The San Francisco Planning Department convened on July 17, 2025, to discuss the ongoing efforts to identify and develop affordable housing sites across the city. The meeting, led by James Pappas, highlighted the collaborative work between the Planning Department and the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) aimed at addressing the city's pressing housing needs.

Pappas opened the session by introducing the Affordable Housing Sites Analysis and Strategies (ASAS), which seeks to support the city's goal of producing 32,000 affordable units for low-income households. Sheila Nicholas, representing the MOHCD, emphasized the importance of the rezoning initiative, which is expected to unlock significant development potential for affordable housing throughout San Francisco. She noted that while land availability is crucial, securing adequate funding remains a critical challenge.

The analysis presented during the meeting revealed that over 12,600 affordable housing units are currently in pre-construction phases, primarily awaiting funding. Additionally, nearly 2,300 units are under construction, but many projects face delays due to financial feasibility issues. The discussion underscored the need for a strategic approach to manage the affordable housing pipeline effectively, particularly in light of rising construction costs.

David Garcia, another key speaker, shared insights from the parcel suitability analysis, which identified over 1,200 potential sites for 100% affordable housing across the city. This analysis indicated that while land availability is not the primary barrier to expanding affordable housing, funding challenges and escalating costs are significant obstacles.

The meeting also addressed the importance of geographic equity in housing development, with a focus on expanding affordable housing in well-resourced neighborhoods. The planning team discussed the potential of public and religious land for development, highlighting the need for technical assistance to unlock these opportunities.

As the meeting concluded, Pappas outlined the next steps, including further engagement with stakeholders and the completion of a final report expected in the fall. This report will refine strategies and recommendations to enhance the management and growth of the affordable housing pipeline in San Francisco. The collaborative efforts aim to ensure that the city can meet its housing goals while addressing the diverse needs of its residents.