CAO – Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Electrification of the municipal fleet is a key priority in providing healthier air for the region’s residents, and fulfilling San Francisco’s 2050 net zero emissions commitment. The Controller’s Office found that up to 619 passenger vehicles may be replaced to comply with the City’s Municipal Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Ordinance. As City vehicles are replaced with ZEVs, they will require Level 2 charging infrastructure to sustain daily operations.

DT – Digital City

Investing in smart, sustainable technology to provide internet service delivery to residents, government agencies, and businesses is an important rising opportunity. Such technologies include smart utility poles that embed several technologies such as a modernized outdoor public warning system, wireless connectivity, sensors, safety alarms, and sustainable solar lighting for outdoor public spaces. These modern technologies hold promise in improving efficiency, cost savings, speed, and functionality in a variety of sectors. Most importantly, this project would bring much needed broadband capacity to underserved neighborhoods. 

DT recommends a partnership with private partners to fund a program that would provide a base level of internet access to all residents, a new outdoor public charging of phones and vehicles, host environmental sensors for hazardous levels of smoke, create a means for communicating with emergency services, and provide a way to warn the public about neighborhood issues and emergencies.

Multiple Departments – Solar + Energy Storage

San Francisco faces the challenge of being unable to use its energy resources during an electric grid failure. In response to this risk, the San Francisco Department of the Environment completed a multi-year solar + energy storage feasibility analysis. This project identified potential municipal sites currently designated to serve the community in time of emergency, identified critical electrical loads at the sites, and sized would-be solar energy storage systems accordingly to advance the City’s energy and emergency preparedness goals in the event of the next large-scale grid outage. A financial analysis was completed to understand the cost of deploying these systems. Any solution for San Francisco will need to demonstrate earthquake resilience given the city’s seismic vulnerabilities.

RED - Civic Center Office Space

The Real Estate Division has recently examined occupancy and space allocations within the Civic Center office space portfolio to seek opportunities for greater efficiencies and cost savings. Without a policy change to in-person work expectations, significant savings via footprint reduction are unlikely even in a hybrid work environment. Other important objectives in this portfolio remain, including exiting the most seismically vulnerable buildings, ensuring that offices meet operational needs, and providing safe, healthy, and well-maintained offices for City workers. With the office real estate market currently in flux, the best long-term solution may take the form of a purchase or a lease. The Real Estate Division will also work with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to explore joint development opportunities.

RED – Strategic Building Electrification

To meet San Francisco’s commitment to greenhouse gas emissions reduction, natural gas-based thermal systems would need to be replaced with electric powered systems. To achieve this transition in a cost-effective way, an inventory and opportunities assessment should be conducted. Pilot projects for small-scale water heater replacements as part of planned renewals are recommended, as are electric replacements of upcoming HVAC systems wherever feasible.

PW – Operation Yard

This project would redevelop and reorganize the Public Works Operations and Maintenance main yard at 2323 Cesar Chavez. The proposal includes building new offices and trade shops, as well as a new multi-story parking garage for the Operations and Maintenance fleet. It would also provide community space for Workforce Development and neighborhood public meetings.