The San Francisco City Council meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on addressing the unique housing needs of the West Side, particularly in District 7. Supervisor Melgar highlighted the historical context of housing in the area, noting that past redlining practices have contributed to current housing disparities. She emphasized the rising housing prices that have made it increasingly difficult for middle-class families, such as teachers and nurses, to afford homes in the neighborhood.

The discussion revealed a generational shift in housing preferences, with younger residents favoring smaller, transit-accessible living spaces over traditional single-family homes. Additionally, many older residents are struggling to downsize due to a lack of available senior housing options in their communities. This has led to a mismatch between the existing housing stock and the needs of the current population.

To address these issues, Supervisor Melgar proposed a new initiative aimed at increasing housing density while respecting the character of the West Side. This initiative includes a "domesticity white paper" that outlines design principles and regulatory changes to facilitate the construction of multi-family housing, particularly on corner lots. The proposal aims to allow for increased height limits and density bonuses for developments that merge multiple lots, potentially adding thousands of new housing units.

Supervisor Ngardio supported Melgar's legislation, advocating for the return of six-story buildings reminiscent of the city’s architectural past. He argued that such developments could provide essential housing for families and seniors, while also supporting local businesses through increased foot traffic.

The meeting also addressed procedural changes to streamline the approval process for housing projects, including exemptions from certain development controls and the elimination of conditional use authorizations. These changes are intended to encourage more housing production in well-resourced neighborhoods.

The council acknowledged the need for further analysis and public input on the proposed amendments, particularly regarding height limits and density bonuses. The discussion underscored the urgency of addressing San Francisco's housing crisis, with officials expressing hope that the proposed legislation would pave the way for more inclusive and diverse housing options in the West Side neighborhoods.