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San Francisco Heritage previews 'Sustaining San Francisco's Living History' and urges incentive‑based cultural asset protections
Summary
San Francisco Heritage presented a forthcoming report recommending a citywide methodology for identifying cultural heritage assets and incentive‑based supports (case studies include London's Assets of Community Value, Buenos Aires' Barrio Notables, Paris' City acquisition program, and CAST in San Francisco). The commission discussed forming a subcommittee and next steps for policy coordination.
Mike Buehler, Executive Director of San Francisco Heritage, and Desiree Smith presented a preview of a report titled 'Sustaining San Francisco's Living History,' which surveys threats to traditional businesses and cultural uses and recommends incentive‑based responses. The report frames "cultural heritage assets" broadly to include tangible and intangible elements—buildings, businesses, institutions, and traditional uses—that contribute to neighborhood identity and cultural continuity.
The presentation reviewed international and domestic case studies: London's Assets of Community Value and Community Right to Bid; Buenos Aires' Barrio Notables program (the inspiration for San Francisco's legacy bars and restaurants initiative); Paris's approach to municipal acquisition and long‑term lease for specific uses; and the Community Arts Stabilization Trust (CAST) in San Francisco, which secures long‑term spaces for arts organizations through acquisition and technical assistance. The report recommends immediate steps (endorsing a consistent methodology, supporting neighborhood initiatives, exploring a mayoral directive and targeted incentives) and longer‑term goals such as a citywide cultural asset designation program with benefits tied to public assistance.
Commissioners expressed support for a subcommittee to refine HPC's role and coordination with Planning Department efforts; staff and Heritage agreed to pursue outreach to the Mayor's Office and other departments before the report's wider release. Public commenters representing cultural venues (including the Roxy Theater) supported the recommendations and highlighted urgency for funding and acquisition tools to stabilize long‑running cultural institutions threatened by rising rents and market pressures.
