Members, Board of Supervisors City and County of San Francisco

Districts 3

Julie Christensen

SUPERVISOR CHRISTENSEN TO INTRODUCE ELLIS ACT RESOLUTION AND

WILL CALL A HEARING AT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Supervisor Julie Christensen will introduce a resolution in support of State Senator Mark Leno’s

SB 364 and will call a hearing to identify programs and resources available to assist in the

preservation and retention of existing market-rate housing, particularly rent-controlled units

that are high risk targets for eviction.

March 24, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Julie Christensen, (415) 554-7450, julie.christensen@sfgov.org

San Francisco, CA – Today, Supervisor Julie Christensen will introduce a resolution in support

of State Senator Mark Leno’s SB 364, and will call a hearing to identify programs and resources

available to assist in the preservation and retention of existing market-rate housing, particularly

rent-controlled units that are high risk targets for eviction.

Ellis Act evictions have increased 165% over the last three years with 215 evictions in the last 12

months. Unfortunately, even these numbers do not accurately reflect the true impact of Ellis

evictions because until earlier this month, the City had no mechanism for tracking buyout offers.

In the short time Supervisor Christensen has been in office, there have already been several

egregious evictions, potentially displacing working-class tenants, artists, and seniors from their

rent-controlled units. By returning local control of the Ellis Act, we can work to improve our

current housing crisis at the local level.

“In short, this legislation sends a message to those who have a choice as to how to invest their capital and

generate profit that they choose to do so in a different way, one that does not involve evicting residents

from their homes. It also includes exemptions for small and long-term property owners that will protect

their investments and self-determination. I am very supportive of this Bill,” says Christensen.

In conjunction with the supporting resolution, Supervisor Christensen is calling for a hearing to

identify programs and resources available to assist in the preservation and retention of existing

market-rate housing, particularly rent-controlled units that are high risk targets for eviction.

Supervisor Christensen hopes to hear from various departments and non-profits that provide

resources for purchasing these properties through public and private funds to keep our working-

class housed.

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