afford more debt in addition to the unfunded pension liability for the thousands of city workers. They argue that we need to support health and recovery for San Franciscans during the COVID-19 crisis, but Proposition A is a bad deal for San Francisco.

A NO vote on this measure means: The City would not be authorized to issue these bonds.

Background

The City provides a variety of projects and services, including mental health and homelessness programs, parks, open spaces and recreational facilities, streets, curb ramps and plazas. There is a gap in City services for people with mental health and substance use disorders, and new health facilities and institutions. It is estimated that on any given night around 8,000 people are homeless in the City, and the City can offer shelter for less than half of them. Parks, recreation facilities, and open spaces are essential to City residents’ quality of life, and the COVID- 19 pandemic has increased use and demand. The city currently has a large backlog of deferred maintenance of these facilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in City unemployment levels approaching 10% within three weeks of the first shelter-in-place order. Additionally, the City’s most recent 10-year capital plan identifies a deferred maintenance backlog of $799 million for streets and General Fund facilities, and the Recreation and Parks Department’s more recent facilities condition assessment shows $950 million in deferred maintenance.

Proposition A Proposal

Proposition A is a bond measure that would allow the city to borrow up to $487.5 million by issuing bonds. Part of the money could be used to upgrade facilities to house and deliver services for persons experiencing mental health challenges, substance use disorder, and/or homelessness. Bond proceeds could help to create a more sufficient supply of Permanent Supportive Housing units for those needing long-term affordable housing and on-site social services.

Bond proceeds could also be allocated to the City’s parks and recreation infrastructure, addressing public safety hazards, improving disabled access, enhancing green infrastructure, climate resiliency, and seismic safety, thereby improving the overall condition of our neighborhoods and parks. Streets, curb ramps, street structures, and plazas would be upgraded, and the City’s backlog of deferred maintenance would be addressed.

The proposed allocation of the $487.5 million in bonds is as follows:

$207 million for facilities to deliver services for people experiencing mental health challenges, substance use disorder, and/or homelessness
$239 million for park, open space, and recreation facilities
$41.5 million for streets, curb ramps, street structures, and plazas

Source: Legal Text of Proposition A and League of Women Voters of San Francisco Nonpartisan Analysis of Proposition A

Official Resources

City and County of San Francisco Department of Elections

Official San Francisco Voter Guide for November 3, 2020

Nonpartisan Analysis

San Francisco and California November 2020 Voter Guide. SPUR.