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Residents and advocates press Planning Commission on qualities for next planning director
Summary
Dozens of residents, preservationists and community groups told the Planning Commission to prioritize equity, historic preservation and stronger public engagement as the city prepares to name a new planning director, urging clear criteria and staffing to implement state housing laws.
The San Francisco Planning Commission collected public input on Wednesday as it prepares qualifications to guide the search for the city’s next planning director.
Speakers from neighborhood groups, preservation organizations, labor and housing advocates urged commissioners to seek a director who can balance housing production with preservation, center racial equity and tenant protections, and strengthen interagency coordination and staff capacity. Carolyn Kennedy of the Dolores Heights Improvement Club told commissioners the new director should be “a politically savvy leader who can work with our Board of Supervisors and other elected officials,” while Mike Bueller of San Francisco Heritage emphasized accelerating a citywide historic‑resources survey and rehiring a preservation officer.
The exchange followed opening remarks by the commission that noted the department head will be chosen through a process in which the commission forwards three finalists to the mayor for selection. Commissioners and members of the public repeatedly referenced recent state legislation and the department’s ability to meet deadlines and implement requirements.
Public commenters recommended concrete qualifications including experience with participatory planning, measurable commitments to neighborhood stabilization and displacement mitigation, and operational reforms such as clearer staff reports and standardized project packages. Faith in Action Bay Area, Mission Economic Development Agency and other groups urged that affordable housing and anti‑displacement strategies be central to the selection criteria.
Commissioners said they would consolidate the comments for the department and human resources and incorporate them into the job description and recruitment schedule. Commissioner Fung urged a fast timeline to ensure overlap with the outgoing director, and the commission said it will work with HR on scheduling and will forward public comments to the department for consideration.
The commission did not take a formal vote on qualifications at the hearing. It asked staff to incorporate public feedback and return a draft job statement and schedule for approval and discussion in coming weeks.
