Paratransit Extension, Dry Dock Emergency and Lunar New Year Funding Advance at Budget Committee

San Francisco's Budget & Finance Committee moved through a 15-item agenda on Feb. 11, forwarding 11 items to the full Board of Supervisors and continuing two for further review. The session surfaced broader strategic questions — about the city's real estate footprint on Market Street, an untapped Medi-Cal revenue stream for paratransit, and a $61.2M emergency at the Port — alongside seasonal spending for Lunar New Year and a small but innovative state grant to electrify family childcare homes.

• $31M paratransit contract extension advances with push to unlock Medi-Cal reimbursement for medical trips

• $18.5M appropriated for emergency dry dock stabilization and removal at Pier 68

• ~$311K from General Reserve funds free parking and free Muni for Lunar New Year, but must be replenished next fiscal year

• Supervisor Dorsey delays $2M/year lease at 111 Pine Street, seeking broader Market Street real estate strategy

• $299K state grant accepted to install heat pump water heaters in up to 30 family childcare facilities

• $250M commercial paper program reauthorized with new bank credit facilities from TD Securities and BMO Bank

Why it matters: San Francisco's paratransit program — door-to-door rides for seniors and people with disabilities — is one of the city's most critical transit services. A two-year contract extension gives SFMTA breathing room to chase a significant new revenue source and modernize operations before launching a competitive rebid.