In a recent meeting, the San Francisco Planning Department provided an update on its housing element zoning program, known as Expanding Housing Choice. This initiative aims to address the city's pressing housing needs by developing new zoning strategies to meet state requirements for housing production. The meeting highlighted the importance of community engagement and the need for diverse housing options to accommodate various demographics, including seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities.

The department is working towards a final proposal by January 2024, as mandated by the mayor's Housing for All executive directive. This timeline is notably ahead of the state’s deadline, prompting some public concern regarding the feasibility of such an accelerated schedule. The proposal aims to create a minimum of 36,200 housing units in designated opportunity areas, focusing on mid-rise developments along transit routes and commercial streets.

Two zoning concept maps were presented, showcasing different configurations of height and density. The first concept spreads new housing more evenly across neighborhoods with slightly lower heights, while the second concentrates growth along major streets with taller buildings. Both concepts are designed to elicit community feedback, which will be incorporated into a revised scenario later this year.

The meeting also addressed the broader implications of the zoning changes, including the potential for enhancing neighborhood infrastructure and cultural heritage. The department is conducting technical analyses to assess the capacity for new housing under the proposed zoning and is exploring a local bonus program to incentivize development.

Community engagement has been a focal point of the initiative, with recent open houses attracting significant participation. Feedback from these events has revealed a strong desire for affordable housing, though opinions on increased density and height have varied among residents. The department plans to continue soliciting input through surveys and focus groups targeting specific populations.

As the city moves forward with this ambitious housing plan, the discussions underscore the critical balance between meeting housing demands and preserving the character of existing neighborhoods. The next steps will involve analyzing community feedback and refining the zoning proposal, with further opportunities for public involvement anticipated in the coming months.