San Francisco Public Utilities Commission unveils $11.8B budget emphasizing equity and climate resilience

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on the approval of the budget and capital improvement plan for the upcoming years. The meeting highlighted three overarching priorities that guide the budget's development: affordability, responsible management, and strategic investment.

The first priority discussed was affordability. The budget aims to minimize the impact of rate increases on customers, supported by an affordability policy established in November. This policy includes metrics to evaluate budget impacts and has led to a significant reduction in the 10-year capital plan, resulting in savings of $22.7 billion. The county has also secured over $46 million in state and federal relief funding to assist residents with overdue water, sewer, and power bills. Additionally, discounts for low-income customers have increased, with participation in the discount program growing from 2,100 in 2021 to over 6,500 currently, largely due to extensive outreach efforts targeting diverse communities.

The second priority, responsible management, emphasizes the importance of maintaining financial stability and regulatory compliance. The budget supports civil service employees, focusing on converting temporary positions to permanent ones to enhance job security. The agency is also enhancing its racial equity and audit teams to ensure accountability and transparency in its operations.

The third priority is investing where it matters. The budget represents a substantial investment in San Francisco, with an $11.8 billion capital improvement plan aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation over the next decade. This plan prioritizes projects in historically disadvantaged communities to address past inequities and ensure equitable access to essential services.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to accountability, detailing how the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will measure its performance through quantifiable service goals. The PUC has adopted formal policies to promote environmental justice and community benefits, resulting in a significant percentage of construction work being performed by local residents and businesses, particularly those owned by people of color and women.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's dedication to creating a resilient and equitable public utility system while addressing the needs of its diverse communities.