Endorsements of Current Issues

The Westside Family Democratic Club supports the “family zoning” plan put forward by Mayor Lurie and the Planning Department.

The state of California has demanded that cities build housing to address the state’s widespread housing shortage, including a requirement that San Francisco permit 82,000 new homes by 2031. Failure to do so would have dramatic consequences, including losses of critical funding and of our city’s ability to self-govern housing development. After accounting for homes already in the pipeline, this means we need to plan for 36,000 more homes. What’s more, we aren’t allowed to build those homes anywhere: the state is also demanding that this new development occur in what it calls “Housing Opportunity” areas that have built less housing historically. In our city, that means the west side.

The family zoning plan meets the state’s requirements in a thoughtful and well-designed way, by upzoning along transit and commercial corridors, and by removing density limits (allowing more homes per building). Unlike indiscriminate upzoning, this approach will contribute to thriving commercial districts and walkable communities, and will ensure that residents of newly built homes have access to public transit. Perhaps most importantly, this additional housing will make it easier for families to stay in San Francisco. Family zoning isn’t just about square footage: it’s about ensuring that the people of our city can continue to call it home.