The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on community services and initiatives in the Yerba Buena neighborhood, highlighting the area's diverse offerings and ongoing projects.
The meeting began with a presentation on the various services provided by the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District (CBD), which include cleaning, safety, streetscape programs, marketing, and community benefit fund grants. A key feature discussed was the regranting program aimed at supporting public art, pedestrian safety, and beautification efforts. This program reinvests funds back into nonprofit and cultural organizations within the district, fostering community engagement and development.
Yerba Buena, located in the downtown core from Market Street to Perry Street and Second Street to Fifth Street, is characterized as a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. The area boasts 16 cultural institutions, 12 hotels, and a significant tourism base, alongside 113 small businesses, including restaurants and bars. The presence of 18 public art pieces and multiple open spaces further enhances the neighborhood's appeal, which is home to approximately 11,000 residents.
The meeting also highlighted the impressive achievements of the Yerba Buena CBD over the past year. Notably, the team removed 513,000 pounds of trash, addressed 10,000 instances of graffiti, and conducted 3,278 steam cleanings. Additionally, human waste was removed 3,780 times, and the team responded to 1,571 calls through the 311 service. The introduction of artist-designed bike racks and murals throughout the neighborhood was also celebrated as part of the community's artistic identity.
Safety measures were emphasized, with the presence of community guides operating daily from 6 AM to 10 PM and a dedicated police officer assigned to the area. The neighborhood's branding as the "Art District" and "Museum District" was reinforced through a new campaign, "Experience the Art of," which included the launch of the Yerba Buena art market.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the commitment of the Yerba Buena CBD to enhancing community life through various programs and initiatives, showcasing the neighborhood as a model of diversity, culture, and civic engagement in San Francisco.