San Francisco could be on the verge of major neighborhood changes. The “Family Zoning Plan,” proposed by Mayor Lurie would allow more multifamily housing and taller buildings in many parts of the city that have long been limited to single-family homes. The Family Zoning Plan is still being reviewed by the San Francisco Planning Commission and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, but the outcome of their vote to move forward with the plan could impact where future San Francisco families might live, work and hang out.

The Family Zoning Plan is drafted to allow more housing options in neighborhoods where almost only single-family homes are permitted. It is targeting neighborhoods on the north and west sides of San Francisco, like the Marin, Richmond and Sunset districts. Under the proposal, the city seeks to allow tens of thousands of new units in those neighborhoods, driven partly by California state requirements saying that San Francisco needs to plan for at least 82,069 new homes by 2031.

Supporters believe the plan could help ease housing supply and affordability by allowing more homes in parts of the city that have not seen much new building. More housing near transit, schools and jobs means shorter commutes and maybe more options for students and young people who want to stay in the city. In addition, the proposal modernizes zoning laws that are decades old and restrict building where people want to live.

Opponents of the plan are worried that the plan may not provide enough housing to satisfy the state demands. Others fear that neighborhood character will change or that small business or long-time residents might be displaced as a result of the plan. Critics have also raised concerns about infrastructure stress suggesting that more residents in neighborhoods could mean more traffic, a strain on transit options, schools and parks.

While not yet on the ballot, voters may be expected to decide on whether changes to San Francisco’s zoning should move forward. So every new and soon-to-be voter should start familiarizing themselves with the issues. Zoning reform is one of the biggest issues that can impact San Francisco. It changes how and where people can build homes in our city and touches issues of housing affordability, transportation and even neighborhood character. Whatever your views, it is worth paying attention and understanding what is at stake. Paying attention now means having a voice in the kind of future San Francisco we all will inherit.