San Francisco proposes 2022 housing element update with focus on equity and growth

The San Francisco City Council has taken a significant step towards addressing the city's housing crisis with the introduction of the 2022 Housing Element Update. This update, which revises the 2014 housing plan, is notable for its focus on racial and social equity, aiming to create a more inclusive housing landscape for all residents.

The updated housing plan sets ambitious goals, targeting the addition of approximately 150,000 new housing units by 2050. This figure surpasses the previous target of 100,000 units outlined in the 2014 plan. The update is a response to state mandates requiring cities to develop sufficient housing to meet growing demands, and it emphasizes the importance of aligning housing growth with community values and resources.

Key to this update is a shift in the geographic distribution of housing development. The plan encourages growth in transit corridors and low-density residential areas, particularly in the western and northern parts of the city, which have historically seen less development. This approach aims to ensure that new housing is accessible and integrated into well-resourced neighborhoods.

While the housing element update does not directly authorize zoning changes or specific development projects, it lays the groundwork for future actions that could lead to the establishment of housing sustainability districts. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) accompanying the update anticipates that these changes will result in a gradual transformation of the city's housing landscape, with a focus on balancing new development with the preservation of San Francisco's cultural heritage.

However, the update is not without its challenges. The EIR identifies potential significant impacts on built environment historic resources, acknowledging that some existing structures may be altered or demolished to accommodate new housing. Mitigation measures are proposed to address these impacts, but the report concludes that some effects will be unavoidable.

In addition to the housing element update, the council discussed various alternatives to the proposed plan, including a preservation alternative that seeks to minimize impacts on historic resources while still meeting housing goals. This alternative would direct development away from areas with significant historic value, ensuring that the city's rich cultural heritage is respected even as new housing is built.

As San Francisco moves forward with this housing element update, the city aims to create a more equitable and sustainable future for its residents, addressing the pressing need for housing while honoring its historical and cultural identity. The council's decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the city's development over the coming decades, making it essential for residents to stay informed and engaged in the process.