(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) — Supervisor Connie Chan cast the sole dissenting vote on October 20 against a San Francisco ordinance intended to streamline local compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which governs environmental review for development projects.
Photo Credit: Connie Chan casts dissenting vote on CEQA streamlining at the Board of Supervisors regular meeting.
The ordinance amends the San Francisco Administrative Code to simplify environmental review procedures, including removing shadow analysis as a specific category of environmental impact and shortening the period for appealing CEQA determinations to the Board of Supervisors from 30 days to 15 days.
Her stance on CEQA is a central point of contrast in her progressive platform, particularly during her congressional race against State Senator Scott Wiener.
The shortened appeal window, in particular, would give members of the public less time to bring appeals to development projects before the Board of Supervisors. Chan argues that lawmakers are looking to streamline CEQA to accelerate development, reducing public transparency and residents' ability to oppose unwanted development projects.
Connie Chan is currently up against Scott Wiener running for California’s 11th Congressional District in the general election on November 3, 2026. Both are Democratic candidates running to succeed Nancy Pelosi, with Chan endorsed by Pelosi, but Wiener currently leading in polls. Chan currently represents District 1 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and Chairs its budget committee.
Critics often point to local real estate projects in her district, such as the Alexandria Theatre redevelopment, in which Chan rejected faster tracks that would have qualified for state CEQA exemptions.
Photo Credit: Nextdoor / April 27, 2024: Campaigning for reelection, Chan displays "Housing Coming Soon" at the 20+ year vacant Alexandria Theatre.
Photo Credit: Nextdoor / October 19, 2026: “2½ years later. Not a brick moved. Not a shovel lifted. No housing. Just more plywood, graffiti & blight after 6 years in office.”
A resident on Nextdoor highlighted how this theatre is centrally located at the heart of a thriving neighbourhood: “If she can't figure out how to uplift her own neighbourhood by building housing after 6 years in office, why on earth would we trust her judgement and incompetence to represent us in Congress?” the post read.
However, a report from SF YIMBY stated that a preliminary building permit was filed in October 2025, with another building permit filed in March 2026 currently under review by the city, indicating ongoing work on the Alexandria Theatre redevelopment.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at naomi.h@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below with your thoughts.
0
0
Comments