In the heart of San Francisco, a new tradition is blossoming as the city gears up to celebrate its inaugural Good Neighbor Week. Julia Giddis, the founder of this initiative and one of the Yes SF nonprofit innovators, stood before city officials to share her excitement about the upcoming festivities. Inspired by National Good Neighbor Day, a holiday established by President Jimmy Carter in the 1970s to promote kindness in communities, Giddis emphasized the importance of recognizing everyday acts of goodwill.

With the nomination deadline for the Good Neighbor Awards recently extended, Giddis announced an impressive turnout of over 160 nominees from all 11 districts. These nominations reflect the heartwarming stories of residents who have made significant contributions to their neighborhoods. Giddis expressed gratitude to city officials and their staff for promoting the nomination process, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins this celebration.

The events calendar for Good Neighbor Week is already brimming with activities, thanks to the involvement of over 40 community partners. From neighborhood scavenger hunts to block parties and even the nation’s first Good Neighbor Hackathon, the week promises to be filled with engaging opportunities for residents to connect and celebrate. Local newsrooms are also stepping up, organizing listening sessions to amplify community voices and stories.

Looking ahead, Giddis acknowledged that this year serves as a learning experience. With plans to expand Good Neighbor Week in 2026, she encouraged community partners to embrace this inaugural celebration as a chance to experiment and grow. As the city prepares for this heartfelt initiative, the spirit of neighborly kindness is set to shine brightly across San Francisco, fostering connections and celebrating the unsung heroes in every community.