Supervisors approve ordinance to create cultural districts and formalize protections for neighborhood cultural assets

The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed on May 15 an ordinance to create a formal process for establishing cultural districts in San Francisco.

Supervisor Ronan, the lead sponsor, said the legislation creates a framework for city departments to invest in neighborhoods with unique cultural identity and to use cultural-district designations as a stabilization tool against displacement. "Cultural districts are a way to shift this trend" of losing businesses and residents that define neighborhood character, Ronan said.

The ordinance identifies existing and emerging cultural districts as examples — the Mission’s Latino Cultural District, Japantown, SoMa Pilipinas (Soma Filipina District), the Compton’s Transgender Cultural District in the Tenderloin — and establishes a pathway for communities to apply for formal recognition. The measure directs city departments to coordinate investments, including support for arts, festivals, culturally relevant businesses and small nonprofits.

Supervisors who represent neighborhoods with cultural districts spoke in support. Supervisor Kim, a co-sponsor and representative of a district that includes several designated districts, called the measure an anti-displacement tool that aims to do more than provide honorary recognition. Supervisor Cohen urged the board to consider related budget needs as the city implements the districts.

The clerk recorded a unanimous vote after a small amendment to clarify Japantown boundary language. The ordinance also affirms the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination.