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Board approves Downtown community benefit district after weighted ballot favors formation
Summary
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to establish a Downtown Community Benefit District after weighted ballots returned 70.51% in favor and no majority protest; district will fund cleaning, safety and marketing in Financial District and Jackson Square.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously July 16 to establish the Downtown Community Benefit District after election-weighted ballots showed 70.51% support and no majority protest.
The measure, driven by property owners and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, creates a district covering roughly 669 parcels in the Financial District and Jackson Square that will levy assessments for janitorial and sidewalk services, safety and outreach, marketing, and program management. The district’s initial assessment formula charges taxable buildings 10¢ per square foot, with reduced rates for unimproved lots.
The district’s supporters said it will pay for janitorial crews, “ambassadors” to engage the public and respond to incidents of homelessness and vagrancy, additional traffic management officers, and marketing to boost the district’s profile. Chris Korgas, senior program manager at the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, said the district will invest most funds in “civil sidewalks and mobility management.” Marco Lemandri of New City America told the board the district’s budget is roughly $3 million a year, about three-quarters of which would pay for cleaning and mobility-related services.
Property owners and business groups, including Landmark Properties and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support at the hearing. Rodney Fong of the Chamber said community benefit districts build civic pride and help neighborhoods remain competitive.
Madam Clerk reported the weighted ballot count to the board before the roll call; Supervisor Peskin moved the item to final passage and the board voted 10-0 in favor.
The governing nonprofit that will implement the district will be made up of property and business owners in the area and will be responsible for hiring staff and contracting services. The board did not set a start date for operations; staff said implementation was expected to begin in early 2020 if administrative steps are completed.
