Christin Evans

<em>Christin Evans is a small business owner who became interested in the persistent challenge of addressing homelessness outside her front door. She has partnered with homeless advocates and has campaigned for solutions to end homelessness for more than five years.&nbsp;&nbsp;</em>

core/paragraph

<p><em>Christin Evans is a small business owner who became interested in the persistent challenge of addressing homelessness outside her front door. She has partnered with homeless advocates and has campaigned for solutions to end homelessness for more than five years.&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>

When I met Samantha—not her real name—she was one week sober. She had undergone detox and was about to exit the hospital. I was called in by a concerned friend because Samatha’s hospital had not secured a residential treatment bed, the next step in her journey to stay away from heroin and cocaine.&nbsp;

<p>When I met Samantha—not her real name—she was one week sober. She had undergone detox and was about to exit the hospital. I was called in by a concerned friend because Samatha’s hospital had not secured a residential treatment bed, the next step in her journey to stay away from heroin and cocaine.&nbsp;</p>

As an advocate for people experiencing homelessness, I am familiar with the on-the-ground realities and the political fight to create real solutions to the surging homelessness crisis. Every day, I meet folks like Samantha who struggle to obtain housing and treatment. San Francisco’s Linkage Center, which is essentially a glorified drop-in resource center, runs most of the time at capacity. Its stated aim is to provide linkages to shelter and linkages to treatment assessments, but San Francisco has very few treatment beds available.&nbsp;

<p>As an advocate for people experiencing homelessness, I am familiar with the on-the-ground realities and the political fight to create real solutions to the surging homelessness crisis. Every day, I meet folks like Samantha who struggle to obtain housing and treatment. San Francisco’s Linkage Center, which is essentially a glorified drop-in resource center, runs most of the time at capacity. Its stated aim is to provide linkages to shelter and linkages to treatment assessments, but San Francisco has very few treatment beds available.&nbsp;</p>

In spite of this stark reality, Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/explainer-gov-newsoms-controversial-plan-to-compel-people-into-drug-mental-health-treatment/">wants to put more Californians under conservatorship</a>—which, by necessity, means ordering the most marginalized populations into treatment. His “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/politics-of-addiction-will-forced-treatment-work/">CARE Court</a>&#8221; concept, rolled out as part of a package of budget priorities to address homelesseness statewide, grabbed headlines and was promptly lauded by several city mayors, including our own London Breed. (“CARE” stands for Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment.) Newsom’s aim is to use California’s courts to mandate treatment for people experiencing homelessness who are unwilling or unable to seek mental health or substance use treatment on their own.&nbsp;

<p>In spite of this stark reality, Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/explainer-gov-newsoms-controversial-plan-to-compel-people-into-drug-mental-health-treatment/">wants to put more Californians under conservatorship</a>—which, by necessity, means ordering the most marginalized populations into treatment. His “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/politics-of-addiction-will-forced-treatment-work/">CARE Court</a>'' concept, rolled out as part of a package of budget priorities to address homelesseness statewide, grabbed headlines and was promptly lauded by several city mayors, including our own London Breed. (“CARE” stands for Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment.) Newsom’s aim is to use California’s courts to mandate treatment for people experiencing homelessness who are unwilling or unable to seek mental health or substance use treatment on their own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In spite of this stark reality, Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/explainer-gov-newsoms-controversial-plan-to-compel-people-into-drug-mental-health-treatment/">wants to put more Californians under conservatorship</a>—which, by necessity, means ordering the most marginalized populations into treatment. His “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/politics-of-addiction-will-forced-treatment-work/">CARE Court</a>&#8221; concept, rolled out as part of a package of budget priorities to address homelesseness statewide, grabbed headlines and was promptly lauded by several city mayors, including our own London Breed. (“CARE” stands for Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment.) Newsom’s aim is to use California’s courts to mandate treatment for people experiencing homelessness who are unwilling or unable to seek mental health or substance use treatment on their own.&nbsp;</p>

Most experts will tell you California doesn’t have adequate resources and beds for those that are already under court conservatorship. As Jessica Lehman, executive director of Senior and Disability Action recently told me, “San Francisco does not have enough care beds and housing options for people already conserved, let alone for people with mental health disabilities who seek treatment and support.”&nbsp;

<p>Most experts will tell you California doesn’t have adequate resources and beds for those that are already under court conservatorship. As Jessica Lehman, executive director of Senior and Disability Action recently told me, “San Francisco does not have enough care beds and housing options for people already conserved, let alone for people with mental health disabilities who seek treatment and support.”&nbsp;</p>

Anyone who seeks treatment for mental-health and substance-use issues faces a nearly insurmountable number of barriers, especially for those individuals living on the street. Meanwhile, both the city and state are digging out of a significant affordable-housing deficit which took decades to make, and our fractured healthcare system has continued to fail to care for those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders.

<p>Anyone who seeks treatment for mental-health and substance-use issues faces a nearly insurmountable number of barriers, especially for those individuals living on the street. Meanwhile, both the city and state are digging out of a significant affordable-housing deficit which took decades to make, and our fractured healthcare system has continued to fail to care for those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders.</p>

A recent UCSF and Tipping Point <a href="https://chi.tippingpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/JSI_SF-BH-and-Homelessness_2019.pdf">study</a> estimated that, in San Francisco alone, there were 6,296 homeless people with serious mental health disorders, more than three times the number of available mental health treatment beds. I believe that Newsom’s goal is to perpetuate a narrative of service resistance to distract from the acute lack of mental health services, drug treatment beds and affordable housing for those who can’t afford the market-rate alternatives like the Betty Ford clinic.

<p>A recent UCSF and Tipping Point <a href="https://chi.tippingpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/JSI_SF-BH-and-Homelessness_2019.pdf">study</a> estimated that, in San Francisco alone, there were 6,296 homeless people with serious mental health disorders, more than three times the number of available mental health treatment beds. I believe that Newsom’s goal is to perpetuate a narrative of service resistance to distract from the acute lack of mental health services, drug treatment beds and affordable housing for those who can’t afford the market-rate alternatives like the Betty Ford clinic.</p>

When Gov. Newsom announced the CARE Court process last month, the whole purpose of which is to mandate treatment, he used a media bullhorn to send a loud message that people experiencing homelessness aren’t staying off drugs because they are resistant to treatment. But is the problem really that people are refusing treatment? Or are they being refused treatment?&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>When Gov. Newsom announced the CARE Court process last month, the whole purpose of which is to mandate treatment, he used a media bullhorn to send a loud message that people experiencing homelessness aren’t staying off drugs because they are resistant to treatment. But is the problem really that people are refusing treatment? Or are they being refused treatment?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

The governor’s latest move builds on a narrative “moderate” Democrats have been pushing out for a while—that homelessness is a result of individual failings rather than a systemic failure. Newsom’s CARE Court is only the latest political theater—it pretends to do something without doing anything at all.&nbsp;

<p>The governor’s latest move builds on a narrative “moderate” Democrats have been pushing out for a while—that homelessness is a result of individual failings rather than a systemic failure. Newsom’s CARE Court is only the latest political theater—it pretends to do something without doing anything at all.&nbsp;</p>

Samantha’s story illustrates this perfectly.&nbsp;

<p>Samantha’s story illustrates this perfectly.&nbsp;</p>

Upon helping her out of the hospital, the first thing I did was talk to the head of San Francisco’s Homeless Outreach division, Mark Mazza. He confirmed that it&#8217;s the hospital’s responsibility to secure a placement before discharging her, and I should start with the social worker they’d assigned Samantha. But I soon learned that the hospital’s social worker was brand new in her role, and she didn’t even know where to start. After calling around, we found a San Francisco substance use treatment program that agreed to an intake assessment.&nbsp;

<p>Upon helping her out of the hospital, the first thing I did was talk to the head of San Francisco’s Homeless Outreach division, Mark Mazza. He confirmed that it's the hospital’s responsibility to secure a placement before discharging her, and I should start with the social worker they’d assigned Samantha. But I soon learned that the hospital’s social worker was brand new in her role, and she didn’t even know where to start. After calling around, we found a San Francisco substance use treatment program that agreed to an intake assessment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon helping her out of the hospital, the first thing I did was talk to the head of San Francisco’s Homeless Outreach division, Mark Mazza. He confirmed that it&#8217;s the hospital’s responsibility to secure a placement before discharging her, and I should start with the social worker they’d assigned Samantha. But I soon learned that the hospital’s social worker was brand new in her role, and she didn’t even know where to start. After calling around, we found a San Francisco substance use treatment program that agreed to an intake assessment.&nbsp;</p>

But the treatment bed would only be offered with strings attached. Because the intake officer assessed that Samantha needed a higher level of care, the program made it a prerequisite that she secure a referral for mental health services too. This is what’s referred to as “dual diagnosis,” meaning Samantha needs both mental health and substance use treatment, preferably under the umbrella of a single program.&nbsp;

<p>But the treatment bed would only be offered with strings attached. Because the intake officer assessed that Samantha needed a higher level of care, the program made it a prerequisite that she secure a referral for mental health services too. This is what’s referred to as “dual diagnosis,” meaning Samantha needs both mental health and substance use treatment, preferably under the umbrella of a single program.&nbsp;</p>

Several days after being discharged from the hospital after undergoing medical detox, Samantha still had no treatment bed available to her. To make matters worse, she had been instructed to try to stay away from “triggers” that will lead to relapse, but the only beds for people experiencing homelessness are at shelters in the Tenderloin, which Samantha identifies as having triggers everywhere.

<p>Several days after being discharged from the hospital after undergoing medical detox, Samantha still had no treatment bed available to her. To make matters worse, she had been instructed to try to stay away from “triggers” that will lead to relapse, but the only beds for people experiencing homelessness are at shelters in the Tenderloin, which Samantha identifies as having triggers everywhere.</p>

Through the support of some distant family members, Samantha remained safe in their home until we were able to get her assessed for a mental health referral. But the city’s referral to mental health came in the form of a list of phone numbers. As Samantha’s volunteer support team, it was still our task to cold call through a list of mental health services ourselves to find someone who will take her on an outpatient basis.

<p>Through the support of some distant family members, Samantha remained safe in their home until we were able to get her assessed for a mental health referral. But the city’s referral to mental health came in the form of a list of phone numbers. As Samantha’s volunteer support team, it was still our task to cold call through a list of mental health services ourselves to find someone who will take her on an outpatient basis.</p>

Before we are able to secure a mental health clinician for Samantha, the treatment bed that had been offered a few days before was withdrawn.&nbsp; The facility’s intake officer suggested Samantha go seek care at another facility, and the officer gave us the names of three names with capacity for dual diagnosis treatment.&nbsp;

<p>Before we are able to secure a mental health clinician for Samantha, the treatment bed that had been offered a few days before was withdrawn.&nbsp; The facility’s intake officer suggested Samantha go seek care at another facility, and the officer gave us the names of three names with capacity for dual diagnosis treatment.&nbsp;</p>

To be considered for any of these alternative facilities, Samantha had to complete a six-page application requiring four things: a signature from a primary care doctor, a TB test, MediCal documentation and proof of income. Each requirement created new obstacles. She lacks a primary-care physician, so we had to secure one. We were told this application usually takes people about a week to complete, but because Samantha did not have a safe place to sleep that night we returned to looking for short-term measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>To be considered for any of these alternative facilities, Samantha had to complete a six-page application requiring four things: a signature from a primary care doctor, a TB test, MediCal documentation and proof of income. Each requirement created new obstacles. She lacks a primary-care physician, so we had to secure one. We were told this application usually takes people about a week to complete, but because Samantha did not have a safe place to sleep that night we returned to looking for short-term measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

We secured her an overnight bed at an urgent care facility more experienced at treatment placement, and they were able to refer her to a two-week treatment facility—described to us as “the waiting room”—while she awaited a referral to a 30- or 90-day program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>We secured her an overnight bed at an urgent care facility more experienced at treatment placement, and they were able to refer her to a two-week treatment facility—described to us as “the waiting room”—while she awaited a referral to a 30- or 90-day program.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

In Samantha’s case it took the full time commitment of a volunteer social worker and unpaid advocate, with critical assistance from a distant family member, to get her safely placed in a temporary half-measure. The resources are few and far between and difficult to access for those who want them. To be clear, it would have been practically impossible without a phone, without transportation and without professional connections and advocacy for Samantha to navigate this bureaucratic labyrinth on her own.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>In Samantha’s case it took the full time commitment of a volunteer social worker and unpaid advocate, with critical assistance from a distant family member, to get her safely placed in a temporary half-measure. The resources are few and far between and difficult to access for those who want them. To be clear, it would have been practically impossible without a phone, without transportation and without professional connections and advocacy for Samantha to navigate this bureaucratic labyrinth on her own.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Elected officials like Gov. Newsom, Mayor Breed, state Sen. Scott Wiener and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/for-supervisor-rafael-mandelman-conservatorship-is-personal/">may talk about conservatorship</a> as the way to make progress in addressing homelessness. All that while, Samantha has waited more than necessary to match to a residential treatment program which will give her the appropriate support she will need to help her cope with her mental health and substance use struggles. It’s been five weeks now.&nbsp;

<p>Elected officials like Gov. Newsom, Mayor Breed, state Sen. Scott Wiener and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/for-supervisor-rafael-mandelman-conservatorship-is-personal/">may talk about conservatorship</a> as the way to make progress in addressing homelessness. All that while, Samantha has waited more than necessary to match to a residential treatment program which will give her the appropriate support she will need to help her cope with her mental health and substance use struggles. It’s been five weeks now.&nbsp;</p>

Until the politicians in charge start leveling with the public that the real solution is to allocate more resources, we will fail again to make real progress towards ending the mounting homelessness crisis.

<p>Until the politicians in charge start leveling with the public that the real solution is to allocate more resources, we will fail again to make real progress towards ending the mounting homelessness crisis.</p>

<em>Follow Christin on Twitter at @christinevans</em>

<p><em>Follow Christin on Twitter at @christinevans</em></p>

Gov. Newsom’s proposed CARE Courts are political theater, not a solution to the homelessness crisis

Opinion: Gov. Newsom’s proposed CARE Courts are political theater, not a solution to the homelessness crisis

Annie Gaus

Bilal Mahmood, an entrepreneur, scientist and former policy analyst, is not a conventional candidate for state assembly: he’s spent much of his career in the technology sector, working in product development and analytics roles at startups. More recently, he created a fund that studies and donates money to social causes in the Bay Area, such as combating anti-Asian violence and income support for restaurant workers. He also served a stint as a national policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce under President Obama, but has never held political office.&nbsp;

<p>Bilal Mahmood, an entrepreneur, scientist and former policy analyst, is not a conventional candidate for state assembly: he’s spent much of his career in the technology sector, working in product development and analytics roles at startups. More recently, he created a fund that studies and donates money to social causes in the Bay Area, such as combating anti-Asian violence and income support for restaurant workers. He also served a stint as a national policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce under President Obama, but has never held political office.&nbsp;</p>

Mahmood has earned the endorsements of the South West Asian North African (SWANA) SF Democratic Club, the moderate-leaning political action group Grow SF, as well as parent activists Meredith Willa-Dodson, Matt Brezina and Robin Pham, prosecutor Nancy Tung, and others.&nbsp;

<p>Mahmood has earned the endorsements of the South West Asian North African (SWANA) SF Democratic Club, the moderate-leaning political action group Grow SF, as well as parent activists Meredith Willa-Dodson, Matt Brezina and Robin Pham, prosecutor Nancy Tung, and others.&nbsp;</p>

Asked about his lack of political experience compared to competitors, Mahmood argued that career politicians in San Francisco haven’t shown results and that it is time for a new approach. He linked the city’s issues—from a floundering school district to housing and transit—to politicians using local offices as a stepping stone for higher positions rather than long-term problem solving.&nbsp;

<p>Asked about his lack of political experience compared to competitors, Mahmood argued that career politicians in San Francisco haven’t shown results and that it is time for a new approach. He linked the city’s issues—from a floundering school district to housing and transit—to politicians using local offices as a stepping stone for higher positions rather than long-term problem solving.&nbsp;</p>

“Over the last five to 10 years, inequality is up. The number of people who are unhoused is up. The number of people with opioid overdoses is up. The housing prices have gone up,” Mahmood said. “So if that&#8217;s what political leadership gets us today, then I think something is fundamentally off.”

<p>“Over the last five to 10 years, inequality is up. The number of people who are unhoused is up. The number of people with opioid overdoses is up. The housing prices have gone up,” Mahmood said. “So if that's what political leadership gets us today, then I think something is fundamentally off.”</p>

<p>“Over the last five to 10 years, inequality is up. The number of people who are unhoused is up. The number of people with opioid overdoses is up. The housing prices have gone up,” Mahmood said. “So if that&#8217;s what political leadership gets us today, then I think something is fundamentally off.”</p>

Mahmood points to his experience as a son of Pakistani immigrants as inspiration for his political aspirations. Like many other immigrant families, his parents raised children in a small, multigenerational apartment in the Bay Area and worked to achieve the American Dream. The region’s high costs and difficult conditions for working families have threatened that pathway to the middle class, he said.&nbsp;

<p>Mahmood points to his experience as a son of Pakistani immigrants as inspiration for his political aspirations. Like many other immigrant families, his parents raised children in a small, multigenerational apartment in the Bay Area and worked to achieve the American Dream. The region’s high costs and difficult conditions for working families have threatened that pathway to the middle class, he said.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="housing">Housing</h2>


core/heading

core/embed

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/aUT5_OZtwuM
</div></figure>

On housing, Mahmood said he supports the state taking a heavier hand in local housing development goals and ensuring that city governments don’t improperly block projects in the name of lengthy environmental reviews. Crediting former Assemblyman David Chiu’s and State Senator Scott Wiener’s work on housing legislation, he praised streamlining efforts such as SB-35 and suggested setting time targets as a way to eliminate undue delays.

<p>On housing, Mahmood said he supports the state taking a heavier hand in local housing development goals and ensuring that city governments don’t improperly block projects in the name of lengthy environmental reviews. Crediting former Assemblyman David Chiu’s and State Senator Scott Wiener’s work on housing legislation, he praised streamlining efforts such as SB-35 and suggested setting time targets as a way to eliminate undue delays.</p>

“If we set median targets and time to build, it&#8217;ll put pressure on counties and municipalities to reform,” he said. “The state can&#8217;t go and eliminate every permit in every county&#8230;but it can set top-down, outcomes-level legislation, that then gives local control on how to decide how [cities] should best implement towards those targets.”

<p>“If we set median targets and time to build, it'll put pressure on counties and municipalities to reform,” he said. “The state can't go and eliminate every permit in every county...but it can set top-down, outcomes-level legislation, that then gives local control on how to decide how [cities] should best implement towards those targets.”</p>

<p>“If we set median targets and time to build, it&#8217;ll put pressure on counties and municipalities to reform,” he said. “The state can&#8217;t go and eliminate every permit in every county&#8230;but it can set top-down, outcomes-level legislation, that then gives local control on how to decide how [cities] should best implement towards those targets.”</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="education">Education</h2>


<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/kHcDQx5MPQc
</div></figure>

Mahmood supports the recall of three members of the San Francisco school board, citing a need for greater accountability and better administrative oversight of the district, which is facing a $125 million budget shortfall and waning enrollment. He pushed back on what he views as “lowering the standards” in the district, citing a de-emphasis on accelerated math and a lottery system that presents unpredictability for local families.&nbsp;

<p>Mahmood supports the recall of three members of the San Francisco school board, citing a need for greater accountability and better administrative oversight of the district, which is facing a $125 million budget shortfall and waning enrollment. He pushed back on what he views as “lowering the standards” in the district, citing a de-emphasis on accelerated math and a lottery system that presents unpredictability for local families.&nbsp;</p>

A resident of District 6, Mahmood pointed to a lack of positive outcomes in the Tenderloin and surrounding areas, which have seen a spike in overdose deaths, small business closures, and violence linked to the drug trade. He supports interventions such as safe injection sites, as well as stricter charges for fentanyl dealers and increased funding for enforcement of international trafficking rings.&nbsp;

<p>A resident of District 6, Mahmood pointed to a lack of positive outcomes in the Tenderloin and surrounding areas, which have seen a spike in overdose deaths, small business closures, and violence linked to the drug trade. He supports interventions such as safe injection sites, as well as stricter charges for fentanyl dealers and increased funding for enforcement of international trafficking rings.&nbsp;</p>

On homelessness, Mahmood expressed support for Built for Zero, a program in more than 80 cities and counties that seeks to end homelessness through a combination of gathering data and matching individuals with housing solutions.

<p>On homelessness, Mahmood expressed support for Built for Zero, a program in more than 80 cities and counties that seeks to end homelessness through a combination of gathering data and matching individuals with housing solutions.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="economy">Economy</h2>


<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/ww5sVLlj5LU
</div></figure>

On the economy, Mahmood said he supports a guaranteed income program for Californians. He proposed expanding the California Earned Income Tax Credit ceiling to $75,000, which would ensure $500 per month for eligible families, to be funded through some combination of carbon and wealth taxes.

<p>On the economy, Mahmood said he supports a guaranteed income program for Californians. He proposed expanding the California Earned Income Tax Credit ceiling to $75,000, which would ensure $500 per month for eligible families, to be funded through some combination of carbon and wealth taxes.</p>

Read more about Mahmood’s <a href="https://www.bilalforassembly.com/">campaign here</a>.&nbsp;

<p>Read more about Mahmood’s <a href="https://www.bilalforassembly.com/">campaign here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Bilal Mahmood, entrepreneur and scientist, on why he’s running

Anna Tong

Two dozen of San Francisco’s top YIMBYs gathered in a spacious Bernal Heights backyard in September to discuss the movement founder’s latest venture: a $1 million cash reserve to take San Francisco to court should it stymie any new housing projects.

<p>Two dozen of San Francisco’s top YIMBYs gathered in a spacious Bernal Heights backyard in September to discuss the movement founder’s latest venture: a $1 million cash reserve to take San Francisco to court should it stymie any new housing projects.</p>

YIMBY founder Sonja Trauss, who led a group discussion about the annals of housing policy while soothing her newborn baby, likened the Sue San Francisco Fund to a denial-of-service (DoS) attack on the city, referring to a type of cyber strike that paralyzes its target by blitzing it with an overwhelming number of requests.

<p>YIMBY founder Sonja Trauss, who led a group discussion about the annals of housing policy while soothing her newborn baby, likened the Sue San Francisco Fund to a denial-of-service (DoS) attack on the city, referring to a type of cyber strike that paralyzes its target by blitzing it with an overwhelming number of requests.</p>

“The denial-of-service portion is because we could send threatening letters for every single missed housing deadline,” Trauss said, describing the money as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/woman-stockpiling-cash-to-sue-sf-over-housing/">ready-to-go ammunition</a> to sue San Francisco over housing deadlock.

<p>“The denial-of-service portion is because we could send threatening letters for every single missed housing deadline,” Trauss said, describing the money as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/woman-stockpiling-cash-to-sue-sf-over-housing/">ready-to-go ammunition</a> to sue San Francisco over housing deadlock.</p>

The crowd of mostly male tech workers—the “<a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=aeUlEAAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PA138&amp;lpg=PA138&amp;dq=conor+dougherty+%22hoodie+caucus%22&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=1KRe-pnlN8&amp;sig=ACfU3U0DuAccYcX1Z4edv8L-PgDGyS8C-A&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHpI35mIv7AhVgDkQIHWWWD0oQ6AF6BAgNEAM#v=onepage&amp;q=conor%20dougherty%20%22hoodie%20caucus%22&amp;f=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hoodie caucus</a>,” in the words of one industry observer—rippled with excitement. This was a problem that could be solved with software and automation, which was squarely in their domain.

<p>The crowd of mostly male tech workers—the “<a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=aeUlEAAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PA138&amp;lpg=PA138&amp;dq=conor+dougherty+%22hoodie+caucus%22&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=1KRe-pnlN8&amp;sig=ACfU3U0DuAccYcX1Z4edv8L-PgDGyS8C-A&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHpI35mIv7AhVgDkQIHWWWD0oQ6AF6BAgNEAM#v=onepage&amp;q=conor%20dougherty%20%22hoodie%20caucus%22&amp;f=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hoodie caucus</a>,” in the words of one industry observer—rippled with excitement. This was a problem that could be solved with software and automation, which was squarely in their domain.</p>

“We could make it so that every time the city does something out of compliance, we automatically generate a lawsuit letter, kind of like DoNotPay,” offered one sandals-clad engineer, referring to a website that calls itself “the world’s first robot lawyer.”

<p>“We could make it so that every time the city does something out of compliance, we automatically generate a lawsuit letter, kind of like DoNotPay,” offered one sandals-clad engineer, referring to a website that calls itself “the world’s first robot lawyer.”</p>

For the rest of the evening, the group nerded out on one arcane housing acronym to the next. The mood was celebratory.

<p>For the rest of the evening, the group nerded out on one arcane housing acronym to the next. The mood was celebratory.</p>

Sonja Trauss speaks to YIMBY organizers and board members at an event in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Trauss is the executive director and founder of YIMBY Law, an organization that enforces housing laws in California and facilitates community organizing around housing issues. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/YimbyMaturation090922_FEATURE.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88128"/><figcaption>Sonja Trauss speaks to YIMBY organizers and board members at an event in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2022. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard</figcaption></figure>


core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/YimbyMaturation090922_FEATURE.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88128"/><figcaption>Sonja Trauss speaks to YIMBY organizers and board members at an event in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2022. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

YIMBYs—the “yes in my backyard” housing boosters—have reason to be optimistic.

<p>YIMBYs—the “yes in my backyard” housing boosters—have reason to be optimistic.</p>

To borrow a phrase from tech, their cause has been in hyper-growth mode. In about a decade, Trauss went from a lone dissenter facing off against neighborhood activists in San Francisco Planning Commission meetings to the figurehead for a sprawling <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2022/03/31/where-pro-housing-groups-are-emerging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movement with 140 groups in 29 states</a> that goes toe-to-toe with local politicians and homeowners over housing construction.

<p>To borrow a phrase from tech, their cause has been in hyper-growth mode. In about a decade, Trauss went from a lone dissenter facing off against neighborhood activists in San Francisco Planning Commission meetings to the figurehead for a sprawling <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2022/03/31/where-pro-housing-groups-are-emerging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movement with 140 groups in 29 states</a> that goes toe-to-toe with local politicians and homeowners over housing construction.</p>

But on their home turf, YIMBYs have watched their goals slip seemingly further and further out of reach. Last year, the city authorized <a href="https://sfplanning.org/sites/default/files/documents/reports/2021_Housing_Inventory.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">43% fewer units</a> than its 10-year average. The Board of Supervisors has recently thwarted projects like a high-rise on an empty parking lot, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/happy-one-year-anniversary-to-sfs-peak-nimby-moment/">drawing protests</a>. In comparison, California as a whole has nearly tripled the number of annual housing permits issued in the last decade, according to the Census Bureau.

<p>But on their home turf, YIMBYs have watched their goals slip seemingly further and further out of reach. Last year, the city authorized <a href="https://sfplanning.org/sites/default/files/documents/reports/2021_Housing_Inventory.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">43% fewer units</a> than its 10-year average. The Board of Supervisors has recently thwarted projects like a high-rise on an empty parking lot, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/happy-one-year-anniversary-to-sfs-peak-nimby-moment/">drawing protests</a>. In comparison, California as a whole has nearly tripled the number of annual housing permits issued in the last decade, according to the Census Bureau.</p>

core/html

core/columns

The San Francisco YIMBYs—many of whom are tech founders who got rich from thinking big—are fed up with incrementalism.

<p>The San Francisco YIMBYs—many of whom are tech founders who got rich from thinking big—are fed up with incrementalism.</p>

Forget trudging to City Hall to kiss politicians’ rings or sparring with neighborhood activists at planning meetings. YIMBYs and developers now believe that public support for housing, wealthy donors and state backing have created a perfect storm that will allow the building process to circumvent San Francisco city government entirely.

<p>Forget trudging to City Hall to kiss politicians’ rings or sparring with neighborhood activists at planning meetings. YIMBYs and developers now believe that public support for housing, wealthy donors and state backing have created a perfect storm that will allow the building process to circumvent San Francisco city government entirely.</p>

First up is Proposition D on the November ballot, where San Francisco voters will decide whether to streamline the construction of certain apartment projects, both affordable and market-rate. YIMBYs and their allies gathered signatures for the measure after the Board of Supervisors twice prevented Mayor London Breed’s attempt to get it passed. In a testament to their political might, the campaign has <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2022/07/campaign-finance-dashboards-november-8-2022.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised over $2.3 million</a> so far.

<p>First up is Proposition D on the November ballot, where San Francisco voters will decide whether to streamline the construction of certain apartment projects, both affordable and market-rate. YIMBYs and their allies gathered signatures for the measure after the Board of Supervisors twice prevented Mayor London Breed’s attempt to get it passed. In a testament to their political might, the campaign has <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2022/07/campaign-finance-dashboards-november-8-2022.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised over $2.3 million</a> so far.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Birth of a Movement—and Its Critics</h2>


<h2>Birth of a Movement—and Its Critics</h2>

Nowadays, San Francisco may be better known for its tech companies than political activism. But it was the city’s tech boom that laid the groundwork for what has become an unusually successful activist movement.

<p>Nowadays, San Francisco may be better known for its tech companies than political activism. But it was the city’s tech boom that laid the groundwork for what has become an unusually successful activist movement.</p>

A YIMBY writ large is a person who believes that rising rents, homelessness and inequality could be solved if cities allow for denser housing. The San Francisco of the past decade—when rising rents collided with fewer homes getting built—catalyzed the yes-in-my-backyard movement.&nbsp;

<p>A YIMBY writ large is a person who believes that rising rents, homelessness and inequality could be solved if cities allow for denser housing. The San Francisco of the past decade—when rising rents collided with fewer homes getting built—catalyzed the yes-in-my-backyard movement.&nbsp;</p>

In the eyes of many locals, the skyrocketing startup sector was to blame for the housing crisis: Techies were clogging their neighborhoods, driving up rents and turning the city into a gentrifying playground for the rich. Protestors <a href="https://www.vox.com/2014/4/2/11625220/splashy-tactics-tech-shuttle-protestor-vomits-on-yahoo-bus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vomited on a Yahoo corporate shuttle</a>, as graffiti reading “Die techie scum” sprouted in the Mission District.&nbsp;Many believed that the housing market had become so out of whack that there was no way new market-rate housing could be affordable.

<p>In the eyes of many locals, the skyrocketing startup sector was to blame for the housing crisis: Techies were clogging their neighborhoods, driving up rents and turning the city into a gentrifying playground for the rich. Protestors <a href="https://www.vox.com/2014/4/2/11625220/splashy-tactics-tech-shuttle-protestor-vomits-on-yahoo-bus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vomited on a Yahoo corporate shuttle</a>, as graffiti reading “Die techie scum” sprouted in the Mission District.&nbsp;Many believed that the housing market had become so out of whack that there was no way new market-rate housing could be affordable.</p>

Ten years ago, Trauss was new to the Bay Area and struggling to afford rent. But she saw the housing issues differently.

<p>Ten years ago, Trauss was new to the Bay Area and struggling to afford rent. But she saw the housing issues differently.</p>

She had just come from St. Louis and Philadelphia, two places that didn’t have enough jobs, and she had seen what too few jobs did to a city.

<p>She had just come from St. Louis and Philadelphia, two places that didn’t have enough jobs, and she had seen what too few jobs did to a city.</p>

“It was just so unbelievable for people to be like, &#8216;Our big civic issue is too many jobs,&#8217;” she said. “The problem was too little housing.”

<p>“It was just so unbelievable for people to be like, 'Our big civic issue is too many jobs,'” she said. “The problem was too little housing.”</p>

<p>“It was just so unbelievable for people to be like, &#8216;Our big civic issue is too many jobs,&#8217;” she said. “The problem was too little housing.”</p>

The real culprit, she said? It was NIMBYs—an acronym for “not in my backyard,” or neighbors who oppose housing construction—often the loudest voices in the room when city officials decided whether to approve new housing projects, according to Trauss.

<p>The real culprit, she said? It was NIMBYs—an acronym for “not in my backyard,” or neighbors who oppose housing construction—often the loudest voices in the room when city officials decided whether to approve new housing projects, according to Trauss.</p>

So in 2014, Trauss decided to take a day off work to go to San Francisco City Hall to counteract the NIMBYs, according to Golden Gates, a book documenting the rise of YIMBY. A few months later, she convinced a group of fellow millennials to speak in favor of housing developments, garnering coverage in the likes of The San Francisco Examiner, Vox and Bloomberg. By the year’s end, Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman gave Trauss $10,000, enabling her to quit her teaching job to become a full-time activist.

<p>So in 2014, Trauss decided to take a day off work to go to San Francisco City Hall to counteract the NIMBYs, according to Golden Gates, a book documenting the rise of YIMBY. A few months later, she convinced a group of fellow millennials to speak in favor of housing developments, garnering coverage in the likes of The San Francisco Examiner, Vox and Bloomberg. By the year’s end, Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman gave Trauss $10,000, enabling her to quit her teaching job to become a full-time activist.</p>

Over the next several years, Trauss’ activism evolved from City Hall gadfly-ism into real political clout. Laura Foote, a political organizer, joined forces with Trauss and assembled a foot army that helped then-Supervisor Scott Wiener get elected to the state Senate.

<p>Over the next several years, Trauss’ activism evolved from City Hall gadfly-ism into real political clout. Laura Foote, a political organizer, joined forces with Trauss and assembled a foot army that helped then-Supervisor Scott Wiener get elected to the state Senate.</p>

Foote said a lot of the movement’s organizational success revolved around fostering a community who clearly understood the organization’s goals, and then empowering them through a decentralized management structure. For example, the organization has 35 volunteer leads who don’t need approval from an official employee to carry out important tasks like sending out newsletters.

<p>Foote said a lot of the movement’s organizational success revolved around fostering a community who clearly understood the organization’s goals, and then empowering them through a decentralized management structure. For example, the organization has 35 volunteer leads who don’t need approval from an official employee to carry out important tasks like sending out newsletters.</p>

President Barack Obama chats with then San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom in 2010. Both politicians made increased housing a priority during their tenures.  | Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/YIMBYmaturation_INLINED03.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88147"/><figcaption>President Barack Obama chats with then-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom in 2010. Both politicians made increased housing a priority during their tenures.  | Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>


But there were major bumps in the road. In 2018, the YIMBYs ran a <a href="https://prop.yimbyaction.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">failed ballot initiative</a> to streamline certain types of construction. Trauss ran to represent the SoMa district on the Board of Supervisors and got trounced by Matt Haney, who was then firmly aligned with the city’s progressive political faction. Once equating a lack of desire to build housing in the Mission to xenophobia, Trauss herself really pissed people off.&nbsp;

<p>But there were major bumps in the road. In 2018, the YIMBYs ran a <a href="https://prop.yimbyaction.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">failed ballot initiative</a> to streamline certain types of construction. Trauss ran to represent the SoMa district on the Board of Supervisors and got trounced by Matt Haney, who was then firmly aligned with the city’s progressive political faction. Once equating a lack of desire to build housing in the Mission to xenophobia, Trauss herself really pissed people off.&nbsp;</p>

Since then, political winds have shifted dramatically: As San Francisco’s Downtown <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emptied out during Covid</a>, the anti-tech narrative lost steam.

<p>Since then, political winds have shifted dramatically: As San Francisco’s Downtown <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emptied out during Covid</a>, the anti-tech narrative lost steam.</p>

Today, politicians ranging from Gov. Gavin Newsom and former President Barack Obama to current President Joe Biden have made more housing a key initiative. And the movement succeeded in turning “NIMBY” into a derogatory term for selfish homeowners—often in wealthy communities—who don’t want new buildings, let alone people, in their backyards.

<p>Today, politicians ranging from Gov. Gavin Newsom and former President Barack Obama to current President Joe Biden have made more housing a key initiative. And the movement succeeded in turning “NIMBY” into a derogatory term for selfish homeowners—often in wealthy communities—who don’t want new buildings, let alone people, in their backyards.</p>

New pro-housing groups are forming at a strong clip, according to a recent <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2022/03/31/where-pro-housing-groups-are-emerging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brookings Institute study</a>. Of the 140 identified, 24 were in the Bay Area—the biggest and oldest of which is San Francisco-based YIMBY Action, with 10 full-time staff, nearly 2,500 dues-paying members and many more non-dues-paying members. Another group, the statewide California YIMBY, boasts 15 full-time staffers and 80,000 members after only five years in existence. California YIMBY has sponsored 17 statewide bills, which have been key in weakening local officials&#8217; ability to block construction.

<p>New pro-housing groups are forming at a strong clip, according to a recent <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2022/03/31/where-pro-housing-groups-are-emerging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brookings Institute study</a>. Of the 140 identified, 24 were in the Bay Area—the biggest and oldest of which is San Francisco-based YIMBY Action, with 10 full-time staff, nearly 2,500 dues-paying members and many more non-dues-paying members. Another group, the statewide California YIMBY, boasts 15 full-time staffers and 80,000 members after only five years in existence. California YIMBY has sponsored 17 statewide bills, which have been key in weakening local officials' ability to block construction.</p>

<p>New pro-housing groups are forming at a strong clip, according to a recent <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2022/03/31/where-pro-housing-groups-are-emerging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brookings Institute study</a>. Of the 140 identified, 24 were in the Bay Area—the biggest and oldest of which is San Francisco-based YIMBY Action, with 10 full-time staff, nearly 2,500 dues-paying members and many more non-dues-paying members. Another group, the statewide California YIMBY, boasts 15 full-time staffers and 80,000 members after only five years in existence. California YIMBY has sponsored 17 statewide bills, which have been key in weakening local officials&#8217; ability to block construction.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stymied-in-san-francisco">Stymied in San Francisco</h2>


<h2 id="h-stymied-in-san-francisco">Stymied in San Francisco</h2>

Despite the momentum in recent years, San Francisco’s politicians have failed to authorize more housing.

<p>Despite the momentum in recent years, San Francisco’s politicians have failed to authorize more housing.</p>

A year ago, San Francisco politicians rejected a 495-unit high-rise in SoMa that was to be built on a parking lot, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/supervisors-under-fire-vote-against-proposed-soma-apartment-building-sparks-furor-may-violate-state-law/">shadows and concern about gentrification</a>. Weeks before that, the same politicians unanimously rejected a 316-unit development in the Tenderloin—a project that was previously authorized by the Planning Department—over concerns that it <a href="https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2021/10/06/city-rejects-micro-homes-project-in-tenderloin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">would become a “tech dorm”</a> instead of family housing.

<p>A year ago, San Francisco politicians rejected a 495-unit high-rise in SoMa that was to be built on a parking lot, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/supervisors-under-fire-vote-against-proposed-soma-apartment-building-sparks-furor-may-violate-state-law/">shadows and concern about gentrification</a>. Weeks before that, the same politicians unanimously rejected a 316-unit development in the Tenderloin—a project that was previously authorized by the Planning Department—over concerns that it <a href="https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2021/10/06/city-rejects-micro-homes-project-in-tenderloin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">would become a “tech dorm”</a> instead of family housing.</p>

An aerial of the parking lot at 469 Stevenson Street in  the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, Calif. on October 28, 2021. Local politicians rejected building housing on the location citing shadows to the adjacent neighbors and that it might encourage gentrification to the area. | The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/YIMBYmaturation_INLINED04.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88153"/><figcaption>An aerial of the parking lot at 469 Stevenson St. in the SoMa District of San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2021 | The Standard</figcaption></figure>


Critics of the YIMBY movement say that they aren&#8217;t opposed to building housing, it&#8217;s that they believe the government needs to focus on getting below-market-rate housing built.

<p>Critics of the YIMBY movement say that they aren't opposed to building housing, it's that they believe the government needs to focus on getting below-market-rate housing built. </p>

<p>Critics of the YIMBY movement say that they aren&#8217;t opposed to building housing, it&#8217;s that they believe the government needs to focus on getting below-market-rate housing built. </p>

“It’s a fantasy that somehow more supply will start driving the price of housing down,” said Joseph Smooke, who in 2015 architected a failed ballot initiative to halt the construction of market-rate housing in the Mission, citing gentrification and displacement. “Could we embark on an accountable system for creating housing for people without relying on the market? Probably.”

<p>“It’s a fantasy that somehow more supply will start driving the price of housing down,” said Joseph Smooke, who in 2015 architected a failed ballot initiative to halt the construction of market-rate housing in the Mission, citing gentrification and displacement. “Could we embark on an accountable system for creating housing for people without relying on the market? Probably.”</p>

Critics also contend that YIMBYism is just a convenient way for the real estate industry to rebrand itself. Walk into any local YIMBY meeting, and the majority of attendees will be people who can afford luxury condos: white, male tech workers.

<p>Critics also contend that YIMBYism is just a convenient way for the real estate industry to rebrand itself. Walk into any local YIMBY meeting, and the majority of attendees will be people who can afford luxury condos: white, male tech workers.</p>

&#8220;It’s beyond absurd that YIMBY—the very folks who are fine with demolishing people’s homes, evicting people and minimizing affordable housing mandates in our City—would accuse me of being &#8216;anti-housing&#8217; &#8230; [YIMBYism] is not pro-housing, it is pro-developer, plain and simple,&#8221; said Supervisor Dean Preston, who regularly squabbles with YIMBYs on Twitter. He staunchly defends his housing record, citing his two decades as an eviction defense attorney and support of affordable housing.

<p>"It’s beyond absurd that YIMBY—the very folks who are fine with demolishing people’s homes, evicting people and minimizing affordable housing mandates in our City—would accuse me of being 'anti-housing' ... [YIMBYism] is not pro-housing, it is pro-developer, plain and simple," said Supervisor Dean Preston, who regularly squabbles with YIMBYs on Twitter. He staunchly defends his housing record, citing his two decades as an eviction defense attorney and support of affordable housing.</p>

<p>&#8220;It’s beyond absurd that YIMBY—the very folks who are fine with demolishing people’s homes, evicting people and minimizing affordable housing mandates in our City—would accuse me of being &#8216;anti-housing&#8217; &#8230; [YIMBYism] is not pro-housing, it is pro-developer, plain and simple,&#8221; said Supervisor Dean Preston, who regularly squabbles with YIMBYs on Twitter. He staunchly defends his housing record, citing his two decades as an eviction defense attorney and support of affordable housing.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bigger, Bolder Plans</h2>


The YIMBYs have all but given up on arguing their side in Planning Commission meetings, instead setting their sights on bigger plans.&nbsp;

<p>The YIMBYs have all but given up on arguing their side in Planning Commission meetings, instead setting their sights on bigger plans.&nbsp;</p>

Among their current targets is a statute in the annals of California housing law, <a href="https://twitter.com/CSElmendorf/status/1080250998549995520" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">re-surfaced on Twitter</a> by the UC Davis law professor Chris Elmendorf in 2019.

<p>Among their current targets is a statute in the annals of California housing law, <a href="https://twitter.com/CSElmendorf/status/1080250998549995520" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">re-surfaced on Twitter</a> by the UC Davis law professor Chris Elmendorf in 2019.</p>

Called the “builder’s remedy,” the statute kicks in when cities don’t have a state-approved housing plan to accommodate projected population growth. At that point, cities are powerless to stop certain types of construction.

<p>Called the “builder’s remedy,” the statute kicks in when cities don’t have a state-approved housing plan to accommodate projected population growth. At that point, cities are powerless to stop certain types of construction.</p>

Construction at the UC Hastings Student Housing at 198 McAllister St in Tenderloin-Hayes Point, 198 McAllister Street in San Francisco on Wednesday, Sep 21, 2022. The building is an example of a major residential development that made it through the lengthy San Francisco permitting process. | Felix Uribe Jr for The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/YIMBYmaturation_INLINED06-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88157"/><figcaption>Construction at the UC Hastings Student Housing at 198 McAllister St. in Tenderloin-Hayes Point on Sept. 21, 2022 | Felix Uribe Jr. for The Standard</figcaption></figure>


Before this year, utilization of the builder’s remedy had only been attempted once, in 1991, Elmendorf said. But as state housing targets ramp up, a Santa Monica developer recently <a href="https://www.latimes.com/homeless-housing/story/2022-10-24/santa-monica-housing-apartment-boom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submitted a plan to build 4,500 units using the builder’s remedy,</a> which would be more housing than Santa Monica has built in the past decade. (A “stunned” <a href="https://www.latimes.com/homeless-housing/story/2022-10-24/santa-monica-housing-apartment-boom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa Monica councilmember called the plan “beyond the pale.”</a>)

<p>Before this year, utilization of the builder’s remedy had only been attempted once, in 1991, Elmendorf said. But as state housing targets ramp up, a Santa Monica developer recently <a href="https://www.latimes.com/homeless-housing/story/2022-10-24/santa-monica-housing-apartment-boom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submitted a plan to build 4,500 units using the builder’s remedy,</a> which would be more housing than Santa Monica has built in the past decade. (A “stunned” <a href="https://www.latimes.com/homeless-housing/story/2022-10-24/santa-monica-housing-apartment-boom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa Monica councilmember called the plan “beyond the pale.”</a>)</p>

San Francisco YIMBYs are already strategizing around the obscure law. If the city misses a key February deadline to get its housing plan, called the Housing Element, approved by the state, local developers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/state-housing-probe-begins-as-sf-races-to-meet-key-deadline/">may have a window early next year to bypass city government in one fell swoop.</a>

<p>San Francisco YIMBYs are already strategizing around the obscure law. If the city misses a key February deadline to get its housing plan, called the Housing Element, approved by the state, local developers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/state-housing-probe-begins-as-sf-races-to-meet-key-deadline/">may have a window early next year to bypass city government in one fell swoop.</a></p>

“All we need is for a billionaire like Sam Altman to propose building a 100-story tower on his Russian Hill property and create 100 new affordable units,” said Barak Gila, a software developer whose side passion is YIMBY activism.

<p>“All we need is for a billionaire like Sam Altman to propose building a 100-story tower on his Russian Hill property and create 100 new affordable units,” said Barak Gila, a software developer whose side passion is YIMBY activism.</p>

Builders increasingly don’t feel the need to play ball with city officials, Elmendorf said.

<p>Builders increasingly don’t feel the need to play ball with city officials, Elmendorf said.</p>

“There are now a variety of ways in which a developer does not need to rely on their close and possibly corrupt relations to build housing,” he said. “I’m hearing this anecdotally from lawyers who are saying they are starting to see developers who are moving towards ‘I’m going to stand on my rights’ and are comfortable going head-to-head with hostile city councils.”

<p>“There are now a variety of ways in which a developer does not need to rely on their close and possibly corrupt relations to build housing,” he said. “I’m hearing this anecdotally from lawyers who are saying they are starting to see developers who are moving towards ‘I’m going to stand on my rights’ and are comfortable going head-to-head with hostile city councils.”</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NIMBY to YIMBY Pipeline</h2>


Ironically, it might be the case that soon YIMBYs won’t even need to circumvent local politicians. For up-and-coming politicians, running on a pro-housing platform is starting to look like table stakes.

<p>Ironically, it might be the case that soon YIMBYs won’t even need to circumvent local politicians. For up-and-coming politicians, running on a pro-housing platform is starting to look like table stakes.</p>

Mayor London Breed speaks at a press conference promoting affordable housing in San Francisco at City Hall, on Oct. 29, 2022. Housing advocates and members of the Carpenters Union of San Francisco were there in support of Proposition D. | Camille Cohen/The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/YIMBYmaturation_INLINED07.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88162"/><figcaption>Mayor London Breed speaks at a press conference promoting affordable housing at San Francisco City Hall on Oct. 29, 2022. Housing advocates and members of the Carpenters Union of San Francisco were there in support of Proposition D. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>


Opinion: Gov. Newsom’s proposed CARE Courts are political theater, not a solution to the homelessness crisis

Bilal Mahmood, entrepreneur and scientist, on why he’s running

YIMBYs ate the world—except for SF. Now its founders are up to new tricks

How San Francisco’s recycled water program stumbled into performative environmentalism

California lawmakers struck a deal on eviction protections as local relief lags

Search Results for: scott wiener

Opinion: Gov. Newsom’s proposed CARE Courts are political theater, not a solution to the homelessness crisis

Bilal Mahmood, entrepreneur and scientist, on why he’s running

YIMBYs ate the world—except for SF. Now its founders are up to new tricks

How San Francisco’s recycled water program stumbled into performative environmentalism

California lawmakers struck a deal on eviction protections as local relief lags