California Urges San Francisco to Expedite Housing Construction Process

A report has found that San Francisco has the most barriers to housing construction in California, exacerbating the state's homelessness crisis and making it difficult for workers to afford living in the city. The city's slow approval process, allowing anyone to object to projects even if they meet requirements, and excessive environmental reviews contribute to delays and increased costs. Governor Newsom's housing division has called on San Francisco to improve its practices and has specified 18 actions the city must take, including expediting building permits and eliminating the right of individuals to block compliant projects. If the city does not change, the state could withhold funding and revoke local control over development.