REP-SF Planning to the People Newsletter: June 2025
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Our REP-SF Planning to the People newsletter provides the latest news and ways to take action on behalf of grassroots communities for housing justice and equitable city planning – all in one place! We have a lot going on this month, so please make sure to expand to view the full newsletter at the bottom!
Please join us for important hearings about SF's proposed upzonings on June 16 & 26! And take action now to fight back against devastating budget cuts and protect against state attacks on environmental protections!
Happy Pride Month! We're happy to share an exciting opportunity for a community art show showcasing Queer & Trans artists in the fight for housing, spatial, & land use justice work!
In community,
The REP-SF Team
Race & Equity in all Planning Coalition
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Join Us for Upcoming Hearings about SF's Upzonings!
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Land Use Committee Hearing on Monday, June 16th (starts at 1:30 pm, Room 250): Voice your concerns about the upzonings at City Hall! Tell the members of the Board of Supervisors to advance our community solutions for affordability and stability to prevent displacement of tenants and small businesses.
Planning Commission Hearing on Thursday, June 26th (starts at noon, Room 400): We are expecting another hearing on the upzonings, tentatively scheduled for June 26. Email info@repsf.org to keep up to date.
Suggested talking points for public comment will be provided! Learn more in our blog post on SF's proposed upzonings and our community demands: bit.ly/REP_Blog_Rezone
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REP-SF In the News: Upzonings
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Will The City's plans to add more homes make housing affordable? – San Francisco Examiner, May 25, 2025
REP-SF featured! The SF Examiner quoted Dyan Ruiz of the REP-SF coalition in an article about SF's proposed upzonings. Reporter Keith Menconi wrote: Progressive housing advocates, who have been organizing in opposition to the effort, are pushing back with two questions: What kind of housing will get built? And who will those homes be for?
“If the vast majority of housing being built is out of reach and overpriced for most people, then that housing will not benefit most people,” said Ruiz.
Ruiz and other progressive critics argue that The City’s plan relies too heavily on private developers, which are incentivized to produce relatively high-end apartments. Instead, they would like to see The City dedicate more resources towards creating publicly subsidized, affordable housing specifically set aside for low-income residents. Ruiz and other progressive housing advocates derisively refer to this theory of the housing market as “trickle-down housing,” a reference to the Reagan-era economic theory referred to as “trickle-down economics” that held that tax breaks for the wealthy will eventually benefit the poor as well.
“Overproducing expensive housing will not take pressure off of the housing affordability crisis,” Ruiz said. In fact, “it just makes it worse.”
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More Than Mere Existence: A Nothing New CALL 4 ART
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For Trans & Queer Artists Fighting for Housing, Land Use & Spatial Justice
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Queerly Complex and REP-SF member People Power Media are collaborating with the Queer Housing Summit to curate a community art show showcasing Queer & Trans artists who are in the fight for housing / spatial / land use justice work. Under the “Nothing New” framework, Queer & Trans artists from around the world can submit art that they’ve already made, and it will be showcased at the 3rd Annual Queer Housing Summit in Fresno, CA on August 23rd. SUBMISSIONS: June 14 to July 14, 2025; Learn more & submit: queerlycomplex.com/more-than-mere-existence
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June 4: Rally for a People's Budget!
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On Wednesday, June 4, REP-SF members joined the People's Budget Coalition for the first direct action in response to the Mayor’s new budget. It's time to act to ensure our voices are heard and our services considered in the budget fight!! We rallied to tell the city to put the money where it matters and fund our communities!!! Don't balance the budget on the backs of the working class!! With a huge turnout from labor unions and community groups, we sent a powerful message to the Mayor that labor and community won't be pit against each other. Thank you to everyone who turned out! Tell the SF Board of Supervisors to pass a People's Budget!
People's Budget in the News: Read more in the SF Examiner, Axios, Bay Area Reporter, NBC Bay Area, and ABC7
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Oppose Devastating Federal & State Budget Cuts
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The recent proposed budget cuts at both Federal and State levels threaten crucial lifelines for millions of Californians. Essential programs such as Medicaid/Medi-Cal, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFresh, and CalWORKS are facing devastating reductions. These programs provide critical support for low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and those in need of healthcare services. Join REP-SF members South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN) in protecting our health and access to essential safety net programs. Now is the time to act! Contact your Federal and State representatives to voice your concerns about these damaging cuts.
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Defend the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)!
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In an era of harmful rollbacks of environmental regulations on the federal level, Californians must not lose their protections under state law. CEQA is key to reducing and mitigating air pollution, water contamination, and climate impacts that the community must live with long after the developers have made their profits and left. Low-income communities of color face the brunt of environmental impacts. Currently, there are State bills like SB 607 and AB 609 that are moving in the State floor disguising as a "Housing Bill," but really its main goal is to remove the CEQA process. We call on Californians to contact your representatives to defend CEQA. Please visit linktr.ee/SOMCAN to find your representative and phone script! Share this Reel with your communities!
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Sign the Petition: CA, Restore Affordable Housing Funding!
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California’s housing crisis is growing, yet the Governor’s budget leaves out crucial funding for affordable housing. We can't let vulnerable communities be left behind. Join our allies at the Council of Community Housing Organizations in taking action: Sign the petition & tell Governor Newsom: Fund affordable housing now!
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June 19: El Corazón de la Misión: Song & Video Premiere
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Calle 24’s First-Ever Fundraiser: Thursday, June 19 at BRAVA Theater (2781 24th St); Doors open at 5 PM for cocktail hour. Show begins at 6 PM.
Join REP-SF member Calle 24 Latino Cultural District for a powerful evening for the premiere of El Corazón de la Misión. This visual journey honors the cultural richness of La Misión, from the wisdom of our elders to the energy of new generations shaping our legacy. El Corazón de la Misión uplifts the resilience of our immigrant families, highlighting themes of protest, unity, tradition, and community pride. It’s more than a premiere — it’s a statement. A call to reject the criminalization of our people and celebrate all that thrives in the Latino Cultural District. Proceeds support Calle 24’s mission: preserving, uplifting, and celebrating the Latino Cultural District through arts, culture, and advocacy. Get your ticket and be part of this historic celebration!
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August 14: SDA's Annual CommUNITY Celebration
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Save the Date: REP-SF member Senior & Disability Action (SDA)’s Annual CommUNITY Celebration will be Thursday, August 14, 6 to 8 pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Church (1187 Franklin St, SF). The event will include a variety show, celebrating our communities and collective resistance as we raise money to support our ongoing organizing and education work. Learn more and sign up for volunteer opportunities here!
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Invite Your Communities to Subscribe to Our Newsletter!
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Our monthly Planning to the People newsletter (that you are reading now!) provides the latest news and ways to take action on behalf of grassroots communities for housing justice and equitable city planning – all in one place! Help us build our momentum by encouraging your networks and communities to subscribe to our newsletter: Share our subscription form!
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