Heather Mac Donald defends a contentious law, spurred by frustration over migratory youths in Haight-Ashbury, that would ban sitting or lying on city sidewalks between 7 AM and 11 PM.
According to Mac Donald, the proposed Civil Sidewalks law is a means to control the city's rampant 'gutter punks,' who she says engage in hostile occupation of public space, terrorizing residents and merchants alike. Current laws only allow police to take action against those blocking sidewalks if a civilian complaint is lodged.
Opponents argue that the new sit-lie law does little to address the root problems of homelessness, such as the city's shortage of affordable housing, but Mac Donald argues more comprehensive government programs would be futile, as the youths in question see their condition as a lifestyle choice.
Other west coast cities like Seattle, Portland, and San Diego have already adopted similar legislation. The proposal is supported by Mayor Gavin Newsom and the city's new police chief and will come to a public referendum in November.
Mac Donald writes:
'That vote will reveal whether San Francisco is ready to join the many other cities that view civilized public space as essential to urban life.'
FULL STORY: The Sidewalks of San Francisco

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

HSR Reaches Key Settlement in Northern California City
The state’s high-speed rail authority reached an agreement with Millbrae, a key city on the train’s proposed route to San Francisco.

Washington State Legislature Passes Parking Reform Bill
A bill that would limit parking requirements for new developments is headed to the governor’s desk.

Missouri Law Would Ban Protections for Housing Voucher Users
A state law seeks to overturn source-of-income discrimination bans passed by several Missouri cities.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service