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Racial and Social Equity Action Plan

San Francisco Planning shapes how land is used to meet community needs and guide our city’s future. We plan for inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous neighborhoods that honor the city’s diverse communities and build lasting resilience for generations to come.

Achieving an equitable San Francisco requires more than vision, it requires sustained action. Our Racial & Social Equity Action Plan (“Equity Plan”) provides a framework for centering equity in all aspects of our work. From community engagement to policy development and resource allocation, we are transforming our practices to reflect the values of fairness and accountability. As the department responsible for shaping the city’s growth and development, we are committed to making planning more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the communities we serve.

This work is strengthened by the guidance of the Planning Department’s Community Equity Advisory Council, a group of leaders from diverse communities across the city. The Council helps ensure that our policies and plans are shaped by lived experience and grounded in community priorities.

Why We Do This Work

Equity is essential to San Francisco’s future. Persistent disparities in housing, economic opportunity, and access to services continue to weaken the city’s overall strength and resilience. The progress of San Francisco has always been rooted in the cultures and contributions of its diverse communities. Advancing equity means removing barriers, expanding opportunity, and ensuring all communities have a meaningful voice in shaping the city. When government is inclusive and grounded in community priorities, we build stronger neighborhoods, make better decisions, and create a San Francisco where everyone can thrive.

What is the Equity Plan?

The Equity Plan is a roadmap for advancing equity in our work and public service. Mandated by City Ordinance and citywide requirements from the Office of Racial Equity (ORE), the Plan outlines specific goals, actions, and measures progress. The first Phase was adopted in 2019 and was primarily internal (hiring, retention, culture of belonging). The second Phase expands the outward-facing equity work by embedding it into the Department’s public-facing policies, planning processes, and community engagement.

Focus Areas

The Equity Plan consists of two integrated phases with 11 focus areas. Phase 1 focuses on internal operations, including hiring, staff development, retention, and fostering a culture of inclusion. Phase 2 extends this work externally by embedding equity into the Department’s policies, planning processes, and community engagement efforts.

Hiring and Recruitment
Retention and Promotion
Discipline and Separation
Diverse and Equitable Leadership
Mobility and Professional Development
Organizational Culture of Inclusion and Belonging
Boards and Commissions
Resource Allocation
Procurement and Consultants
Equitable Planning
Community Engagement

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 Ongoing: Annual Updates to the Office of Racial Equity 2-Year Evaluation (2027) 5-Year Evaluation & Progress Report (2030)
2025	Completion & Adoption of Equity Plan Phase 2
2024	Draft Phase 2 Strategies: Equitable Planning & Community Engagement 2024 Staff Culture Survey
2020 - 2023	Equity Resolutions (2020) Community Equity Division & Advisory Council (2020–2021) HR Guidelines, Equity Tools & Dashboard (2022) 2nd Staff Culture Survey (2022)
2016 - 2019	Staff/Commissioner Training 1st Staff Culture Survey (2019) Development of Equity Plan Phase 1

Supporting 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.