Housing Policy & Advocacy

Our Commitment to Housing Equity

Our policy team works to ensure equitable access to housing and land use resources, prioritizing low-income communities of color in Southeast San Francisco. 

Through advocacy, policy analysis, and community outreach, we seek to dismantle systemic barriers to affordable housing and land ownership while promoting land use policies that foster structural equity and increase access for historically underserved communities.  

Our core priorities include producing and preserving affordable housing, advancing anti-displacement and community stabilization policies, and empowering communities by actively engaging residents to understand their needs and advocate for responsive, equity-driven solutions. 

Ultimately, we aim to create a Southeast San Francisco where communities of color thrive in safe, sustainable, and affordable living environments, and where land use decisions promote long-term community stability and opportunity. 

Our Policy Work in Action

Affordable Housing Advocacy 

We fight for policies that create and preserve affordable housing in neighborhoods where communities of color live or have historical ties. 

  • This includes: 

    • Advocating for inclusionary zoning, rent control, tenant protections, and anti-eviction laws. 

    • Securing funding and incentives for low-income and mixed-income housing developments. 

    • Preventing displacement and ensuring new housing benefits existing residents. 

Community Engagement and Organizing

We build grassroots power by partnering with local organizations, coalitions, and community leaders. 

  • This includes: 

    • Amplify the voices of BIPOC residents in housing and land use decisions. 

    • Mobilize communities to advocate for equitable development and anti-displacement strategies.

Racial and Economic Justice in Housing 

We confront the legacy of racial segregation and exclusion. 

  • This includes: 

    • Addressing systemic barriers like redlining, predatory lending, and generational wealth disparities. 

    • Supporting programs that create pathways to homeownership for BIPOC families. 

    • Linking housing access to broader economic opportunities and stability. 

Equitable Land Use and Zoning 

We challenge discriminatory zoning and land use policies to ensure access, inclusion, and justice.  

  • Our efforts include: 

    • Advocating for zoning reforms that support diverse, affordable communities. 

    • Promoting equitable land access and community land trusts. 

    • Protecting culturally significant land and supporting long-term land stewardship. 

Policy Research and Public Education 

We use data-driven advocacy and public education to influence change.  

  • Our work includes: 

    • Conducting research on housing trends, gentrification, and demographic shifts. 

    • Producing policy briefs, media campaigns, and educational materials to raise awareness and propose solutions rooted in equity. 

Past Work & Impact Highlights

A snapshot of our policy and advocacy efforts advancing housing justice in Southeast San Francisco.

Research & Publications

  • Certificate of Preference Program White Paper (2020)

  • Black & African American Housing Priorities Document (2023)

  • DAHLIA Affordable Housing Application Manual (2024)
    Created and distributed to support applicants navigating San Francisco’s affordable housing portal. Available in the Policy Resources folder.

Advocacy & Coalition Building

  • Coalition Engagement
    We actively collaborate with the following coalitions to advance equitable housing policies:
    CCHO, REP, SFCAD, and PolicyLink.

  • Planning Department Community Engagement Fellowship (2023–2025)
    Contributing to equitable community engagement practices through the City of San Francisco’s Planning Fellowship.

  • Proposition G – Rental Subsidy Advocacy (2024)
    Supported the passage of Proposition G to fund rental subsidies for low-income seniors, families, and people with disabilities.