Quality-of-life issues top 2018 agenda for S.F. supervisors

As they prepare for their first meeting of the year Tuesday, San Francisco’s supervisors are crafting a legislative agenda that mixes lofty ideals about economic equality with everyday quality-of-life issues that prompt constituent complaints.

Homelessness and the perennial scarcity of affordable housing are the two themes that unite the board. Several supervisors and their aides said they want to honor Mayor Ed Lee’s last request to get 1,000 people off the streets this winter, and most spoke passionately about efforts to keep lower- and middle-income families in the city. But they disagree on how to get there. A key point of contention is a proposal to raise taxes on commercial landlords, generating upward of $100 million annually for the city.

Four supervisors — Jane Kim, Norman Yee, Hillary Ronen and Sandra Lee Fewer — support a ballot measure that would earmark the money to fund child care scholarships for low-income families.

But other supervisors are eyeing the same pot of money and hoping to use it to boost the city’s affordable-housing stock.

“Housing, housing, housing — for the homeless, the middle class, workers, educators,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who favors policies that help families at various income levels, not just the poorest residents.

Last month, Supervisor Aaron Peskin proposed using the tax money to beef up transportation infrastructure. He has suspended the idea but plans to put it on the November ballot.

At the district level, supervisors’ priorities vary.

Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle Helping San Francisco’s homeless people, like Amber Fina, is a major concern of many supervisors.

Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle Steam shrouds San Francisco City Hall the day before supervisors hold their first meeting of the new year with a full plate of ambitious goals.