Lydia So

(she/her)

Lydia So is a dedicated advocate for equitable housing, sustainable urban development, and the representation of the AANHPI community. Born in Hong Kong and fluent in Cantonese, Lydia has a deep understanding of the importance of community, arts, and livable spaces.

Lydia's priorities are clear and impactful. She is committed to ensuring housing for all, from formerly unhoused individuals to workers’ housing to market-rate housing. She believes that housing is a fundamental right and works tirelessly to create inclusive policies that support this belief. She emphasizes the importance of livable spaces, aiming to make neighborhoods transit-friendly and vibrant, fostering a sense of community and accessibility.

Lydia is also a passionate advocate for combating climate change. She understands the urgent need for sustainable urban growth and the role that design and planning play in creating resilient cities. Her work supports cultural equity, ensuring that all communities have a voice in the planning and development processes.

In her public service career, Lydia has made significant contributions. She served on the San Francisco Arts Commission, appointed by the late Mayor Ed Lee, where she provided a vision for city planning, improved the design quality of city-owned properties, and regulated the 1%-for-art program. Her role as a liaison to the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development further highlighted her commitment to affordable housing production for all San Franciscans.

As a former Historic Preservation Commissioner for the San Francisco Planning Department, appointed by Mayor London Breed, Lydia implemented the department’s Racial & Equity Policy and conducted citywide surveys on neighborhood streetscapes and buildings. Her efforts ensured that preservation work aligned with broader equity goals and community needs.

Lydia served as a Board Member of the SFMTA Board of Directors, appointed by Mayor London Breed and the full Board of Supervisors' unanimous support. In this role, she collaborated with the SFPD and SFMTA security to enhance police presence and accountability on MUNI, learned to drive a MUNI bus, and served on the Train Control Upgrade Project Committee. She also liaised with the US Department of State and Chinese communities to foster Chinatown connectivity during APEC and implemented culturally appropriate community outreach to monolingual Chinese communities. 

Currently, Lydia serves as the Commissioner of the San Francisco Planning Department, where she continues to advocate for her priorities.

Lydia is also the founder of SOLYD Architecture, Management and Design, where she has improved the living environments and cultural equities of families and business owners in the Bay Area. Her global experience includes working on the design of some of the world’s tallest buildings, advanced life science buildings, and the world’s first all-glass spiral staircase Apple Store in Japan. 

Lydia currently resides with her family in the Mission District, continuing her dedication to public service, community building, and sustainable urban development. Her rich experience in design, urban planning, and transportation, combined with her unwavering commitment to equity and sustainability, makes her a vital advocate for the communities she serves