SF approves $610M tax deal to convert empty offices into homes
San Francisco Budget and Finance Committee: Supervisors cleared a new downtown financing district that could direct up to $610M to office-to-housing conversions over 30 years.
SF puts $535M earthquake safety bond on June ballot (+ rent impact)
San Francisco Board of Supervisors: $535M earthquake safety bond placed on June 2026 ballot 11-0, with 50% property tax pass-through to renters. Plus Mission Bay South tower raised to 250 ft.
Oakland's last federal youth mental health grants clear committee
Oakland Life Enrichment Committee: The committee sent up to $437,000 in federal youth mental health grants to council for a Feb 3 vote, in the program's final year.
San Jose rewrites affordable housing rules, defers mobile home changes
San Jose City Council: Inclusionary Housing Ordinance rewritten 9-2 with new 50% AMI option and 55-year affordability term. Mobile home rent overhaul deferred to Fall 2026.
Oakland honors parking chief as staff push to keep his division
Oakland Public Works and Transportation Committee: The committee backed $2.7M more for Fire Station 4's design, lifting the contract to $4.2M, and honored OakDOT's parking chief.
SF legalizes parking in your own driveway (+ Maiden Lane reopens)
San Francisco Land Use and Transportation Committee: Parking up to two vehicles in your own driveway advanced 3-0, reversing a 1979 ban. Plus a ban on home-based massage businesses.
SF expands overnight store closure rule to SoMa (+ 18 more months)
San Francisco Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee: Overnight retail closure rule cleared 3-0 to expand into SoMa and run 18 months from effective date. Plus a Haight liquor transfer.
Oakland rejects same police commission picks for the second time
Oakland City Council: Police commission slate rejected 6-2 for the second time, with the sitting chair not reappointed. Judge Grillo confirmed; Wong pulled for incomplete background check.
SF clears way for 3,500 homes at Stonestown (+ $535M bond)
San Francisco Budget and Finance Committee: Stonestown's $1.56B financing plan cleared committee, unlocking ~3,500 homes, and a $535M earthquake bond heads to the June 2026 ballot.
Summer meals plan for Oakland kids moves to a Jan 20 vote
Oakland Life Enrichment Committee: The committee backed the 2026 summer meals program and sent it to council for a Jan 20 vote. The grant is up to $426,870 in state and federal money.