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Port Commission to pilot targeted retail RFP for local businesses at Pier 33 1/2
Summary
The Port Commission heard staff propose a pilot RFP that would target community-based organizations to expand access for local business enterprises to a renovated retail site at Pier 33 1/2; commissioners asked staff to broaden outreach and return with a refined RFP in April.
Susan Reynolds, the Port’s Deputy Director for Real Estate, proposed a pilot program to issue a targeted request for proposals for two retail spaces at Pier 33 1/2 on the Embarcadero, aimed at expanding opportunities for local business enterprises (LBEs) that have been priced out of port retail sites.
The RFP would be distributed through community-based organizations (CBOs) that support small businesses; respondents would be required to be clients of an eligible CBO and to receive ongoing technical assistance, while leases would be up to five years at market retail rates. Reynolds said the facility is a “warm shell” without cooking or venting amenities and noted the spaces are approximately 512 and 1,430 square feet. She told the commission, “The port is proposing a pilot program that would distribute this RFP on a targeted basis through the CBOs.”
Commissioners and public commenters generally welcomed the proposal but pressed staff to widen distribution beyond a CBO-only channel so qualified LBEs that do not need hand‑holding can also apply. Andrea Baker, a community representative, told the commission she supported the pilot and praised its focus on technical assistance for participants.
During questions, staff confirmed the facility was renovated to be accessible and up to code. Commissioners asked that outreach include ethnic‑language newspapers and broader small‑business channels; Reynolds said port staff will include broader publication networks as directed and will return to the commission on April 8 with a refined RFP for approval and next steps.
Next steps: staff will develop the RFP with broader outreach, work with CBO partners on ongoing technical-assistance expectations and return to the commission in April to seek authorization to issue the solicitation.
