Planning Department and stakeholders debate how to preserve PDR jobs and space in San Francisco

Planning Department staff and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development presented an overview of the city—s Production, Distribution and Repair (PDR) economy and policy options to retain and expand industrial and maker jobs.

Steve Orth of Planning summarized PDR—s role in supporting tech, tourism and neighborhood services, noting that PDR jobs often pay relatively well for workers without four-year degrees and that the sector—s vacancy rate is low. "PDR is what supports tech and tourism and makes it work," he said, and staff presented maps showing roughly one-third of PDR jobs in protected industrial districts, one-third in unprotected mixed-use districts and one-third in residential districts.

Ken Rich of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development described city programs including technical assistance, financing products and workforce connections to help PDR firms remain and grow. Public commenters — including representatives of SFMADE, TACO Group and neighborhood groups — pressed for stronger protections: proposals included a no-net-loss policy, 1-for-1 replacement requirements when PDR space is converted, mandatory preservation in landmark buildings and incentives for keeping PDR on redevelopment sites such as the Flower Mart.

Speakers also stressed the magnitude of market pressures: high rents, low vacancy and strong demand for office and housing make new PDR economically difficult. Commissioners and staff discussed tools including targeted subsidies, using city-owned land for PDR, leveraging historic-building incentives, and exploring whether a 1-for-1 replacement requirement would be economically feasible in Central SoMa. Planning staff said they would analyze the economics of 1-for-1 replacement and pursue options with OEWD and other partners.

No formal vote was taken; the item was informational and generated extensive public comment and follow-up requests.