Press Releases

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that a developer has been selected and plans will move forward for a 100% affordable housing development on the DMV lot at 1377 Fell Street. Assemblymember Ting and Supervisor Preston have been working with state officials since early 2023 to pivot the site to affordable housing. 

The plans announced today will include 372 affordable housing units built over 3 phases, and rebuild the Department of Motor Vehicles office on this 2.5 acre site. Project approvals, including environmental review for this development, will be managed by the Department of General Services, as this is state-owned land. The project will provide housing to serve residents with incomes at the 30% through 80% of Area Median Income. The project will be jointly developed by Related California and non-profit developer Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation. 

California becomes the second state behind Maryland where preferential treatment during the admissions process is no longer be considered at all of its public and private higher education institutions. Governor Newsom today signed AB 1780 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), which bans private universities and colleges within the state from favoring applicants whose family members are graduates of or are significant donors to the school. This unfair practice often results in a wealthier, less racially diverse student body. UCs, CSUs and community colleges already don’t look at alumni or philanthropic connections.

With the Governor’s signature today on AB 1777 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), autonomous vehicle (AV) companies are set to have clear guidelines in California when their driverless cars get into an accident or encounter first responders. The legislation authorizes law enforcement to take action when an AV violates the vehicle code, giving the DMV more information to adjust operational permits, based on repeated problems. It also enhances communication and safety tools emergency crews need to do their job in a timely manner. Ultimately, the first responders, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers will be better protected once this law is implemented.

People who walk or bike across six of California’s state-owned bridges, plus the Golden Gate Bridge, will no longer face the threat of a toll, thanks to the Governor’s signature today on AB 2669. The legislation by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) continues to keep these crossings free for pedestrians and cyclists to ensure equitable access to bridge use and encourages people to pursue climate friendly modes of transportation.

“Sidewalk tolls work against our goals to get folks out of their cars and choose cleaner options to their destinations. By keeping bridge crossings free for pedestrians and bicyclists, we help reduce carbon emissions and promote active lifestyles that are good for our health and environment. I thank the Governor for seeing the benefits of my bill,” said Ting.

New housing could play a big role in revitalizing Downtown San Francisco, now that Governor Gavin Newsom today signed AB 2488 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D- San Francisco). The bill uses tax incentives to entice developers into converting the area’s empty office and retail spaces into residences. 

“It’s time to bring downtown back to life. We have a housing shortage and an unprecedented amount of commercial properties for rent. It makes sense to repurpose under-utilized buildings and turn them into places to live. Tax incentives have been a proven mechanism in other cities to create now thriving, walkable, mixed-use communities. I want the same for San Francisco,” said Ting. 

As the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry grows, so must the need to improve road safety. The California State Legislature tonight approved AB 1777 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) to set clear guidelines on the use of driverless technology when accidents occur or first responders are encountered, and gives first responders communication and safety tools that don’t exist in the law. The legislation prioritizes public safety and aims to protect first responders, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.

“Permitted companies recently logged a record nine million test miles during a one year period. It’s clear that AVs will be soon be commonplace, and California needs to get ahead of that to ensure safety for all on our streets. My legislation prioritizes public safety without slowing innovation,” said Ting, who rode in an AV last year and found it safe.

California can make a bigger dent in reducing greenhouse gasses under a bill by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), which was sent to the Governor today after passing both the Senate and Assembly. AB 2401 modernizes California’s Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) program by expanding it statewide and making higher rebates available specifically for lower income, high-mileage drivers with older, high-polluting vehicles. Simply focusing on this small group of “superusers” – particularly in communities of color – could be pivotal in helping the state reach its climate goals.

New housing is seen as a way to bring downtown San Francisco back to life. The California Legislature today approved AB 2488 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D- San Francisco), which uses tax incentives to encourage the conversion of the area’s empty office and retail spaces into residences. 

“My bill can tackle two pressing issues at the same time: a local economy that needs a jumpstart and our housing shortage. Adapting under-utilized commercial properties for residential redevelopment opens the door to vibrant, walkable, mixed-use communities. This will transform downtown San Francisco,” said Ting. 

The California State Legislature prioritized fairness and equity among college applicants today by approving AB 1780 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). The legislation bans California private colleges and universities from giving preferential treatment to potential students whose family are alumni or significant donors to the school. This practice often results in a wealthier, less racially diverse student body.

“Equal opportunity is the name of the game here. Everyone should be considered fairly. Hard work, good grades and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in the incoming class – not the size of the check your family can write or who you’re related to,” said Ting. “If we value diversity in higher education, we must level the playing field. That means making the college application process more fair and equitable.”

With more budget deficits likely in the near future, state lawmakers today approved a measure to lower prison costs without risk to public safety. AB 2178 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) sets a threshold of how many empty beds California’s prison system can have, paving the way to consolidating – even closing – some facilities. Due to a declining prison population, there are currently 15,000 state prison beds not in use, incurring unnecessary staff and maintenance costs. That number is expected to grow to 19,000 by 2028.

“The surplus of beds is expensive. We’re maintaining them at taxpayer expense when schools, social safety net programs, transportation and other priorities are vulnerable to budget cuts. This is irresponsible, especially in light of foreseeable budget shortfalls. My legislation promotes fiscal responsibility, saving billions of dollars,” said Ting.