Residents criticize selection of Rich Hillis as San Francisco planning director at commission hearing

Scores of San Francisco residents and neighborhood advocates used the Planning Commission’s public‑comment period to criticize the selection of Rich Hillis as the city’s next planning director, saying the appointee lacks the qualifications community members sought and raising concerns about favoritism and oversight.

Several speakers, including George Wooding of the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods and public‑commenters who identified themselves as tenants and neighborhood group leaders, said the selection process failed to produce a candidate who meets the city’s stated equity and professional criteria. “Hillis was appointed planning director because he is a friend of the SF political establishment,” the coalition’s speaker said, urging the commission to demand clearer explanation and oversight.

Why it matters: The planning director supervises the department that prepares zoning, reviews major developments and implements neighborhood plans. Speakers warned that a director without planning or urban‑design credentials could steer the department toward pro‑development decisions they said would accelerate displacement and undermine equity goals.

What officials said: Planning Commission members accepted comments but noted the mayor’s appointment authority. Commissioners said they would continue to hold the department and any future director accountable and pressed staff about processes for checking qualifications and ensuring transparent selection.

Next steps: The remarks were entered into the public record. The commission did not vote on the appointment; oversight questions and requests for more information about the selection process were raised for staff and elected officials to address.