1. Get that site redesign, and hopefully mobile redesign, out ASAP. If this is to be a new chapter in gafs history then it needs a new/updated design to match it. It feels as if the corpses from the fallout are still rotting on the streets. This place needs to do a palette cleanser, and no banning people is only the step, not the solution.
2. Get the new QoL features rolled out as soon as. No need for releasing all at once, a gradual, timely and progressive rollout of features designed to make gaf feel modern will allow people to think gaf is getting back onto its feet and is here for the long run. Id be willing to bet (nothing) that a significant number of long term, formerly active members are waiting this episode out. Very likely on the other place, who can be enticed to get involved again when they see this site is willing and ready to get back on the horse and invest in getting parts of the old gaf feeling again. This also works for new members, make posting easier and feature filed and newbies can contribute more.
3. Get the community to vote on threads that can be highlighted on a week by week basis that adds positively to the site, its rebuilding, the level of discourse on gaf and shows the community getting involved with quality threads can pay off. This can be done with both off topic and gaming. Sure this can be open to abuse, but with the overhaul to the modding system it can be minimised. This idea can drive engagement. I myself have ideas for threads but holding off, looking at how things are shaking out I feel like gaf still needs to kickstart the recovery phase, its a little despondent right now.
4. Get the modding team to full strength ASAP. Some of the stuff I have seen and read after the incident I would have never read before the firestorm. Unironic use of the term sjw, snowflake, open console warrism, and victim blaming is kryptonite when trying to rebuild. The modding team needs to be at full operational strength so a crackdown can happen at some of the more unsavoury elements that have popped up in the power vacuum.
There is probably more that I can add, but for now this should suffice.
