San Francisco Sun

San Francisco has been awarded a Prohousing Designation by the State of California, recognizing its efforts to expedite housing development. The announcement was made by Mayor London N. Breed alongside State Senator Scott Wiener and other officials. This designation acknowledges San Francisco's commitment to implementing policies that promote climate-smart housing, streamline multifamily developments, and increase affordable housing options.

Mayor Breed expressed pride in the recognition, stating, "This has taken a lot of work locally to change our laws and get to yes on housing." State Senator Scott Wiener noted the significant progress under Mayor Breed's leadership, saying, "It took real vision and years of hard work to get here."

The Prohousing Designation Program is managed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and rewards cities that demonstrate proactive policy changes. HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez commented on San Francisco's progress: “San Francisco has shown that it is serious about structural change.”

Supervisor Myrna Melgar highlighted the importance of this designation for addressing the city's housing shortage: “Getting the State Prohousing Designation will open doors to more funding.” The city’s application included initiatives such as priority permitting for affordable projects and eliminating parking requirements for residential developments.

Affordable housing developers have welcomed the designation. Katie Lamont from Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation stated, “We are pleased that the State has recognized the City’s Pro Housing efforts.” Malcolm Yeung from Chinatown Community Development Center emphasized collaboration with state resources: “This Prohousing Designation is another step forward in cementing that relationship.”

Ramie Dare from Mercy Housing California remarked on accessing more state funding due to this designation. Anne Silverberg from Related California Northern California Affordable Division said it unlocks additional tools for addressing the housing crisis.

The designation aligns with Mayor Breed's 2023 Housing for All Executive Directive aimed at building 82,000 new homes over eight years. Corey Smith from Housing Action Coalition praised this achievement as transformative for securing necessary funding.