Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in South San Francisco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in taxes budget
Downtown parking rates increase
Metered rates went up 25 cents an hour and permits $10 a month as of October 9, with new loading zones being installed downtown.
2020s census question and AI/cybersecurity concerns
Councilmember Coleman asked staff to work with federal lobbyists on a letter opposing a citizenship question on the 2030 census, and proposed a three-part AI safety plan covering breach response, staff AI-use policies, and community cybersecurity training.
Crane truck purchase for public works fleet
The city was set to buy a new Freightliner 114SD crane truck for up to $488,274.93, adding to its public works equipment fleet.
Facility naming policy on hold
The Italian American Citizens Club wants the Orange Park bocce courts named after longtime community figure Alvaro Petalki, but the council's facility naming policy has been on hold. A subcommittee may be reconvened to set objective naming criteria.
Early Vote Center at the Main Library
A speaker noted only about 54% of eligible South San Francisco voters participate, below the 62% national average, and urged the city to do more to publicize early voting locations and dates.
Legislative Platform Adoption
The council deadlocked on how to handle state and federal advocacy letters — who signs when the council splits 3-2, and whether Townsend Public Affairs or a council subcommittee should lead. Staff will likely bring back a legislative platform.
State, Federal Advocacy and Grant Writing Contracts
The city is spending about $546,000 over multiple years on lobbyists and a grant writer to chase state and federal funding. Councilmembers debated whether a federal contract makes sense now, but agreed to try it for two years.
Pension prefunding trust exploration
The city's pension costs have doubled over seven years to about $36.6 million a year. A Section 115 trust — targeting around $24 million — could smooth bad years and earn better returns, but the council wants more information before choosing between single- and multi-employer structures.
FY 2026-27 Operating Budget and Use of Reserves
The city can balance next year's budget without cutting services, but only by spending $5.5 million of its savings. The state's vehicle license fee situation is the big unknown — the city is budgeting zero for a backfill that could be worth $6.8 million, and more school districts flipping to basic aid could make things worse.
Carpenters Union Push for Public Works Pre-Qualification
Dozens of carpenters packed the chambers asking the city to add skilled-contractor pre-qualification and healthcare requirements to public works bids. The mayor thanked them and said the city will engage with the union on the proposal soon.
CDBG Funding for Community Services
The city expects about $456,000 in federal CDBG funds plus roughly $200,000 in city housing funds. Eight nonprofits testified; federal citizenship-status rules have pushed some services to city funding. The subcommittee finalizes recommendations March 6.
Brown Act constraints on commission communication
A proposal for a commission group chat to speed up communication between monthly meetings was rejected over Brown Act risks. Commissioners will instead route items through staff or use small ad hoc committees.
Vehicle License Fee shortfall threatens city services
The state is shorting the city millions in vehicle license fee backfill — $5 million last year against a $12 million entitlement — and a lawsuit against the state is in early stages. It's the biggest financial wildcard facing the city.