The ordinance allows the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office to use a $3.4 million grant from the Crankstart Foundation to enhance its Immigration Defense Unit from March 2025 to March 2029. It also adds four new positions to support this effort, including three attorneys and one legal assistant.
Ordinance retroactively authorizing the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office to accept and expend a grant in the amount of $3,400,000 from the Crankstart Foundation to expand the capacity of the Immigration Defense Unit to meet the increased demand for immigration defense services for the period of March 1, 2025, through March 1, 2029; and amending the Annual Salary Ordinance No. 191-24 (Annual Salary Ordinance, File No. 240596 for Fiscal Years (FY) 2024-2025 and 2025-2026) to provide for the addition of four grant-funded positions, in Class 8177 Attorney (3 FTEs) and in Class 8173 Legal Assistant (1 FTE).
How it got here
The legislation originated from the San Francisco Public Defender's Office seeking funding to expand its Immigration Defense Unit in response to increased demand for immigration services.
The Public Defender's Office was awarded a $3,400,000 grant from the Crankstart Foundation to support the Immigration Defense Unit, aimed at addressing the anticipated increase in demand for immigration defense services.
The Public Defender's Office submitted a proposal detailing the need for the grant to enhance its Immigration Unit's capacity to provide legal representation and support for immigrants facing deportation.
The Mayor's Office submitted the proposed budget, including the request for the Public Defender's Office to accept and expend the grant, as part of the trailing legislation.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee recommended the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors, allowing the Public Defender's Office to accept and expend the grant.
The Board of Supervisors continued the ordinance on first reading, addressing concerns regarding the retroactive nature of the approval.
The Board of Supervisors finally passed the ordinance, authorizing the Public Defender's Office to accept and expend the grant.
The Mayor approved the ordinance, finalizing the authorization for the Public Defender's Office to utilize the grant funds.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
