San Francisco officials are grappling with the pressing issue of affordable housing, as highlighted in a recent government meeting. The discussion was sparked by a Wall Street Journal article that questioned the adequacy of the current housing supply in the U.S. and its implications for San Francisco, particularly in light of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers.

Commissioner George Shudisch emphasized that the housing crisis in San Francisco is primarily one of affordability, especially for low-income families. He pointed out that while building new housing is essential, preserving existing housing stock is equally critical. He noted that the current policies, particularly Section 317, which relates to housing preservation, have not been effectively implemented. This has led to a situation where existing affordable housing is at risk of being lost.

Shudisch urged the commission to take action by codifying policies that protect the residential flat configuration and preserve existing units. He highlighted that many housing entitlements in the city are being commodified, with both large and small projects facing challenges. This commodification has resulted in unoccupied housing and tenant buyouts, further exacerbating the crisis.

The meeting underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to address both the construction of new homes and the preservation of current ones. As San Francisco continues to navigate its housing challenges, the discussions from this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping future policies aimed at ensuring affordable housing for all residents.