Creating Walkable Communities: Transforming Parking Lots into Affordable Housing Solutions in San Francisco Housing advocates in San Francisco are pushing for a new approach to affordable housing by utilizing existing parking lots. TransForm, a Bay Area housing advocacy organization, recently held a webinar titled “Parking Revolution/Housing Solution: Bay Area” to discuss innovative initiatives that address the scarcity of housing and the significant amount of space occupied by parking lots in cities. During the webinar, Sam Moss of the Mission Housing Development Corporation shared his experience developing the Kapuso at the Upper Yard affordable housing development in San Francisco’s Mission District. He highlighted the challenges of balancing the need for parking with the desire to create more housing units. Moss emphasized that prioritizing parking would have limited the number of housing units they could build. The Kapuso development, which recently had its grand opening, is a 130-unit complex that does not have a dedicated parking lot. Instead, it was built on a former parking lot, showcasing the potential for creating walkable communities in San Francisco and the Bay Area. The advocates at the webinar emphasized the urgent need to address the lack of affordable housing in the Bay Area and how it is linked to the excessive space occupied by parking lots. They highlighted the importance of engaging with local officials to ensure that housing goals are met, especially in areas close to public transportation. Grecia Mannah-Ayon, the housing policy manager for TransForm, stressed that excessive parking inhibits the construction of new homes and that city officials should support housing projects that prioritize people over parking spaces. A study conducted by the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University revealed that there are over 634,000 parking spaces in San Francisco County. This staggering number emphasizes the potential for repurposing underutilized parking lots for affordable housing, thus transforming the city’s landscape and creating more livable communities. By repurposing parking lots for housing, we can address the housing crisis, promote sustainable transportation options, and create vibrant neighborhoods that prioritize accessibility and affordability. Walkable communities not only benefit residents but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for San Francisco and the entire Bay Area. Word count: 394