Advance SF

“It’s probably the biggest issue facing the city, which is how to revitalize downtown,” said Advance SF President Wade Rose.   While there is no single solution to rebuilding our economic core and keeping Downtown vibrant, it’s a good sign that these issues are being recognized by our political leaders. Transforming Downtown will take years of sustained focus, and we will continue to work with city leaders and our partners on this work moving forward.    You can also check out the top candidate’s plans are for a thriving downtown as part of our Leadership 2024 Mayoral Forums: https://leadershipsf.com/ J.D. Morris / San Francisco Chronicle

We’re proud to present the Leadership 2024 Mayoral Candidate Forums alongside the City’s leading business and hospitality organizations.   On June 17 and 18 at the Museum of African Diaspora in Downtown San Francisco, we hosted a series of interviews with the top five candidates running for mayor to educate the public about key issues.   Moderated by Executive Director of Asia Society Northern California and a former television news correspondent Margaret Conley (Margaret C.), candidates were asked the same 12 questions about economic development, the City’s budget, Downtown revitalization, safe and clean streets, and more.   "San Francisco's business and hospitality sectors are aligned on providing residents with tools to make informed decisions about moving The City in the right direction," said Wade Rose, President of Advance SF. "It is clear that the City’s economy has to be rebuilt and that mayoral candidates need a deep understanding of how important that is for the future San Francisco.”   Thank you to our Leadership 2024 partners: San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco Travel Association, Hotel Council of San Francisco, Bay Area Council, Golden Gate Restaurant Association, BOMA San Francisco 

It’s great to see activations like Vacant to Vibrant leading to sustained success Downtown. With seven small businesses signing long-term leases in the first rendition of the program, more pop-ups are now open at new locations. We second the sentiment of Chloe Harris Hennen, editor-in-chief of Vacant to Vibrant participant 7×7: “We want people to get out, connect, remember what makes this city so great, and participate in the revitalization of San Francisco.”   Thank you to SF New Deal, SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development, and our member Wells Fargo for continuing to raise up Downtown.

San Francisco’s heritage is once again setting up its success for the future. “I have fallen in love with this city, its history, grit and charm,” Hamdi Ulukaya said of San Francisco after purchasing Anchor Brewing Company. It’s through inventions that turn into century-long traditions, like steam beer, that make San Francisco so special and attractive to businesses, investors, and visitors around the world.  

This funding is a $3 billion investment in the future of Downtown San Francisco. A high-quality transit hub in The East Cut Community Benefit District will provide increased access into Downtown, allowing workers, visitors, and residents to experience the area’s unique cultural and fun experiences. We hope to see the Transbay Joint Powers Authority secure the final pieces of funding to make this a reality.

The Proposed Business Tax Reform Measure is a result of the public and private sector coming together to create the most significant tax relief in San Francisco’s history. Still, it’s only a down payment. More has to be done in order to make San Francisco more amenable for investment, but this is a critical first step in the right direction. We must continue to make San Francisco a more supportive business environment. Laura Waxmann, Roland Li, J.D. Morris / San Francisco Chronicle

The first of twelve Downtown monthly street parties was a huge success, with thousands flooding the Yerba Buena neighborhood and The East Cut Community Benefit District to enjoy music, food, and entertainment for Downtown First Thursdays. It’s great to see continued success of activations Downtown that utilize its unique spaces and businesses, helping turn the area into a vibrant neighborhood with exciting experiences. Thank you to Into The Streets SF, the Civic Joy Fund, Levi Strauss & Co., the Gap Inc.’s Bob Fisher, and his wife Randi Fisher, for bringing this event to life.    Next on the calendar is the upcoming Bhangra and Beats Night Market making its return on May 10. See you Downtown!

ICYMI, we’re highlighting this op-ed from one of San Francisco’s most iconic businesses and our member, Gap Inc. It’s great to see such a historic institution committed to improving The City with contributions toward expanding its retail presence and energizing downtown, where Gap is headquartered. Gap’s President and CEO Richard Dickson summed it up best: “If we started in another place or time, we might have been a very different company, but this city makes us who we are.”

It's great to see the Downtown SF Partnership honoring Downtown San Francisco's past and celebrating its future through performances, interactive activities, music, and great food!   Check out CREATE!, a free, outdoor immersive visual and performing arts celebration, on April 25, from 4 to 8 pm at Landing at Leidesdorff.

We are excited to partner with the City’s most prominent organizations directly impacting jobs and economic development to create a new coalition that expands It All Starts Here. Through the It All Starts Here coalition, we are part of an unprecedented movement that tells stories of creativity and innovation emphasizing San Francisco is where the future is made.   Together, we will continue to remind residents, convention-goers, tourists, and businesses of the San Francisco Bay Area’s diverse, homegrown companies, institutions, and people that have shaped the entire world.   Bay Area Council, Golden Gate Restaurant Association, Hotel Council of San Francisco, BOMA San Francisco, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco Travel Association By Alex Barreira / San Francisco Business Times