2022 in review: progress towards livability
2022 is nearly behind us. The lingering pandemic, political rancor and scandal, and economic uncertainty dominated the local news. Despite all the tumult and uncertainty, Livable City worked hard to help San Francisco take some important steps towards a more livable, just, and sustainable San Francisco. Join us in reflecting on and celebrating what we…
Fourplex ordinance approved by the Board of Supervisors
The Fourplex ordinance was approved by the Board of Supervisors on October 18. The mayor has signaled she will sign it. The ordinance will permit new or renovated buildings of up to four units, and up to six units on corner lots, in all San Francisco’s Residential, House (RH) districts, which cover well over half…
Residential Housing Reform
San Francisco’s ongoing housing crisis compels us to reimagine the type of homes we need to build and preserve to support the housing needs of all San Franciscans. To meet this moment, we must chart a path where building small scale multi-family housing is not only possible and encouraged and existing units are preserved especially…
Density Reform Ordinance will Preserve Rental Units and Encourage Affordable Housing
Preserving existing affordable housing and encouraging new affordable housing are two key strategies for addressing San Francisco’s housing affordability crisis. On Thursday, the Planning Commission will hold a hearing on an ordinance that advances both strategies.
Housing in 2019 – Affordability, Stabilization, and Gentle Density
As San Francisco’s housing affordability and homelessness crises continue to worsen, the need for rethinking our approach to housing is clear. “Gentle density” allows more housing in low-density areas of the City with new, small-scaled buildings.
Rethinking Residential Zoning
Residential zoning districts encompass 70 percent of San Francisco’s private land. Current zoning permits only one or two units per lot on most of the City’s residentially-zoned land. As the housing crisis in San Francisco and the Bay Area worsens, and as the City and the region continue to struggle with transportation and sustainability, the…
2017: The Year in Livability
We knew going into it that 2017 would be an eventful year, and a pivotal one for sustainability, equity, and livability. Here are some of the highlights, breakdowns, and breakthroughs which shaped San Francisco’s livability in 2017. Donald Trump vs. the Planet Donald Trump and the Republican congress led an unprecedented assault on federal environmental…
Keeping Arts and Artists in San Francisco
The Ghost Ship Fire in Oakland tragically showed the insecurities and dangers faced by people seeking affordable space to live, create art, and share art. It focused attention on what San Francisco and other Bay Area cities can do to keep artists, artisans, and makers in the city, and create and sustain affordable living, studio, and…
Green City, City of Sanctuary: Moving Forward Together
The November election is now behind us, and we suddenly face a very uncertain future. The election of Donald Trump to the presidency threatens much we hold dear as Americans, as lovers of freedom, and as San Franciscans. More than ever, San Francisco, the Bay Area, and California will play a critical role in preserving and…
Livable City’s 2016 General Election Recommendations
Livable City has taken a position on 12 of the 42 local, regional, and state ballot measures on this November’s ballot. Livable City recommends the following measures: Yes on Proposition RR – BART Safety, Reliability, and Traffic Relief If you live anywhere near the Bay Area, ride transit, or read the news, you know the BART…
