The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on a significant legislative proposal aimed at revitalizing downtown San Francisco. The meeting featured public comments supporting amendments to the downtown planning code, particularly concerning the Union Square area.

Marissa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance, expressed strong support for the proposed amendments, which aim to modernize zoning controls established in the 1980s. The amendments would maintain a robust retail requirement on the ground floor while allowing greater flexibility for various uses on upper floors, including residential and office spaces. Rodriguez emphasized that these changes are crucial for adapting to the current retail market and thanked city officials for their prompt action on the proposal.

Public comments also included perspectives from organizations like SPUR, which advocated for the conversion of office buildings to residential units as a strategy to diversify and activate downtown. SPUR highlighted the challenges posed by existing planning and building codes, urging the removal of a sunset provision in the ordinance to enhance the potential for adaptive reuse projects. They suggested linking incentives to the number of units created rather than a fixed timeline.

Chris Wright, Vice President of Advanced SF, reinforced the need for the legislation to support a more vibrant downtown, moving beyond a traditional business district to accommodate residents and visitors alike. He called for the committee to approve the legislation as a vital step towards economic recovery.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of the proposed amendments, marking a potential turning point for the future of downtown San Francisco. The next steps will involve further discussions and voting on the legislation, which aims to foster a more diverse and resilient urban environment.