Golden Gate Park Underground Parking Facility; Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority

Shall the City be allowed to use public funds to acquire, operate or subsidize public parking in the underground parking garage below the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park, and direct the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority to dissolve, transferring management of the garage to the City's Recreation and Park Commission?

Digest by the Ballot Simplification Committee

The Way It Is Now: The Recreation and Park Commission (Commission) oversees and sets policies for the Recreation and Park Department. The Recreation and Park Department manages City parks, playgrounds and recreation centers.

In June 1998, the voters approved a measure creating a nonprofit organization called the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority (Authority) with responsibility for the construction of an underground parking garage below the Music Concourse using no public funds. The measure did not address the use of public funds to operate the garage.

The Authority and the Commission leased the space for the underground parking garage to a nonprofit organization, which manages the garage and uses parking revenues to fund operating expenses and pay off the construction loan. The Board of Supervisors sets the parking rates.

The Proposal: Proposition N would allow the City to use public funds to acquire, operate or subsidize public parking in the underground parking garage below the Music Concourse.

Proposition N would also direct the Authority to dissolve, resulting in the transfer of its responsibilities to the Commission.

A "YES" Vote Means: If you vote "yes," you want to allow the City to use public funds to acquire, operate or subsidize public parking in the underground parking garage below the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park, and direct the Authority to dissolve.

A "NO" Vote Means: If you vote "no," you do not want to make these changes.

Controller's Statement on "N"

City Controller Ben Rosenfield has issued the following statement on the fiscal impact of Proposition N:

Should the proposed initiative ordinance be approved by the voters, in my opinion, it may reduce the cost of government, as the ordinance would permit the City to refinance existing Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority debt which may result in future cost savings to the City.

The ordinance would amend the Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act of 1998 to allow the City to use public funds to acquire, operate, or subsidize public parking in the Golden Gate Park Concourse Underground Parking Facility. Uses of public funds for the parking facility are not specified in the proposed ordinance and would be determined by the Mayor and Board of Supervisor through the normal budget process.

The ordinance would also dissolve the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority and transfer jurisdiction of the parking facility and other Concourse Authority property to the Recreation and Parks Department.

How "N" Got on the Ballot

On June 21, 2022, the Department of Elections received a proposed ordinance signed by Mayor Breed.

The Municipal Elections Code allows the Mayor to place an ordinance on the ballot in this manner.

This measure requires 50%+1 affirmative votes to pass.

Proponent’s Argument in Favor of Proposition N

Support Proposition N for Improved Accessibility and Reduced Traffic Congestion in Golden Gate Park

Proposition N will support improved accessibility to Golden Gate Park for people who depend on driving by giving the City more flexibility over the management and parking rates in Golden Gate Park Music Concourse parking garage.

As it stands now, the parking garage under Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse isn't fully meeting the public’s needs. The price of parking is set at high rates while the garage sits vacant throughout most of the year.

Why Proposition N is on the Ballot

Proposition N allows the City to spend public dollars on the garage which creates flexibility in management, setting parking rates, and helps the City achieve policy priorities including improving access for visitors who rely on cars to enjoy Golden Gate Park. The City could spend funds on the Garage to achieve policy goals including but not limited to:

• Subsidized parking for visitors with disabilities

• Subsidized parking for low-income visitors

• Optimized pricing to meet financial obligations while ensuring the Garage remains affordable for visitors

Proposition N would also allow for improved parking management and more flexible pricing. These changes would help ensure parking spots are readily available and affordable, and thereby reduce congestion in the garage and on our streets. Additionally, better management and flexible pricing will help to pay down the outstanding debt from the garage's construction.

I urge you to vote Yes on Proposition N for improved Accessibility and Reduced Traffic Congestion in Golden Gate Park.

Mayor London Breed

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Rebuttal to Proponent’s Argument in Favor of Proposition N

No Rebuttal or Opponent’s Argument Against Proposition N Was Submitted

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Paid Arguments in Favor of Proposition N

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition N

The San Francisco Democratic Party Supports Prop N

Proposition N is a common sense measure that will ensure everyone who wants to visit Golden Gate Park is able to.

By moving the current Music Concourse Garage under the control of the SF Rec and Park Department, parking rates can be set at levels that help ensure San Francisco seniors, low-income families and people with disabilities who need to drive to the park are able to do so.

Proposition N helps advance even more access to our safe, green open spaces and world class institutions in Golden Gate Park.

San Francisco Democrats urge you to vote YES on Proposition N.

San Francisco Democratic Party

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Yes on Prop N, Committee for Accessibility & Reduced Traffic Congestion.

The sole contributor to the true source recipient committee: A San Francisco for All of Us.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition N

Vote YES on Proposition N to make the parking garage in Golden Gate Park more accessible and affordable.

Our city's biggest public park, Golden Gate Park, is managed by the SF Recreation and Park Department. The parking garage in Golden Gate Park should also be managed by SF Rec and Park rather than privately to better support equity and access.

The 800-space parking garage was built under the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park to reduce vehicle traffic in the park, and directly connects to the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences. But for too long, the parking garage has been underutilized by visitors due to high prices, leading many people to drive into and around the park to seek free parking.

Under the control of SF Rec and Park, parking would be able to be set at rates that support equity and access goals, such as discounted parking for San Francisco seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families who need to drive to the park.

Smarter parking management means the remaining garage debt will be paid off faster than currently — and then revenues can be put toward ongoing accessibility improvements and services in Golden Gate Park.

This commonsense measure is good for our park and for everyone who wants to come and enjoy it — and will finally unlock the potential in the garage to support greater equity and access, as well as reduced traffic in Golden Gate Park. Please vote YES on Proposition N.

Walk SF

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Yes on Prop N, Committee for Accessibility & Reduced Traffic Congestion.

The sole contributor to the true source recipient committee: A San Francisco for All of Us.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition N

Prop N ensures Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse Parking Garage is effectively utilized, allowing the City and the neighboring museums to better serve Golden Gate Park visitors who need to drive to the eastern portions of the park.

Smart management of the garage includes subsidized parking rates for low-income visitors and visitors with disabilities, and ensuring space is available when needed, alleviating the need for visitors to circle the park looking for street parking.

We agree that the City can and should do more to make the eastern end of the park more accessible to a wider range of visitors. Taking control of the garage is the first step to many accessibility improvements.

Prop N makes smart environmental and good government sense. We urge you to support Prop N.

San Francisco League of Conservation Voters

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Yes on Prop N, Committee for Accessibility & Reduced Traffic Congestion.

The sole contributor to the true source recipient committee: A San Francisco for All of Us.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition N

Proposition N will help reduce traffic congestion on the streets in Golden Gate Park, making our communal open space safer for everyone.

Currently, the garage is not well used because of expensive parking rates, resulting in cars circling the Golden Gate Park and neighboring streets looking for alternative parking. More circling cars equals more dangerous streets for everyone.

Proposition N gives the City more flexibility over managing the garage and setting parking rates which will ensure affordable parking for those who need it and get cars off surface streets. Under Proposition N, the City could reduce parking rates for low income visitors and visitors with disabilities, improving accessibility to the park for all.

We urge you to vote Yes on Proposition N for improved accessibility and reduced traffic congestion in Golden Gate Park.

Kid Safe SF

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Yes on Prop N, Committee for Accessibility & Reduced Traffic Congestion.

The sole contributor to the true source recipient committee: A San Francisco for All of Us.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition N

Golden Gate Park is an oasis in our city with safe open space and world-class institutions that everyone should be able to access and enjoy.

Proposition N increases access to Golden Gate Park for those who need to drive. Currently the 800-space underground garage is overpriced, underutilized, and mismanaged. Because the city would be able to control parking rates, Proposition N makes garage parking more accessible for everyone and more affordable for those who need it.

Proposition N enables the garage to grant discounts to seniors, disabled people, low-income households, and people from equity priority neighborhoods. More people from all corners will be able to visit the park and its attractions.

Proposition N makes our park spaces safer by reducing the need for drivers to circle for street parking, where they can conflict with other drivers and park users. Garage users can reach the entrance directly from Fulton Street, or from Lincoln Way through MLK Drive.

Vote Yes on Prop N for access and safety.

SF YIMBY

GrowSF

Streets for People

Urban Environmentalists

Northern Neighbors

Grow the Richmond

Southside Forward

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Yes on Prop N, Committee for Accessibility & Reduced Traffic Congestion.

The sole contributor to the true source recipient committee: A San Francisco for All of Us.

End of Paid Arguments IN FAVOR of Proposition N

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Paid Arguments Against Proposition N

No Paid Arguments AGAINST Proposition N Were Submitted

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Legal Text

Ordinance amending the Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act of 1998 (“Proposition J”) to state that the City may use public funds to acquire, operate, or subsidize public parking in the Golden Gate Park Concourse Underground Parking Facility (“Parking Facility”); directing the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority (“Concourse Authority”) to commence dissolution proceedings; and, upon said dissolution, transferring jurisdiction of the Parking Facility and certain other property from the Concourse Authority to the Recreation and Park Department, repealing Proposition J in its entirety, and deleting references to the Concourse Authority from the Municipal Code.

NOTE: Unchanged Code text and uncodified text are in plain font.

Additions to Codes are in single-underline italics Times New Roman font.

Deletions to Codes are in strikethrough italics Times New Roman font.

Asterisks (* * * *) indicate the omission of unchanged Code subsections or parts of tables.

Be it ordained by the People of the City and County of San Francisco:

Section 1. Background.

(a) On June 2, 1998, San Francisco voters adopted Proposition J, the Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act of 1998. Proposition J authorized the creation of the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority (the “Authority”), a non-profit public benefit corporation, that would have the power to (1) construct a parking facility (the “Garage”) under the Music Concourse (the “Concourse”) at Golden Gate Park using only private funds, and then to operate the Garage, (2) improve the Concourse surface area, and (3) study and recommend traffic and transit infrastructure plans for Golden Gate Park. In addition, Proposition J authorized the Board of Supervisors to set aside property in or near the Concourse for the Garage and to place such property under the jurisdiction of the Authority, provided that upon dissolution of the Authority, jurisdiction would revert to the Recreation and Park Commission.

(b) On September 4, 1998, the City adopted Resolution No. 715-98, which set aside certain property in Golden Gate Park for the Garage and placed it under the Authority’s jurisdiction. On November 21, 2003, the City adopted Resolution No. 737-03, which placed additional property under the Authority’s jurisdiction and approved a 35-year ground lease (the “Lease”) between the Music Concourse Community Partnership (“MCCP”), as tenant, and the City, acting through the Authority and the Recreation and Park Department, as landlord. The Lease authorized MCCP to construct the Garage on the property at its own expense, and subject to certain budgetary approvals of the City, to use Garage revenues to pay off the debt it incurred to construct the Garage and ongoing operating costs. The MCCP continues to operate the Garage under the Lease, and the Recreation and Park Department has been performing the duties of the Authority as landlord.

(c) On May 7, 2022, following multiple hearings and extensive public comment, the City enacted Ordinance No. 74-22, which approved the Golden Gate Park Access and Safety Program (“the Program”). The Program builds on traffic and infrastructure recommendations of the Authority in furtherance of Proposition J, and comprises a series of proposals intended to improve traffic safety and expand public access to the Park. Recognizing the key role of the Garage in these efforts, the Board of Supervisors in Ordinance No. 74-22 urged the Recreation and Park Department to work with the MCCP, as well as with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the Mayor’s Office on Disability, the Fine Arts Museums, and other stakeholders, to increase usage of the Garage, which has been underutilized in recent years.

(d) As an interim step towards these efforts, it is appropriate to amend Section 7 of Proposition J, to clarify that the prohibition against using public funds to construct the Garage does not restrict the City from using public funds on the Garage now that the Garage is fully constructed, notwithstanding the Lease and MCCP’s outstanding construction debt. The purpose of this amendment is to allow the City to consider measures such as acquiring the Garage from MCCP; assisting further with Garage operations; and/or subsidizing public parking at the Garage. But in clarifying the ability of the City to use public funds for such purposes, this measure does not approve any specific action by the City at this time. Any future approvals shall be subject to all applicable laws, including without limitation the California Environmental Quality Act and the City’s Charter.

(e) Separate and distinct from allowing the use of City funds on the Garage, it is also appropriate for the Authority to commence dissolution proceedings. The Authority no longer holds regular meetings, and Section 3 of Proposition J contemplated the eventual dissolution of the Authority, and the key purposes of Proposition J have been fully achieved: the Garage was constructed in 2006, the original surface improvements to the Concourse have been completed, and the Authority has issued traffic and transit infrastructure plans for Golden Gate Park. Dissolving the Authority will allow the Garage and real property previously set aside for the Authority to return to the jurisdiction of the Recreation and Park Commission, so that the Recreation and Park Department may assume a greater role in managing the Garage in order to promote safety, accessibility, and mobility in the Park.

(f) Upon dissolution of the Authority, Proposition J and the various references to the Authority that appear in the Municipal Code would be repealed. Nevertheless, this ordinance does not diminish the core principles of Proposition J. Rather, the People of the City and County of San Francisco reaffirm their commitment to those principles, namely, that (1) Golden Gate Park should be safe and accessible for all, scenically beautiful, environmentally sensitive, and culturally diverse; (2) the City should reduce the impact of automobiles in Golden Gate Park while still providing long-term assurance of safe, reliable, and convenient access for visitors to the Park, including visitors to its cultural institutions; (3) net Garage revenues in excess of what is needed for the Garage should be used for the operation, maintenance, improvement, or enhancement of Golden Gate Park; and (4) the City should not grant any free parking, discounts, or other preferences for parking in the Garage to any officials, commissioners, directors, or employees of the City or any of the institutions located in Golden Gate Park unless such preference is made available on the same terms to members of the public.

Section 2. The Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act of 1998, the link to which appears at the Appendix at the end of the Administrative Code, is hereby amended by revising Section 7, to read as follows:

Section 7. [Construction and Operation of the Underground Parking Facility; Concourse Surface Improvements]

The Authority shall construct or cause the Underground Parking Facility to be constructed with private funds. It is intended that such funds be received by the Authority, on behalf of the City, as one or more philanthropic gifts. No public funds shall be used in the construction of the Underground Parking Facility, except as follows. The Authority may enter into agreements with the de Young Museum, Academy of Sciences, and/or the City and County, to coordinate the construction of the Underground Parking Facility with the construction projects relating to the facilities for those cultural institutions that may involve City funds, on such terms and conditions as the Authority and such affected parties may agree, if such coordination would result in cost savings to the City and County associated with such other projects. In addition, the prohibition against the use of public funds to construct the Underground Parking Facility shall not be construed to prohibit the City from using public funds to acquire, operate, or subsidize public parking in the Underground Parking Facility.

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Section 3. Dissolution of Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority; Jurisdictional Transfer to Recreation and Park Commission.

(a) The People of the City and County of San Francisco hereby direct the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority Board of Directors to take all actions necessary to dissolve the Authority pursuant to state law. The General Manager of the Recreation and Park Department (the “General Manager”), or the General Manager’s designee, may assist with the dissolution process as the Authority and the General Manager deem appropriate.

(b) Consistent with Section 3 of Proposition J, upon dissolution of the Authority, jurisdiction of the Garage and the real property previously set aside for the Authority in Resolution Nos. 715-98 and 737-03 shall transfer to the Recreation and Park Commission; and the Recreation and Park Department shall succeed to the role of the Authority as landlord under the Lease with the MCCP. The General Manager may enter into any modifications or amendments to the Lease, including to any of its exhibits, that the General Manager determines, in consultation with the City Attorney, are necessary or advisable to memorialize the dissolution and jurisdictional transfer, and are in the best interests of the City, do not materially increase the obligations or liabilities of the City, and are in compliance with all applicable laws, including the City’s Charter. The Recreation and Park Department is also authorized to accept and expend all assets of the Authority that may remain after the Authority has paid or adequately provided for all of its debts, obligations, and liabilities pursuant to the dissolution process.

(c) Upon dissolution of the Authority, the General Manager shall notify the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and the City Attorney of the dissolution, in writing. The City Attorney shall then ensure that the Municipal Code incorporates the amendments specified in Sections 5, 6, and 7 of this ordinance.

Section 4. Repeal of The Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act of 1998. Upon dissolution of the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority pursuant to Section 3, the Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act of 1998 (“Proposition J”) shall be repealed in its entirety, by operation of this Section 4.

Section 5. Upon dissolution of the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority pursuant to Section 3, Chapter 16, Article XV, of the Administrative Code shall be amended by revising Section 16.700, by operation of this Section 5, to read as follows:

SEC. 16.700. PARTICIPATION.

The following shall be eligible to participate in the Health Service System:

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(c) All members of the following boards and commissions during their time in service to the City and County of San Francisco:

(1) Access Appeals Commission

(2) Airport Commission

(3) Art Commission

(4) Asian Art Commission

(5) Board of Education

(6) Board of Appeals

(7) Building Inspection Commission

(8) Civil Service Commission

(9) Commission on the Aging

(10) Commission on the Environment

(11) Commission on the Status of Women

(12) Community College District Governing Board

(13) Concourse Authority

(14) Elections Commission

(15) Entertainment Commission

(16) Ethics Commission

(17) Fine Arts Museums Board of Trustees

(18) Fire Commission

(19) Film and Video Arts Commission

(20) First Five Commission

(21) Health Commission

(22) Health Service Board

(23) Human Rights Commission

(24) Human Services Commission

(25) Juvenile Probation Commission

(26) Law Library Board of Trustees

(27) Library Commission

(28) Municipal Transportation Authority

(29) Planning Commission

(30) Police Commission

(31) Port Commission

(32) Public Utilities Commission

(33) Recreation and Parks Commission

(34) Public Works Commission

(35) Residential Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Board

(36) Retiree Health Care Trust Fund Board

(37) Retirement Board

(38) Sanitation and Streets Commission

(39) Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board

(40) Small Business Commission

(41) Sunshine Ordinance Task Force

(42) War Memorial and Performing Arts Center Board

(43) Youth Commission

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Section 6. Upon dissolution of the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority pursuant to Section 3, Article III, Chapter 1, of the Campaign and Government Conduct Code shall be amended by revising Section 3.1-103 and deleting 3.1-255, by operation of this Section 6, to read as follows:

SEC. 3.1-103. FILING OFFICERS.

Persons holding designated positions shall file the specified statements, declarations, and certificates with the filing officers designated in this Section.

(a) MEMBERS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.

(1) Members of the following boards and commissions shall file their Form 700 Statements of Economic Interests, Sunshine Ordinance Declarations, and Certificates of Ethics Training with the Ethics Commission:

* * * *

Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority Board of Directors

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(b) DEPARTMENT HEADS.

(1) The following department heads of City agencies shall file their Form 700 Statements of Economic Interests, Sunshine Ordinance Declarations, and Certificates of Ethics Training with the Ethics Commission:

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Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority, Chief Executive Officer

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SEC. 3.1-255. GOLDEN GATE PARK CONCOURSE AUTHORITY.

*Designated Positions*	*Disclosure Categories*
Directors	1
Chief Executive Officer	1

Section 7. Upon dissolution of the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority pursuant to Section 3, the Park Code shall be amended by revising Sections 6.12 and 12.35, by operation of this Section 7, to read as follows:

SEC. 6.12. GOLDEN GATE PARK ACCESS AND SAFETY PROGRAM.

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(e) Disability Access Standards. The following disability access standards shall apply to the closures of John F. Kennedy Drive and related roads as set forth in subsection (b).

(1) Disability access to Golden Gate Park shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act of 1998.

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(3) The Department, in consultation with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, Fine Arts Museums, California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority, and Mayor’s Office on Disability, shall maintain at least the following disability access measures:

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SEC. 12.35. GOLDEN GATE PARK CONCOURSE UNDERGROUND PARKING FACILITY.

(a) The rates to be charged for parking in the Golden Gate Park Underground Parking Facility may be set by the SFMTA in accordance with Section 6.14. Until such time as the SFMTA has set rates with approval of the Recreation and Park Commission and the Board of Supervisors, the rates, which are subject to annual adjustment under Section 12.20, shall continue to apply:

	Each hour	Maximum
Weekdays	$4.50	$25.00
Weekends	$5.00	$28.00
Flat Rate After 6:00 p.m.		$15.00
Monthly Rate (daytime)		$200.00

(b) The deposit and expenditure of all amounts collected from this facility are subject to the provisions of the “Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act of 1998,” Appendix 41 of the Administrative Code.

Section 8. Effective and Operative Dates.

(a) In accordance with Section 380 of the Municipal Election Code, the effective date of this ordinance shall be 10 days after the date the official vote count is declared by the Board of Supervisors.

(b) Sections 1, 2, and 3(a) of this ordinance shall be operative on the effective date of the ordinance.

(c) Sections 3(b), 3(c), 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this ordinance shall become operative upon dissolution of the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority.

Section 9. Scope of Ordinance. In enacting this ordinance, the People of the City and County of San Francisco intend to amend only those words, phrases, paragraphs, subsections, sections, articles, numbers, punctuation marks, charts, diagrams, or any other constituent parts of the Municipal Code that are explicitly shown in this ordinance as additions or deletions, in accordance with the “Note” that appears under the official title of the ordinance.

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