SF Housing Authority reports 71,000 wait‑list applications; lottery to add 24,000 names, updates on Sunnydale, Potrero and Plaza East

The San Francisco Housing Authority reported May 29 that its recent wait‑list opening drew about 71,000 applications over a two‑week period and that the authority will use a lottery to randomly draw 24,000 names to place on the RAD, PPV and public housing wait lists.

Chief Executive Officer Tanya Latitude told commissioners the wait‑list opening ran May 7–21 and produced "over 71,000 applications". She cautioned that "these are not unique applications," and said that within 30 days the authority will draw 24,000 names by lottery and place those names on the agency’s wait lists.

Why it matters: The volume of applications underscores demand for assisted housing in San Francisco and will shape referrals to properties and voucher programs. The authority said it intends to continue reviewing funding and programming options to expand housing access and noted the wait‑list total is the highest the agency has received in its history.

Operational updates and resident outreach

Latitude thanked the authority’s contractor CBR for handling the application period and said the agency is coordinating ongoing site work at several major developments. At Sunnydale and related Potrero legacy sites, Bell Properties has assumed management responsibilities; Latitude said early reports were positive and that management has met individually with residents to discuss ledger balances and relocations. She said daily walkthroughs continue and that demolition of Potrero Annex is anticipated in July 2025.

At Plaza East Development, Latitude said work has begun on vacant units and staff met May 27 with resident leaders to review progress. Residents raised concerns about contractors entering units and about the use of cameras to document conditions; Latitude said cameras have been used to document required repairs for bidding and to produce evidence of completed work, but that staff have a manual workaround for residents who do not want camera documentation.

The CEO said authority staff are coordinating with property management, contractors and resident services to protect privacy and maintain respectful entry procedures. She also thanked the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development and legal partners for assistance with demolition planning at Potrero.

Background and next steps

Latitude noted that the high application total reflects continued need for affordable housing in the city. The authority said it will run the lottery within 30 days of the application closing, notify those drawn, and continue to work with contractors and resident leaders on unit entries, rehabs and relocations. Staff indicated they will continue to review operational processes and report back to the commission where necessary.

No formal policy votes tied to these updates were held at this agenda item; staff described ongoing operational work and scheduled actions.