
Racial and Social Equity Action Plan
When people face unnecessary barriers to success, our entire city is affected—economically, socially, and civically. San Francisco’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and ensuring that all communities have access to opportunity is essential to creating a city that is safer, more resilient, and inclusive for everyone.
What is the Equity Plan?
The San Francisco Planning Department’s Racial & Social Equity Action Plan (“Equity Plan”) is a roadmap for advancing fairness, inclusion, and accountability in how we work and serve the public. In alignment with citywide requirements from the Office of Racial Equity, the plan helps us assess how we collaborate with communities, distribute resources, and guide land use and development – ensuring our decisions reflect the diverse needs of all San Franciscans.
As a department that shapes San Francisco’s growth and development, we’re committed to making planning more accessible, inclusive, and responsive.
The Equity Plan outlines specific goals, actions, and measures of progress to help us build a department and city that advances opportunity for all.
Why Equity Matters
Persistent inequities in housing, economic opportunity, and access to services continue to shape life in communities across San Francisco. These challenges don’t just burden those directly experiencing them – they undermine the strength and resilience of our entire city. Advancing equity opens doors to opportunity, fuels economic growth, and reinforces our civic institutions.
Honoring Our Communities
San Francisco thrives because of its people. Immigrants, communities of color, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQIA+ residents, small businesses, and working families have long shaped our culture, economy, and innovation. All communities must have a voice in shaping the city’s future. When we expand access to opportunity, we empower every community to contribute fully – making our city more vibrant, creative, and resilient.
Equity Benefits Everyone
A strong city is one where everyone can succeed. Removing barriers and supporting community-driven solutions helps build a safer, more connected, and economically vibrant San Francisco.
Inclusive government leads to better decisions and better outcomes. When our workforce reflects the people we serve, our planning becomes more responsive and our policies more effective – shaping a future grounded in the lived experiences of all who call this city home.
Our Mission and Values
We envision inclusive neighborhoods that provide everyone with the opportunity to lead fulfilling, meaningful, and healthy lives. We envision a city where public life and public spaces reflect the past, present, and future of San Franciscans. We envision a city where a person’s race does not determine their lives’ prospects and success.
We envision an inclusive Planning Department and Commissions that represent and engage the communities we serve. We envision a Department that proactively infuses racial and social equity in both internal operations and external Planning work. Together, we are reimagining what the planning field is and can be – one that is inclusive, diverse and centers racial and social equity both as a practice and as an indicator of success.
In order to achieve this broader City vision, we must do our part and address racial and social equity within the Department’s policies and practices.
Action Plan Documents
On June 11, 2020 the San Francisco Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 20738 centering the Planning Department's work program and resource allocation on racial and social equity.
On July 15, 2020, the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission adopted Resolution No. 1127 centering Preservation Planning on racial and social equity.
- 2020 Phase 1 Action Plan(updated)
- 2019 Phase 1 Action Plan(adopted)
- Fact sheet of the Action Plan
- 2023-2024 Annual Report to Office of Racial Equity
- 2022 Annual Report to Office of Racial Equity
- 2021 Annual Report to Office of Racial Equity (under review)
- Office of Racial Equity’s 2021 Evaluation of Phase 1 Action Plan
Timeline
The following is a chronological timeline which provides a detailed account of major milestones achieved since this effort was launched in 2016. This timeline will be updated on a reoccurring basis.
Racial and Social Equity Action Plan Timeline & Milestones:
2025 and Beyond | Progress Monitoring and Evaluation
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2025 | Racial and Social Equity Action Plan Phase 2 Completion & Adoption |
2024 | Equity Plan Update
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2022 | Equitable Human Resources (HR) Guidelines
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2021 | Creation of the Equity Advisory Council |
2020 | Centering Planning & Historic Preservation on Racial and Social Equity
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2019 | Equity Plan Phase 1 Adopted
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2018 | First Draft of the Equity Plan Phase 1 |
2017 | Development of Equity Plan Phase 1 (Internal Strategies) & 2017 Staff Culture Survey |
2016 | Departmentwide Government Alliance on Race & Equity (G.A.R.E) Trainings |
Past Hearings
Planning Commission
May 8, 2025
Planning Commission
January 16, 2025
Planning Commission
September 29, 2022
Planning Commission
June 10, 2021
Planning Commission
July 30, 2020
Resources
San Francisco Resources
- Legislation establishing the San Francisco Office of Racial Equity
- The Office of Racial Equity Website
- Other Departmental Phase 1 Action Plans
- Mayor Breed's 2019-2024 City's Five-Year Financial Plan – long-term strategy for city investments driven by the guiding principles of accountability and equitable outcomes in the provision of city services and use of city funds.
Other Resources
- Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)
- City of Seattle’s Race & Social Justice Initiative
- City of Portland’s Office of Equity & Human Rights
Related Projects
Connect with the team to learn more about the Racial and Social Equity Action Plan:
Carla de Mesa
carla.demesa@sfgov.org
628.652.7476
Learn more about the Equity Council and its members.