City officials are defending Mayor London Breed’s Family Zoning Plan amidst criticism and a lawsuit filed by local advocacy groups. The mayor’s plan, aimed at increasing affordable housing in San Francisco, has faced scrutiny for potentially displacing small business workers and not adequately addressing their housing needs.
Jen Kwart, a spokesperson for the city attorney, assured that the Family Zoning Plan underwent extensive review and complied with state laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). “This is a product of years of study, outreach, and hearings,” Kwart stated, expressing confidence in the plan’s review process by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Supporters of the mayor’s office emphasize the urgent need for more housing to meet the increasing demand and avoid the risk of losing critical public funding or state intervention if the plan is not approved promptly. “Families are struggling to live in San Francisco, and the Family Zoning Plan will help us build the affordable homes they need,” said Charles Lutvak from the mayor’s office. He added that the city’s current housing situation is untenable and action must be taken without delay.
However, the lawsuit, filed by Neighborhoods United and Small Business Forward, contends that the zoning plan did not undergo the proper public review process required to effectively generate more affordable housing. Richard Drury, the attorney for the plaintiffs, claimed the plan threatens to eliminate rent-controlled housing for luxury developments, which contradicts its intended purpose.
Pro-housing advocacy groups such as YIMBY Law have also signaled that they may take legal action if the city fails to fulfill its housing obligations, highlighting the importance of compliance with both the letter and spirit of the law. The potential impact of the zoning changes on the availability of new housing remains uncertain, with estimates suggesting that the plan could facilitate the construction of between 14,600 to 19,000 housing units.
As the legal situation evolves, plaintiffs are considering a 2026 ballot measure to allow voters to weigh in on any changes to the zoning plan, illustrating a growing tension between local priorities and state housing mandates. The outcome of the lawsuit may have significant implications for San Francisco’s housing landscape in the coming years, as stakeholders seek a resolution that balances the city’s housing needs with the preservation of existing communities.