UCSF Shares Progress for Community Benefits in First MOU Report
Annual Report Offers Update on Shared Community Investments for Parnassus Heights Revitalization
UC San Francisco has issued its first annual report on progress made in implementing the community benefits outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established by UCSF and the City and County of San Francisco as the University revitalizes its historic Parnassus Heights campus.
UCSF worked closely with community stakeholders during a two-year community engagement process to align the community investment opportunities. The report reflects the University’s ongoing investments in shared priorities with the City, community organizations and neighbors, including job creation, workforce development, transportation, housing and behavioral health.
The University will make these investments as part of its 30-year plan to transform its historic Parnassus Heights campus with state-of the-art facilities, including new research and education buildings as well as a new hospital at the UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center. The iconic new hospital will help address capacity limitations that force UCSF to turn away thousands of patients each year. The revitalized Parnassus Heights campus will strengthen UCSF’s ability to drive scientific breakthroughs, teach future health care leaders, and serve San Francisco’s health care needs for decades to come.
“The City and County of San Francisco and UCSF have a proud history of partnering to not only serve the health care needs of the City’s residents, but to create a stronger and more vibrant city,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “The investments moving forward under this agreement are a continuation of that shared vision and commitment. I want to recognize UCSF for continuing to work to meet key community priorities and strengthen our economic recovery as we emerge from this pandemic.”
I want to recognize UCSF for continuing to work to meet key community priorities and strengthen our economic recovery as we emerge from this pandemic.
UCSF estimates that it will create 4,000 permanent jobs over the course of the Parnassus Heights revitalization plan, as well as approximately 1,000 unionized construction jobs to build the new hospital alone. The University is also committed to expanding its EXCEL workforce training program and its CCOP/CityBuild partnership by investing a combined $5 million over the next 10 years.
“Our collaboration with San Francisco takes many forms, from providing complex care backed by pioneering research to improving the health of underserved and under-resourced communities,” said UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood. “This report reflects our work to invest in our shared priorities with the City, community organizations and neighbors, including housing, transportation, job creation, workforce development, mental health, environmental stewardship, and open space.”
Among other highlights, this MOU report cites UCSF’s recent progress in these community priorities:
Conservation, Stewardship and Open Space
Replanted more than 1,400 trees as part of our continued stewardship of the 61-acre Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve to ensure its health and safety.
Housing
Added 71 new housing units near its Mount Zion campus with an additional 230 units under construction. Over the course of the project, UCSF expects to build 1263 housing units.
Transportation
UCSF was selected as a “Best Workplace for Commuters” and received the “National Standard of Excellence Award” for its array of transportation options and related benefits for commuting employees and students. UCSF has committed $20 million to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to support transit improvements.
Mental and Behavioral Health Care Services
Launched the Community Health Advanced by Next Generation Efforts in San Francisco (CHANGE SF) pilot program in partnership with Mayor London Breed.
Science Education
During the 2020-21 school year, UCSF managed 11 outreach programs with activities that range from mentoring, academic instruction and enrichment, tutoring to internships.
UCSF’s continued investments in the priorities it shares with San Francisco will help the City and its diverse communities recover from the economic impacts and inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthen San Francisco for generations to come.