San Francisco Board supports mayor's office waiver for downtown revitalization funding

The San Francisco County government meeting on June 5, 2025, focused on a proposed ordinance aimed at enhancing downtown revitalization efforts. The discussion centered around a waiver that would allow for increased funding and support for various projects in the downtown area, particularly in Union Square.

During the meeting, Vice Chair Sauter expressed strong support for the waiver, highlighting the positive changes observed in downtown since the initiation of activation projects. He emphasized the importance of continuing these efforts to improve public spaces and maintain cleanliness and safety. Sauter noted the potential for scaling these initiatives from three spaces to eight, which could significantly enhance the downtown experience.

The director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) addressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of the funding. He assured the board that specific metrics would be established to assess the impact of the funds on revitalization efforts. This would involve collaboration with the Downtown Development Corporation to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

The discussion also touched on the possibility of expanding the waiver to support economic revitalization in other neighborhoods if the pilot program proves successful. The director indicated that all options would be considered based on the outcomes of the current initiative.

After a brief period for public comment, which yielded no responses, the committee voted unanimously to forward the ordinance to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation. This step marks a significant move towards revitalizing San Francisco's downtown area and enhancing the overall urban experience for residents and visitors alike.