Affordable Housing in San Francisco?

According to some, the Dot.com bust started a trend that brought affordable housing relief to thousands in San Francisco.

1 minute read

September 17, 2003, 11:00 AM PDT

By Connie Chung


In San Francisco, "living in the least-affordable city in America was close to impossible for those of modest means. But in the last 18 months, declining rents and a reinvigorated Housing Authority have spawned a boom in subsidized housing for thousands of families....rents have plummeted 40 percent since 2000, according to the San Francisco Apartment Association. Meanwhile, the vouchers disbursed by the San Francisco Housing Authority under the program have not been adjusted downward from their dot-com high....That means the vouchers are, in many cases, worth more than what the open market will fetch. At a time when vacancies dot the landscape and many residents are negotiating their rents downward, Section 8 tenants have new appeal. Eighteen months ago, only 150 landlords listed their properties with the Housing Authority. Today, the list stands at nearly 4,000....The city is still starkly inhospitable to low-income families....Although rents have come down, they remain the highest in the country."

Thanks to Connie Chung

Sunday, September 14, 2003 in The Chicago Tribune

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

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog