Planning department outlines SF Survey engagement framework; public asks for more outreach and clarity

Planning Department staff presented the SF Survey community engagement framework to the Historic Preservation Commission on May 15 as an informational briefing on a multi-year effort to identify and document cultural, historical and architectural resources across San Francisco.

Ashley Lindsay described the project’s goals: develop citywide historic context statements, conduct field surveys for tens of thousands of parcels, center racial and social equity, and expand community engagement through internships, neighborhood chats, community briefings and digital tools such as a community input dashboard. The presentation emphasized partnerships with community organizations and an iterative approach to incorporate first‑voice histories and intangible cultural heritage.

Several members of the public said they had not heard about the survey in their neighborhoods and requested more transparency and outreach. One commenter said, "I have been working with 40 neighborhood associations over the last 6 months. I have never heard about this survey or this program," and urged staff to meet with local groups and share files. Commissioners and staff acknowledged the long timeline of the project, noted that it began years ago and is phased by neighborhood and commercial district readiness, and offered to provide briefings and additional documentation on methodology and findings.

Staff said the framework is not up for formal adoption at this hearing and that it will continue to evolve with community input; they offered to schedule follow-up briefings to explain methodology and to share findings and the community input dashboard.