KQED's Forum The Long Reach of San Francisco’s Housing Crisis
Jun 17, 2025
In this conversation, Nate Houghteling, executive producer of 'Fault Lines', and Annie Fryman, urban planning expert, tackle the heart of San Francisco's housing crisis. They discuss impactful personal stories from the documentary, revealing the struggles of homeless families and the neighborhood battles over affordable housing. The duo also explores bureaucratic challenges, community resistance, and the importance of open dialogue amidst polarized views. Their insights offer a broader understanding of how cities nationwide can learn from San Francisco's ongoing housing issues.
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Sunset District's Housing History
- The Sunset District was mostly sand dunes until post-World War II suburban homes were built.
- Later zoning downshifts established strict short height limits, preserving much of its low-rise character.
Complex Neighborhood Opposition
- Neighborhood opposition to affordable housing blends diverse concerns, making the resistance complex.
- This creates a knot that's difficult to untangle, stalling projects persistently.
Leverage SB 35 for Faster Approvals
- Use state law SB 35 to streamline affordable housing approvals, bypassing local discretionary reviews.
- This reduces project delays and counters community vetoes that once stalled developments.
