Supervisor Safai proposes expanding SB 35 affordable housing provisions in San Francisco

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the ongoing challenges and strategies related to affordable housing in the region. A significant discussion centered around the impact of Senate Bill 35, enacted in 2017, which has streamlined the production of affordable housing projects.

Senate Bill 35 allows for the expedited approval of affordable housing developments, particularly those where at least half of the units are designated for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Officials noted that this legislation has not only facilitated the approval process for fully affordable projects in San Francisco but has also encouraged market-rate developers to incorporate affordable units into their plans, a trend that was previously uncommon.

During the meeting, there was a proposal to expand the provisions of SB 35 to include housing for slightly higher income brackets. Specifically, Supervisor Safai suggested lowering the income threshold from 140% to 120% of AMI. This adjustment aims to broaden the scope of affordable housing options available to residents, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for diverse housing solutions in the city.

The discussions highlighted the importance of continuing to adapt local housing policies to meet the evolving needs of the community. As San Francisco grapples with a housing crisis, these legislative measures are seen as crucial steps toward increasing the availability of affordable housing and addressing the needs of a wider range of income levels. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these proposals and their potential impact on the local housing landscape.