San Francisco County's government meeting on July 4, 2025, saw significant discussions surrounding housing policy, particularly focusing on two key ordinances aimed at shaping the future of residential development in the city.
The first ordinance seeks to amend the planning code to exclude designated historic districts from the HOME SF program, which is designed to promote homeownership and equity. This move has sparked debate among supervisors, with Supervisor Peskin expressing support for the continuance of discussions on this matter, indicating ongoing research into its implications.
The second ordinance proposes allowing projects to qualify for a density bonus under the housing opportunities mean equity program, provided they adhere to rent increase limitations set by the rent ordinance. This change aims to modify zoning regulations for HOME SF projects, potentially increasing the availability of affordable housing.
During the meeting, public comments were solicited, with one speaker from the Housing Action Coalition expressing support for the second ordinance while opposing the first. The discussion highlighted the complexities of balancing historic preservation with the urgent need for affordable housing in San Francisco.
Following public input, the board moved to send both items to the full board with a positive recommendation, signaling a step forward in the legislative process. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting impacts on housing availability and preservation efforts in the city, as officials continue to navigate the challenges of urban development.