Major Development Slows to a Snail's Pace in San Francisco

A bustling economy and a worsening housing crisis isn't enough to inspire a building boom in San Francisco—quite the opposite in fact.

1 minute read

May 19, 2018, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


San Francisco Construction

Mark Schwettmann / Shutterstock

"Having peaked at 116 in 2014, the number of newly proposed plans for major developments in San Francisco has been trending down ever since, according to an article on the development-tracking website SocketSite.

"And with fewer than 20 preliminary proposals for major projects in the city having been submitted to San Francisco’s Planning Department since the beginning of the year, as mapped above and which is the fewest in the first five months of a year since 2011 (and 40 percent below the average since), we’re currently on track for a six-year low in activity."

The article notes that the potential approval of the Central SoMa plan could shift the trend, most of the projects coming soon to that area are already well along in the approval and development process, and won't change totals in the website's count.

Thursday, May 17, 2018 in SocketSite

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

April 17 - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

April 17 - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

April 17 - Arizona Republic