During a recent government meeting, the Port of San Francisco outlined its role in the city's recovery efforts and proposed minor adjustments to its budget. Acting CFO Nate Cruz emphasized the port's commitment to attracting visitors back to downtown San Francisco, highlighting its importance as a key player in revitalizing the waterfront.
Cruz presented a request for $500,000 in budget adjustments, primarily focusing on two significant changes. The first involves the transfer of maintenance responsibilities for Mission Bay Parks from the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII) to the Port and Recreation and Parks Department, effective July 1. This transition is expected to be financially neutral for the port, as OCII will provide a revenue stream to cover maintenance costs.
The second adjustment involves a reduction in a previously allocated $500,000 fund aimed at supporting Black-owned businesses on port property. Cruz noted that while there is a similar fund from the previous fiscal year that remains unspent, the port is actively negotiating to utilize these resources effectively. He acknowledged the ongoing need for support for small businesses in San Francisco and expressed openness to any additional funding that could be restored to help meet this demand.
These discussions reflect the port's ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement and support local businesses, reinforcing its role as a vital asset in San Francisco's economic recovery.