Development News for South San Francisco, California

Transportation Projects and Infrastructure Funding Under Scrutiny During CIP Review

During the review of the Capital Improvement Program, discussions touched upon various transportation projects. The Utah Avenue overcrossing project is nearing completion of plans, specs, and estimates (95%), making it ready for Caltrans approval but not yet shovel-ready as right-of-way acquisition and a $150 million funding plan are still needed. The city is seeking grant funding for this project. A $60,000 item for 'miscellaneous traffic improvements' was questioned; staff clarified this funds ongoing studies and evaluations of neighborhood traffic complaints, with separate funding available for actual improvements. The Capital Infrastructure Reserve Fund, intended for deferred maintenance, is declining, which could impact the city's ability to address infrastructure needs. The city is also investing in EV charging stations at civic facilities and exploring city-wide EV charging needs and standardization. Councilmember Nicolas inquired about the declining Capital Infrastructure Reserve Fund, which was created to address deferred maintenance, and its impact on the city's ability to respond to infrastructure needs.

City Approves 2026-27 CDBG Action Plan, Allocating Funds for Housing, Community, and Economic Development

The City Council held a public hearing for the South San Francisco Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2026-27 Annual Action Plan. This plan identifies the city's housing, community, and economic development priorities and allocates available CDBG funds. The total anticipated budget for the program year is $707,397, including CDBG funds and other sources. The CDBG entitlement award is $459,847. Proposed funding includes support for rape trauma services for children and youth, CDBG administration (20% of grant award), and CDBG public improvements. Additional funding is allocated through the Housing Trust Fund for housing and homeless prevention services ($100,000) and through the ECD fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget for organizations like Friends for Youth and Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center ($38,200). Minor home repair assistance is also funded, with $100,000 committed through the city's PLHA program and state entitlement grant. Home administrative funds ($9,350) are recommended for Project Sentinel for fair housing activities. The council adopted a resolution approving the action plan and authorizing its submittal to HUD.

Trade Unions Advocate for Project Labor Agreement (PLA) to Boost Local Jobs and Standards

Trade workers, represented by Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 and the San Mateo County Building Trades Council, urged the City Council to agendize the negotiation of a city-wide Project Labor Agreement (PLA). Speakers Andrew Avila and Andrew Moreno, both apprentices, highlighted how PLAs provide local job opportunities, reduce commuting costs, and support apprenticeship programs, enabling them to stay and build careers in South San Francisco. Port Pantoja and Julie Lindt of the San Mateo Labor Council emphasized that a PLA policy is a priority for the city and is essential for ensuring strong labor standards, a skilled workforce, apprenticeship opportunities, and keeping public dollars circulating in the local economy for major public infrastructure investments. They noted that PLAs offer real-time compliance and faster resolution of wage disputes compared to traditional labor commission processes. The council was informed that staff aims to bring a PLA proposal to the council by the end of July.

Westborough Park Conditions and Equity in Park Funding Highlighted During CIP Review

During the review of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Councilmember Nicolas raised concerns about the condition of parks in Westborough, specifically mentioning the Common Greens and Sellwood Park. The Common Greens project involves a study and implementation to address safety concerns and replace aging playgrounds, with potential options including replacing individual playgrounds or consolidating them into a larger community park. The environmental factors in Westborough, such as fog and moisture, are believed to be impacting the durability of playground equipment. Councilmember Nicolas also highlighted that Sellwood Park, on the other side of Westborough, is not within the Common Greens zone and its conditions are also not great. A deferred maintenance study is underway to assess all city parks and facilities to inform future park fund allocation. The city has significant funds available for parks (between $20-30 million) but also faces substantial needs. The discussion underscored the importance of equity in park funding and maintenance across different areas of the city.