Things are getting better... the top post on HN currently refers to 2011's 418 units, but this was following a huge economic downturn. Projects in the city take huge resources and require years of permitting and approvals, followed by years of construction. This isn't a 'flip-the-switch' type of problem like you can solve in the suburbs. This process could obviously be expedited, and I hope people work toward that, but things aren't as dire as they sound.
I really think that the current administration is much more pro-growth than previous ones have been. There are 370k housing units currently available in the city. The pipline report has some really good news as far as housing is concerned. (http://www.sf-planning.org/index.aspx?page=1691)
* 48,000 new housing units approved (including Candlestick, Treasure Island, and Park Merced developments, but still a 13% increase in available units)
* 4,200 units currently under construction
* 9mm sq ft of new commercial real estate approved
I really think that the current administration is much more pro-growth than previous ones have been. There are 370k housing units currently available in the city. The pipline report has some really good news as far as housing is concerned. (http://www.sf-planning.org/index.aspx?page=1691)
* 48,000 new housing units approved (including Candlestick, Treasure Island, and Park Merced developments, but still a 13% increase in available units)
* 4,200 units currently under construction
* 9mm sq ft of new commercial real estate approved
* 3mm sq ft of new retail space approved