San Francisco Proposes Major Housing Plan Amid Controversy

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The San Francisco Planning Department unveiled an ambitious plan Thursday to increase the city’s housing supply by raising height and density limits across various neighborhoods. The new proposal, which primarily targets the Westside, seeks to add tens of thousands of new homes in a bid to meet the state-mandated requirement of building 82,000 housing units by 2031.

Mayor Daniel Lurie, who has shifted from a campaign focused on public safety to a pro-development stance, acknowledged the political risks involved. His actions have garnered support from YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) groups, yet they may alienate local residents who oppose such developments. Much of the controversy stems from the differing views on urban development and density among San Francisco’s neighborhoods.

This upzoning initiative, initially introduced under former Mayor London Breed in 2023, aims to accommodate an additional 36,000 units in the city. Failing to meet state housing requirements could result in significant repercussions, including loss of local zoning control and potential litigation, as seen in Lafayette, which is currently being sued for noncompliance with state housing regulations.

According to planning documents, the proposed changes would increase height limits along key corridors: six to 25 stories on Polk Street, six to 49 stories on Geary Boulevard, and six to 65 stories on Van Ness Avenue. Moreover, residential areas across Districts 1, 4, 7, and 8 would experience “density decontrol,” allowing for an unlimited number of units as long as they comply with the new height restrictions.

In response to the proposal, neighborhood groups, including Neighborhoods United, have expressed their dissatisfaction, labeling the plan “excessive” and “unrealistic.” Lori Brooke, a representative from the coalition, warned that Lurie’s approach could lead to a backlash similar to what Breed experienced during her tenure. “London Breed lost because she embraced this agenda,” Brooke said. “The Lurie administration should take note.”

However, supporters of the plan, like District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar, view Lurie’s commitment to upzoning as an act of courage. “He gets it. Sometimes in politics, you do the right thing, even if some people who supported you may not fully agree with you,” Melgar stated.

In a public statement, Mayor Lurie emphasized the necessity of the plan, expressing the hope that San Francisco will “be a city with space for more families, more workers, and more dreams.” He further noted that the need for additional housing would ensure that future generations of San Franciscans could afford to live in the city.

As the discussion around the plan unfolds, it remains to be seen how local residents will react to these proposed changes and whether the city can navigate the delicate balance between development and community preferences.