San Francisco to Grant Low-Cost Housing Preference to Artists

A new program underway at the San Francisco Arts Commission would make it easier for artists to gain access to the city's stock of affordable rental and ownership opportunities.

1 minute read

April 5, 2018, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


San Francisco Residential Neighborhoods

Sundry Photography / Shutterstock

The San Francisco Arts Commission is taking steps to ease the process of applying for affordable rental housing—for artists, at least. TK reports:

The Arts Commission is working on a provocative plan that would designate some affordable housing units specially for artists. "Units specifically earmarked for people who qualify as working artists or cultural workers," says Tom DeCaigny, the city's director of cultural affairs. "So it would increase their chances within the lottery."

The program is reacting to the difficulty for artists in applying for the city's affordable housing lottery. The new program would grant artists special status in applying for affordable housing, like veterans or people with disabilities. In 2016, the city of San Francisco granted a low cost housing preference to teachers, and has begun developing rental units especially for teachers. 

Wednesday, April 4, 2018 in KQED

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A swamp in South Carolina with tall pale trees and Spanish moss in the water.

Satanic Place Names

From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.

October 31 - The Daily Yonder

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight