SAN FRANCISCO, CA— At City Hall today, Assemblyman Mark Leno joined Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi and other elected officials, city representatives, affordable housing advocates and community activists to announce an agreement to increase affordability of housing for San Franciscans at 55 Laguna Street.

"Today the community can celebrate knowing that a collaborative effort has successfully addressed the pressing issues of LGBT senior services and critically needed affordable housing," said Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco). "I was pleased that our negotiations to secure a $2 million rent break on the property laid the foundation for the gains we made this week to allow the project to go forward."

The agreement, which will make at least 35% of the planned units affordable, is part of a deal struck with the UC that makes use of a $2 million decrease in rent negotiated last year by Leno. The project is being spearheaded by a collaboration that includes openhouse, a San Francisco based non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of LGBT seniors.

“Our community faces an immediate need for programs that are culturally competent and tailored to meet our unique and specific challenges,” said Leno. This generation of LGBT pioneers risked their jobs – and lives – by coming out early in our movement, and they deserve to live their golden years together in a loving and supportive environment where they can be themselves. I offer my thanks to Supervisor Mirkarimi, openhouse, AF Evans and many community leaders for working together to develop a plan that addresses these critical needs.”