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Planning director highlights preservation work as longtime planner Moses Courrette retires
Summary
Planning Director Sarah Dennis Phillips reviewed the department’s 2025 preservation accomplishments and announced staff expansions; commissioners presented a proclamation and gifts to Moses Courrette on his retirement after 26 years of preservation work.
At the Dec. 17 meeting the Planning Director summarized the Historic Preservation program’s accomplishments in 2025 and announced staffing additions to complete the citywide cultural resources survey, and the commission presented a proclamation honoring departing preservation planner Moses Courrette.
Sarah Dennis Phillips, Planning Director, listed major achievements including adoption of survey findings for the Richmond and Sunset neighborhood commercial districts, endorsement of preservation design standards, approval of landmark nominations (for example, 3400 Laguna Street and 800 Chestnut Street), and adoption of several historic context statements. Phillips said the department has hired a new manager for the citywide cultural resources survey, Natalia Fosse, and plans to add five full‑time staff to meet a three‑year timeline to complete the survey. "We are now, through your leadership, working with board members on proposed amendments to Article 10 and 11 so we can streamline and modernize our landmarking process," Phillips said.
Commissioners presented Moses Courrette with a proclamation and small gifts and thanked him for 26 years of preservation work, particularly on landmarks for underserved communities. Courrette said it had been an honor to "live and work and serve the city and county of San Francisco." The commission welcomed Courrette’s continued engagement as a community preservation advocate in retirement.
