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Board establishes Greater Union Square Business Improvement District after weighted ballot favors formation
Summary
After a public hearing and weighted ballot tabulation, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution establishing the Greater Union Square Business Improvement District; weighted returns were 63.22% in favor and 36.78% opposed.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on July 28 established the Greater Union Square Business Improvement District after hearing extensive public testimony and receiving weighted ballot returns showing 63.22% in favor and 36.78% opposed.
What the Board did: Following a public hearing that attracted dozens of property owners, business leaders and residents, the Department of Elections tabulated weighted ballots submitted for and against formation of the proposed property- and business-based assessment district. Board President Chu announced the returns and the Board then voted to adopt the resolution establishing the district; the roll call recorded 10 ayes and 1 no.
Why it matters: A majority protest is defined by weighted ballots; because fewer than 50% opposed on a weighted basis, the Board was able to adopt the resolution. Proponents said the district will expand and renew services such as public ambassadors, cleaning, graffiti removal, and safety outreach that have operated in Union Square for a decade and argued the expansion will close service gaps between adjacent community benefit districts.
Public testimony summarized: Supporters included large property owners, retailers, hotel operators and local businesses who said the Business Improvement District (BID) would help maintain cleanliness and safety and protect tourism and retail activity. Speakers included representatives of Macy's, Westfield, Kimpton Hotels, the Union Square Association and property owners who described streets and alleys near Union Square that they said need more frequent maintenance and security.
Opponents and concerns: Some property owners and at least one hotel manager said timing and added assessments create financial pressure amid a weak economy and questioned whether materials distributed with the ballots presented a full range of views. Speakers who serve residents and tenants asked that BID services be sensitive to homeless and low-income populations and to avoid language or tactics that stigmatize people experiencing homelessness.
Ballot and vote details: President Chu reported the Department of Elections' weighted tabulation as 63.22% yes, 36.78% no. The Board then adopted the resolution by roll call: recorded 10 ayes, 1 no. The Board's adoption implements the assessment district as proposed in the measure and directs the clerk and city departments to proceed with steps for administration and implementation.
Implementation: The BID board and the city will implement assessment collection and hire or contract for proposed clean-and-safe and outreach services according to the management plan and budget that property owners approved in the petition and ballot process.
Ending: The newly established Greater Union Square BID will take effect according to the timeline in the implementing ordinance and the city will provide procedural notices and administrative steps in coming weeks.
