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Fillmore Jazz Community Benefit District approved by weighted ballot; organizers pledge local representation
Summary
A proposed Fillmore Jazz Community Benefit District (CBD) passed following a public hearing and weighted ballot count that found 88.37% of weighted ballots in favor. The board approved last-minute amendments requiring merchant and non-property-owner representation on the CBD board.
After a public hearing and weighted-ballot tally on Aug. 15, the Board of Supervisors approved the formation of the Fillmore Jazz Community Benefit District (CBD). The clerk reported the weighted tabulation as 88.37% in favor and 11.63% opposed; the board concluded that no majority protest existed and adopted the resolution establishing the district.
Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, sponsor of the measure, introduced two amendments read into the record by Deputy City Attorney Dorjee Roberts to ensure broader representation on the district's nonprofit owners association board. The amendment requires that 25% of the CBD board of directors be non-property-owning merchants in the district and that another 25% be individuals who do not own real property in the district and are not merchants.
Supporters from the neighborhood testified in favor. Arghona Fisher Frau, a Fillmore property and business owner, called the CBD important to "sustain the institutionalization of the Jazz District" and to allow local self-assessment and management of resources. Several community members urged safeguards to ensure long-standing residents and businesses have a role. Ace Washburn, a longtime Western Addition resident, said the community must be included "at the tables from the beginning." Daniel Landry, another neighborhood resident, urged more grassroots outreach and warned that existing advisory committees have sometimes failed to represent long-term local voices.
With the amendments entered and public testimony heard, the clerk reported the final ballot tabulation. "Voting for the Fillmore Jazz Community Benefit District, 88.37 percent, voting against 11.63%," the clerk announced. The board adopted the resolution establishing the district and instructed city staff to implement required next steps.
Ending: The board's action authorizes a five-year assessment on identified parcels in the Fillmore Jazz District and directs city staff and the new CBD board to follow the management plan and the oversight provisions approved by the board.
