The San Francisco County government meeting on June 16, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding the city’s housing strategy, particularly the proposed rezoning plan aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis. Community members voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the potential negative impacts on affordable housing, small businesses, and the overall quality of life in the city.

A key point of contention was the assertion that the current zoning plan fails to meet the city's urgent need for affordable housing. Critics argued that the proposed developments, which include a plan for 25 new units, are not financially viable for developers, leading to skepticism about their actual implementation. The meeting revealed a growing fear that the plan could exacerbate the displacement of tenants and the demolition of rent-controlled units, further straining the already limited affordable housing stock.

Eileen Bogan from the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods raised concerns about the historical context of housing development in the West Side, questioning whether the push for densification truly serves the community or merely caters to speculative interests. She highlighted the risk of transforming local neighborhoods into high-density areas that may not align with the desires of current residents.

Jean Barash, representing the Richmond district, echoed these sentiments, citing a recent audit that suggested the state’s housing needs assessment might be overstated. She warned that the proposed density decontrol could lead to an influx of market-rate housing rather than the affordable units desperately needed by the community. Barash also pointed out the lack of a comprehensive infrastructure plan to support the anticipated growth, raising alarms about the potential strain on essential services.

Polly Marshall, a former tenant commissioner, emphasized the urgent need for tenant protections amid fears of displacement. She criticized the term "family zoning," arguing that the proposed changes would not support families but rather invite further demolitions of existing homes. Marshall called for stronger tenant rights and a commitment to maintaining affordable housing within new developments.

Calvin Welch from the Adash Scribe Neighborhood Council highlighted the discrepancy between state mandates for affordable housing and the reality of the proposed plan, which he described as a vehicle for real estate speculation rather than a genuine effort to create affordable living options.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the community remains deeply concerned about the implications of the proposed housing plan. Residents are calling for a more thoughtful approach that prioritizes affordable housing, tenant protections, and sustainable development, ensuring that the needs of the community are at the forefront of any future planning efforts. The discussions from this meeting will likely influence ongoing debates about housing policy in San Francisco as the city grapples with its housing crisis.