State gives crucial OK to SF’s plan to juice home building

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/joe-fitzgerald-rodriguez/">Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez</a> and <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/gabriel-greschler/">Gabe Greschler</a></span><time datetime="2025-09-11T18:20:30.235Z">Published Sep. 11, 2025 • 11:20am</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">California’s housing department has given a much-needed rubber stamp to Mayor Daniel Lurie’s <a data-post-id="d603a89a-ec31-4fc6-96a6-4a3a6af378d7" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/04/daniel-lurie-yimby-housing-rezoning-west-side/">plan to increase housing construction</a> in San Francisco. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">It’s wind under Lurie’s sails as his proposed “family zoning plan” hurtles toward a key vote Thursday afternoon before the San Francisco Planning Commission.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The upzoning effort is expected to pass, due in no small part to the political makeup of the commission, which is majority-held by members appointed by the mayor’s office. The commission's approval is needed to advance the plan to the Board of Supervisors. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"><div class="hidden relative left-1/2 right-1/2 -ml-[50vw] -mr-[50vw] w-screen"><p class="text-xxs text-[#ABA29C] py-xs mx-auto">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div class="overflow-hidden w-full mx-auto flex justify-center article-body max-w-[728px] max-h-[90px]"><broadstreet-zone keywords="politics" zone-id="180071" zone-instance-id=":R2cj536:"></broadstreet-zone></div></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Without the blessing of the state, which requires all cities to meet certain targets for building new housing, San Francisco risks losing local control of the approvals process for housing production. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The nod by the California Department of Housing and Community Development is a blow to some San Francisco progressives and housing preservationists who have asked for a slew of amendments to protect tenants and small businesses from displacement. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The state’s approval is preliminary — and tenuous if substantial changes are made to the zoning plan. Progressives are threatening a lawsuit should Lurie's plan not include substantial protections for tenants. But a housing expert said the letter from the state may offer significant legal protections for the city. </p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="San Francisco skyscrapers." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="1999" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S3840x2559-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S640x426-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S750x500-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S768x512-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S828x552-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S1024x682-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S1080x720-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S1200x800-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S1920x1279-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S2048x1365-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_jqckmele997r38ppnt9evdun6k/-S3840x2559-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 3000 1999'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="3000"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">The city must submit a final housing plan to the state by 2026. <span class="image-caption-divider"> | </span><span class="image-credit"><span class="sr-only">Source: </span>Justin Katigbak/The Standard</span></figcaption></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The California housing department found Lurie’s plan to be in “substantial compliance” with the state’s housing element law, a senior program manager wrote in a Sept. 9 letter to the San Francisco Planning Department. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“While preliminary, the notice from the state affirms that this rezoning package will deliver the housing we need to avoid losing local control,” Planning Director Sarah Dennis-Phillips said in a statement. “It’s important that we maintain state approval for the final adopted (new zoning plan) so San Francisco can stay on track to deliver the homes future generations need to afford to live here.” </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">By contrast, a coalition of more than 50 local groups called <a data-post-id="0fac4ba6-99c8-47c7-b4c7-7003d29f4e8e" href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/07/san-francisco-zoning-housing-element-united-neighborhoods/">Neighborhoods United SF</a> alleged this week that the zoning effort runs afoul of the city’s general plan. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“This plan would reshape San Francisco for generations without clear predictability on what gets built or where,” said Lori Brooke, cofounder of the coalition. “San Franciscans deserve full transparency about the land‑use decisions that will shape every neighborhood.” </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The preliminary state approval is a relief for the Planning Department and the mayor’s office. The new zoning maps, pending approval by the Board of Supervisors, must be in place by January. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The Lurie administration has taken its lumps for the plan, which would see the construction of taller housing on the west side, in the Sunset and Richmond districts, and north in the Marina district. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Those areas contain mostly single-family homes — and many residents like it that way. Lurie secured backing for his plan from the San Francisco Firefighters Union Local 798 and San Francisco Police Officers Association. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Lurie announced Thursday that he would accept proposed amendments from progressive Supervisor Myrna Melgar, and introduce some of his own, including early notifications for businesses when new housing project applications are filed, grants to assist businesses displaced by new construction, and height allowance bonuses for developers if they offer improvements that help businesses move in. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Cynthia Huie, president of the San Francisco Small Business Commission, praised the plan. </p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="A man in a dark suit, white shirt, and red tie is speaking at a wooden podium with a microphone, with an American flag and flowers nearby." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="5504" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S3840x2560-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S640x427-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S750x500-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S768x512-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S828x552-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S1024x683-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S1080x720-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S1200x800-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S1920x1280-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S2048x1365-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_g5khj1jfi57uj7erfegdjp8e5j/-S3840x2560-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 8256 5504'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="8256"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">Mayor Daniel Lurie has proposed a “family zoning plan” that just received key support from the state.<span class="image-caption-divider"> | </span><span class="image-credit"><span class="sr-only">Source: </span>Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“The family zoning plan is a thoughtful step to boost foot traffic, increase worker housing, and strengthen community connections — essentials for helping our businesses thrive and preserving the unique character of our city,” Huie said. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">At a neighborhood gathering Wednesday night, more than 80 residents packed into the Richmond Recreation Center on 18th Avenue. Their concerns were many. Will small businesses face displacement under the zoning plan? Will taller buildings create wind tunnels? Will towering high-rises erode neighborhood character? Will new housing be spacious enough for families? </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“Are we going to rely on market-rate developers to build what we need in terms of affordable housing?” asked Christin Evans, owner of The Booksmith on Haight Street, and a leader of the progressive group Small Business Forward. “They’re not even building now, because they’re waiting for market rates to decrease so they can make more profits.” </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">At the meeting, Supervisor Connie Chan, who represents the Richmond, told constituents they have to strike a balance between tempering “extreme upzoning” and running afoul of the state. If San Francisco doesn’t come together over a plan, “we will be in violation,” she said, “which is really a threat coming from the state saying, ‘If you don’t build it, we’ll build it for you.’ And all hell breaks loose.” </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Still, Chan said, “can we make that plan better? I most definitely think we can.” Chan submitted a letter to the Planning Commission Sept. 9 asking that it make numerous changes to the rezoning plan. She proposed boosting affordable family housing, tenant protections, historic preservation, prevailing wage and labor standards, and small business support, among other tweaks. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Chris Elmendorf, a UC Davis law professor and housing expert, said Chan’s edits could come into conflict with the state. In its letter of support to the city, the state housing department said its preliminary stamp of approval could be yanked if revisions include “potential constraints on development,” among other adjustments. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“Basically, everything [Chan is] asking for is in conflict with that letter,” said Elmendorf. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">He said the state’s letter provides some protection to the city against legal challenges that may try to stop the zoning plan from moving forward. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“It is always possible that a third party will bring a lawsuit,” said Elmendorf. “If a city is sued, it is very much to that city’s advantage to be able to point to a letter that the city has done all that it needs to do.”</p></div></div>

After delay, supervisors to review reparations plan


<p>This week, the Board of Supervisors will finally take a look at the city’s reparations proposal for Black residents, which attracted more heat than light when it was initially unveiled. The board will also hear an update on police reform efforts ahead of initial committee hearings on Mayor London Breed’s <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/political-turbulence-ahead-for-breeds-27m-police-overtime-bill/">police overtime funding proposal</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As always, wonks can check out the rest in this week’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/event/2023/bag031423_agenda">agenda</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-homelessness-commission-takes-shape">Homelessness Commission Takes Shape</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2500" height="1719" src="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-2500x1719.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137375" srcset="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-2500x1719.jpg 2500w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-300x206.jpg 300w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-768x528.jpg 768w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-1536x1056.jpg 1536w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-2048x1408.jpg 2048w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-650x447.jpg 650w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-370x254.jpg 370w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-800x550.jpg 800w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-450x309.jpg 450w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-185x127.jpg 185w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-740x509.jpg 740w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-20x14.jpg 20w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-400x275.jpg 400w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-1600x1100.jpg 1600w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-225x155.jpg 225w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-900x619.jpg 900w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_0313BOSPreview-70x48.jpg 70w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tech executive Vikrum D. Aiyer has withdrawn his application for a seta on the Homelessness Oversight Commission. | Yalonda M. James/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<p>On Monday, the board’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/event/2023/agenda/rls031323_agenda">Rules Committee</a> evaluates nominations for the new Homelessness Oversight Commission created by <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/wanting-more-from-tax-dollars-voters-poised-to-add-oversight-to-homelessness-department/">Proposition C</a>, approved by voters last November. Seven people need to be appointed to the body—four by Mayor London Breed, which are approved by the board, and three directly by the board.</p>



<p>The four mayoral appointees include:&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Sharky Laguana, former Small Business Commission president</li>



<li>Jonathan Butler, a researcher in family community medicine at UCSF</li>



<li>Katie Albright, the CEO of Safe and Sound, a national children and families advocacy group&nbsp;</li>



<li>Vikrum Aiyer, a tech executive and former Obama Administration official who <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/mayors-homeless-commission-vikrum-aiyer-unethical-behavior/">withdrew his name from consideration</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p>Aiyer’s nomination drew scrutiny due to <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-homeless-commission-vikrum-aiyer-expenses-education-history/">ethical missteps he made while at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a>, filing false expense reports and <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/mayors-homelessness-pick-vikrum-aiyer-burned-bridges-federal-agency/">misrepresenting his academic credentials</a>. After initially defending himself, pinning the missteps on being a young government official, Aiyer withdrew Friday, outlining his position <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/vikrum-aiyer-san-francisco-homelessness-commission-17832713.php">in a San Francisco Chronicle column</a>. </p>



<p>On Monday, the committee voted to recommend Laguana, Butler and Albright to the full board. A replacement nomination for Aiyer is forthcoming from the mayor&#8217;s office.</p>



<p>The committee also recommended BART Director and former Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Booksmith proprietor and activist Cristin Evans, and Joaquin Whit Guerrero, a Conflict Navigator at the California State Bar, to fill the remaining seats.</p>



<p>The full board will vote on the recommendations later this month.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supervisors-hear-reparations-plan">Supervisors Hear Reparations Plan&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="8192" height="5464" src="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED01_reparations02032023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122154" srcset="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED01_reparations02032023.jpg 8192w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED01_reparations02032023.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED01_reparations02032023.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED01_reparations02032023.jpg?resize=2500,1667 2500w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED01_reparations02032023.jpg?resize=1536,1025 1536w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED01_reparations02032023.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 8192px) 100vw, 8192px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Shamann Walton speaks at the opening of the new Lucky Bayview grocery store in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2022. | Mike Kuba/The Standard</figcaption></figure>



<p>The top-line item at Tuesday’s full board meeting is a special order hearing on the draft <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/video/san-franciscos-reparations-proposal-explained/">San Francisco Reparations Plan</a> at 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Produced by the African American Reparations Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Commission, the <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/HRC%20Reparations%20Report.pdf">draft plan</a> includes multiple proposals of compensation for Black San Franciscans who meet specific criteria.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recommendations range from debt relief to affordable housing assistance to a $5 million lump-sum payment for each qualifying Black resident. That last proposal sparked significant controversy in the national press.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The $5 million payments idea is just one option and has been described as <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/will-san-franciscos-case-for-reparations-light-the-match/">an anchor in negotiations</a> over more realistic plans to provide relevant investments and services to reverse the effects of historical inequality and discrimination against Black residents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A reparations policy <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-supervisors-to-hear-reparations-plan-feb-7-black-residents/">enacted in Evanston, Illinois, in 2019</a>, the first in the nation to be implemented, set aside $10 million to be spent over 10 years on a number of initiatives, beginning with $25,000 grants for housing assistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The board’s hearing was postponed for a month when its chief sponsor, District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton, experienced travel delays on his return from <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-fix-breeds-resignation-gate-get-earful-on-delayed-reparations-hearing/">a birthday trip to Colombia</a>. The postponement was criticized by stakeholders <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-fix-breeds-resignation-gate-get-earful-on-delayed-reparations-hearing/">at a Feb. 7 board meeting</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-work-resolution-up-again-maybe">Sex Work Resolution Up Again, Maybe</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2500" height="1667" src="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137400" srcset="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg-2500x1667.jpg 2500w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg-650x433.jpg 650w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg-370x247.jpg 370w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg...

He survived the ‘knife fight’ of SF politics. What’s Sharky Laguana’s next act?


<p>Sharky Laguana used to be one of the scores of San Franciscans who couldn’t name his district supervisor. During the pandemic, however, he became a household name in local political circles for his outspoken advocacy for small business—and plenty of other issues—as president of the Small Business Commission.</p>



<p>A founding member of indie rock band Creeper Lagoon who spent time sleeping on the streets after arriving in San Francisco as a teenager, Laguana’s foray into local politics came after he started his Bandago van rental company. As his tenure on the commission came to a close this week, we checked in with Laguana as he charts his next act.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-would-you-judge-where-we-re-at-politically-in-san-francisco-as-we-move-out-of-the-pandemic">How would you judge where we’re at politically in San Francisco as we move out of the pandemic?&nbsp;</h2>



<p><strong>Sharky Laguana:</strong> My reading on the current political winds is that I would caution moderates against reading too much and progressives into not reading enough.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Fundamentally, what it comes down to are these issues we are struggling with—whether it is housing, public safety or small business health—they are real day-to-day problems, and they deserve serious conversation, not just using these issues as a political football.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The little aphorism that San Francisco politics is a “knife fight in a phone booth” leaves out that everyone gets stabbed and you can still stab someone else while you’re bleeding out.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Has four years of being in the phone booth changed your opinion on what it means to be effective in San Francisco politics?</h2>



<p>I’ve tried to make my stances about policy, not personality. I went into it with that mindset, and I’m coming out of it with that mindset.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I see three main classes in the political spheres. You have activists who are trying to make something specific happen, you have representatives mainly interested in representing the constituents and then you have trustees who found their way into public service by virtue of exercising judgment. There does need to be somebody working on bringing people together, who is willing to find ways to balance competing concerns and to work toward solutions that help the city as a whole.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I never thought of myself as being somebody in that category, but that seemed to be a hole in the market. I think I was naturally inclined; I was in a band, and nothing is more difficult than getting people aligned around a common artistic vision.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Isn’t that a somewhat naive view on how politics works?</h2>



<p>The burden falls on leaders to be role models for what good governance looks like.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I think it’s a copout to say that the idea of talking about issues and trying to find common ground is naive. I don’t think common ground will always be found, and I&#8217;m not naive to think it&#8217;s always a requirement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sometimes hard decisions have to be made, and causes need their champions. But also: This isn&#8217;t World War II. It&#8217;s not life-and-death, and we’re not facing down a mortar round. So we should temper our discourse and make it commensurate with the actual scale of what we&#8217;re dealing with.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">That filters through to your social media persona, which is more wonky than flamethrowing. </h2>



<p>That comes from many years of managing my band’s message board, which had a lot of different opinions, but where it was in my interest to have everybody remain a fan. If people come to a good-faith opinion based on a reasoned analysis—even if I disagree with the analysis—I don&#8217;t see where I can stand on a horse high enough to be to judge somebody for who they are, and how they came to think about things in the way that they did.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Do you plan on taking a more active role in local politics? </h2>



<p>My working assumption is I&#8217;m wrong until I&#8217;m proven right. But of course, you’ve got to put out some sort of thesis to get the conversation started. I think I got enough affirmation in my experience with that process that I am interested in tackling some tougher issues, some harder problems. We&#8217;ll see how the pieces fall together. But I&#8217;m not going to make any announcements right here, right now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What do you feel you didn’t have a chance to achieve at the commission? </h2>



<p>I really wanted a text-based system that would notify specific business groups if they had legislation or policies being considered, but the pandemic kind of knocked me off my quest to get that done.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Going forward, the [<a href="https://sf.gov/information/understanding-health-care-security-ordinance">Health Care Security Ordinance</a>] is in desperate need of reform. I think it&#8217;s outrageous that <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Health+Care+Security+Ordinance+mission+local&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;oq=Health+Care+Security+Ordinance+mission+local&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l3.2566j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">$180 million is going</a> to be going into the general fund that came straight out of small businesses. Look at how slowly small business in San Francisco has come back—we&#8217;re way behind anywhere else in the country. Frankly, that&#8217;s an indictment on me as well. I did everything I possibly could, but the fact remains small business is not healthy and it&#8217;s not where it should be.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We continue to have this legacy of laws that were basically created to address inequities where small businesses became collateral damage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How did you use your position to make it easier to be a small business in the city?</h2>



<p>During the pandemic, we were able to get a lot done. There’s probably more that’s happened over the last couple years than the previous 15-20 years combined, like what we did with parklets, streamlining permitting through Prop. H, and the graffiti abatement program.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But we lost some battles, legislation was passed that succeeded in making things a little bit harder for small business, even post-pandemic, through new reporting and monitoring requirements and things like that.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When I think about a metaphor for small business policy in San Francisco I think about the <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/transportation/van-ness-brt-bus-rapid-transit-history-timeline/">Van Ness bus project</a>, where it was difficult to change anything because of decades of infrastructure. </h2>



<p>I think it&#8217;s a great analogy. There&#8217;s a lot of infrastructure under there, and when we opened up the streets, it suddenly became a lot more complicated because we couldn&#8217;t tell what any of that shit was doing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We have to find a way to streamline legislation,&nbsp;the planning code and what it takes to open and operate a business. There is a complexity cost, and sometimes the complexity cost is higher than the cost of the ill that we were trying to solve for. Even if you&#8217;re for X, Y, Z ordinance I think, you know, deep down in your gut, there can&#8217;t be an ordinance for every last thing under the sun. We can&#8217;t burden everybody with having to fill out 80 forms in triplicate just to be able to open a lemonade stand.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">You end <a href="https://the-fun-police.captivate.fm/">your podcast</a> with a segment called One Fun Idea, so what’s your favorite fun idea to improve San Francisco? </h2>



<p>On a recent episode, I was talking about converting some of this vacant office space into music rehearsal studios. At one point, we were talking about a giant slide from the Embarcadero into the bay.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But in terms of what’s less pie-in-the-sky, I’m thinking we could really make an effort to make parklets architecturally significant, filtered through San Francisco culture. Like in the Mission, you could have incredible Day of the Dead parklets, or in SoMa, it could be a leather vibe or a Burning Man theme with giant naked ladies made out of wire. This could be something that could be built to last.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What if we could become the parklet capital of the world? Parklets <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=pakrlet+invented+in+san+francisco&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;oq=pakrlet+invented+in+san&amp;aqs=chrome.1.69i57j33i10i160l2.4418j1j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">were invented here</a>, so what if you pump that original idea full of steroids or molly or LSD and really take it to the next level?</p>


Supervisors confront housing plan, $728M budget shortfall


<p>Housing will be top of mind at the Board of Supervisors this week as it takes its first vote on a sweeping new plan designed to make room for 82,000 new housing units over the next eight years. Meanwhile, the budget committee mulls <strong>Mayor London Breed’s</strong> budget instructions for what looks to be a difficult fiscal year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-housing-element">Housing Element</h2>



<p>The board will take a first vote on San Francisco’s eight-year housing framework, called the Housing Element, at Tuesday’s board meeting.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It’s been a long and contentious road to this point, with some supervisors brought to this point <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/housing-development/city-leaders-scrutinize-new-housing-plan-one-calling-it-futile/">kicking and screaming</a>. Some have voiced doubts about the practicality of the proposal and will likely make their opinions known as the city looks toward implementing new <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/housing-development/state-housing-probe-begins-as-sf-races-to-meet-key-deadline/">zoning and other changes</a>.</p>



<p>The Housing Element was amended to comply with expectations from Sacramento that the city carry more of the region&#8217;s housing burden, with a goal of adding roughly 10,000 new units per year—well above the city’s current pace. The <strong>Planning Commission</strong> approved the plan <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/housing-development/san-francisco-looks-headed-for-state-housing-approvals-if-city-leaders-sign-off-on-new-plan/">on Dec. 15</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>San Francisco is under the gun to approve the Housing Element by Jan. 31, which means&nbsp;supervisors must approve it this week, followed by a “second reading” vote next week, so it will be ready for <strong>Mayor London Breed’s</strong> signature by the end of the month.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The plan, which includes <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/housing-development/state-housing-probe-begins-as-sf-races-to-meet-key-deadline/">major zoning changes and a review of existing constraints on development</a>, has received preliminary approval from the state’s <strong>Department of Housing and Community Development</strong>.</p>



<p>Approving the Housing Element doesn’t necessarily get the city out of the woodshed, however: There will likely be more back-and-forth about whether the city can meet its goals without help from the state and federal governments. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hopes-for-dmv-housing">Hopes for DMV Housing</h2>



<p>Dealing with the Department of Motor Vehicles tends to inspire dread. But <strong>Supervisor Dean Preston</strong> hopes the agency can help out the city with housing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The board will also be voting Tuesday on Preston’s resolution calling on the agency to include affordable units in its plans to build housing at its new Fell Street field office.</p>



<p>The agency has been planning on building the new digs for a while now, and has considered including up to 400 units of affordable housing. Both Preston and <strong>Assemblymember Phil Ting</strong> <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-s-latest-plan-for-affordable-housing-On-17700494.php">have lobbied the agency</a> to stay the course with the housing plans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The eternal question, however, is whether such a project can “pencil.” <a href="https://localnewsmatters.org/2022/11/18/a-no-brainer-sf-supervisor-proposes-dmv-parking-lot-be-turned-into-affordable-housing/">Back in 2008</a>, the DMV contracted with local developer <strong>BUILD</strong>, which has a number of projects on the burner including the One Oak tower at Van Ness, to develop the site. It didn’t work out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-budgets-and-backroom-politics">Budgets and Backroom Politics</h2>



<p>San Francisco heads into a new stage of its <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/explainer-how-sf-hammers-out-its-27-8-billion-two-year-budget/">budget process</a> this week, with commissions reviewing draft budgets and the Supervisors’ budget committee meeting Wednesday to discuss <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/Mayor%27s%20Budget%20Instructions%20FY%2023-24%20FY%2024-25.pdf">the mayor’s instructions</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Breed’s budget outlook doesn’t look great: The city is projecting a two-year deficit of $728 million (or worse) as empty Downtown offices drag down revenue. The mayor’s budget instructions aim to close that yawning deficit while tackling homelessness, overdoses and the slumping economy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meanwhile, departments are figuring out how to dilute the pain. The <strong><a href="https://sf-fire.org/media/2697/download?inline">Fire Commission</a>, <a href="https://sf.gov/meeting/january-23-2023/january-23-2023-small-business-commission-meeting">Small Business Commission</a></strong> and others are expected to discuss draft budgets for departments this week.&nbsp;</p>



<p>City Hall insiders expect <strong>Supervisor</strong> <strong>Connie Chan</strong> to be named budget chair in new committee assignments due to be announced this week. The supervisors’ budget chair plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s final budget.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A disagreement over who should serve as budget chair—fellow budget committee member Supervisor <strong>Ahsha Safaí</strong> was also reportedly seeking the gig—contributed to the supervisors’ lengthy impasse in electing a board president, according to sources. In a surprise vote, District 3 Supervisor <strong>Aaron Peskin</strong> won the presidency <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/in-shock-vote-peskin-elected-board-president-after-17-ballots/">after 17 rounds of voting</a>.&nbsp;</p>


The Small Business Commission advocates for policies benefiting small businesses in San Francisco. It evaluates legislation affecting small businesses and communicates recommendations to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors. It ensures equitable support and protection for the city's diverse small business community.

Small Business Commission

Miriam Zouzounis

William Ortiz-Cartagena

Cynthia Huie

Lawanda Dickerson

Small Business Commission Commissioner 2

Small Business Commission Commissioner 4

Small Business Commission Commissioner 7

Asian Art Museum

Office of the City Administrator

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Airport

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SF Civil Grand Jury

The Abatement Appeals Board provides a final review process for City permitting decisions. It ensures fair and efficient adjudication of permit-related disputes before an impartial panel. The board holds authority to make binding decisions on appeals concerning notices of abatement.

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The Access Appeals Commission provides final reviews for a wide range of City permitting decisions. It ensures an efficient, fair, and expeditious permit issuance process through an impartial panel. The commission holds authority to make binding decisions on appeals related to City permits.

Access Appeals Commission

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The Adult Day Health Care Planning Council advises on the development and improvement of adult day health care services. It provides expertise in healthcare planning, policy recommendations, and program evaluation. Key responsibilities include assessing community needs and advising on service delivery enhancements.

Adult Day Health Care Planning Council

Adult Probation Department supervises individuals on probation and facilitates their reintegration into the community. It provides reentry and rehabilitative services, including victim restitution and financial assistance for crime victims. The department values public safety, offender rehabilitation, and community partnerships.

Cristel Tullock

The Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Crafts Examiners evaluates arts and crafts applicants and monitors program compliance. It conducts studio visits and public screenings to ensure adherence to established criteria. Members also revise program criteria and undertake additional tasks as needed.

Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Crafts Examiners

The Advisory Council on Human Rights advises on anti-discrimination laws and racial equity initiatives. It provides expertise on reparations and public policy impacts on Black communities. It guides efforts to establish partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities in San Francisco.

Advisory Council on Human Rights

San Francisco Airport manages air traffic operations and ensures safe aircraft movement. It provides parking facilities and maintains airport infrastructure to accommodate travelers and staff. The department oversees ground transportation and coordinates with airlines for efficient passenger services.

Mike Nakornkhet

The Airport Commission oversees policy and strategic planning for San Francisco International Airport. It makes key decisions on airport development projects and financial management. It ensures compliance with regulations and collaborates on initiatives like terminal naming.

Airport Commission

Airport Commission Commissioner 1

Malcolm Yeung

Jose F. Almanza

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Airport Director

Animal Care and Control Department manages animal sheltering, adoption, and emergency response services. It enforces animal-related laws and regulations, ensuring the humane treatment and safety of animals. The department also provides public education on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

Animal Care and Control Department

Virginia Donohue

Animal Care and Control Department, Director

The San Francisco Arts Commission oversees the integration of arts into city life and ensures public access to cultural experiences. It makes decisions on public art programs and allocates grants to support local artists and performances. The commission actively shapes policies affecting the arts ecosystem in San Francisco.

Arts Commission Commissioner 1

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Debra Walker

Suzanne Ferras

Jessica Rothschild

Seth Brenzel

JD Beltran

Marcus Shelby

J Riccardo Benavides

Nabiel Musleh

Charles (Chuck) Collins

Lydia So

Arts Commission Commissioner 15

San Francisco Arts Commission invests in a vibrant arts community and shapes cultural policy. It enlivens the urban environment through public art programs and supports diverse artistic expressions. The commission facilitates meetings and discussions to engage the community in cultural development.

Ralph Remington

Arts Commission, Director of Cultural Affairs

The Asian Art Commission determines policy and administers the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. It oversees museum operations and collaborates with the Asian Art Museum Foundation on fundraising efforts. Commissioners ensure the museum's strategic direction and financial sustainability.

Asian Art Commission

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Asian Art Commission Commissioner 27

Asian Art Museum showcases Asian art and culture through exhibitions and educational programs. It offers diverse collections and hosts special events to engage the community. The museum fosters cultural appreciation and understanding by providing access to its extensive art collections.

Dr. Soyoung Lee

Asian Art Museum, Director

The Assessment Appeals Board #1 hears property tax assessment appeals in San Francisco. It evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers and the Assessor to determine property values. The Board has the authority to make final decisions on assessments regardless of property type or value.

Assessment Appeals Board #1

Assessment Appeals Board #1 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #1 Commissioner 2

Richard Lee

Stephen Wasserman

Adena Gilbert

Paul Bellar

Quirina Mitchell

Hilary Winslow

The Assessment Appeals Board #2 adjudicates property tax assessment appeals for San Francisco taxpayers. It evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers and the Assessor to determine accurate property values. The Board exercises authority to render final decisions on residential properties and specific real estate assessments.

Assessment Appeals Board #2

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 2

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 3

Claire Ervin Lee

Louisa Mendoza

Joyce Lewis

Nicholas Goldman

Michelle Domingo

The Assessment Appeals Board #3 provides a platform for San Francisco taxpayers to contest property tax assessments. It conducts hearings where evidence from both taxpayers and the Assessor is evaluated. The Board makes binding decisions on property assessments based on presented evidence.

Assessment Appeals Board #3

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 1

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Marc Dickow

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Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 6

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Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 8

Assesses property, applies exemptions, collects transfer taxes, and records official documents.

Assessor-Recorder

Joaquín Torres

The Ballot Simplification Committee ensures voter materials are clear and understandable. It reviews and revises ballot language to accurately reflect propositions and measures. The committee advises on simplifying complex legal and technical terms for voter comprehension.

Ballot Simplification Committee

The Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee provides policy advice on planning and land use matters in Zone 2 of Bayview Hunter's Point. It offers expertise in land use policies, zoning issues, and urban development. The committee advises the Board of Supervisors, City Boards, and commissions on relevant projects and initiatives.

Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee

The Behavioral Health Commission advises on mental health policy implementation and quality service delivery. It reviews and advocates for effective mental health services, ensuring policies meet community needs. It educates stakeholders to integrate mental health considerations into broader health strategies.

Behavioral Health Commission