Daly City commission shares small‑business survey results, plans follow‑up outreach

The Daly City Small Business Commission on Nov. 14 presented preliminary results from listening tours and a citywide survey of roughly 30 local merchants and outlined next steps to support small businesses.

The small business advocate who led the outreach said commissioners and staff visited businesses across the city and asked owners to rate Daly City for dining, weekend events and weekday activity. "We just basically asked businesses around the city what is the climate like for them working and owning a business in this city," the advocate said, noting the survey is available in several languages and urging more owners to respond.

Respondents rated Daly City nearly four stars as a food-and-dining destination (majority 3–5 stars). Weekend events scored lower, around three stars, and weekday activities averaged about 3.22 stars, indicating opportunities to build midweek foot traffic.

Businesses ranked cleanliness as the top amenity to address, followed by pedestrian‑friendly infrastructure, safety, façade improvements, green space, communication with the city and public transit. The permit process rated lower among respondents, the presenter said.

Open‑ended responses recommended more lighting, additional green space, parking support, solutions for people experiencing homelessness, increased police patrols, anti‑Asian‑hate measures, improved signage, more festivals and an online Daly City business directory.

Mayor Justin Manal thanked the commission and described the Top of the Hill festival as a recent example of a successful event that boosted foot traffic: "We had a staff involved and the community members that echoed how important it was to put back and ensure that Top of the Hill had love," he said, calling the festival a start toward making Daly City a destination.

Commissioners said they will gather further data to back requests to other departments where appropriate (public works for illegal dumping or street cleaning; planning or building for permitting and land‑use issues). Staff announced a plan to create a welcome packet and a phone directory or FAQ sheet to direct businesses to the right city contacts. The small business advocate provided a contact number for assistance: (650) 991‑8162.

Procedural note: the commission approved minutes from its Oct. 10, 2024 meeting at the start of the session.

The commission also announced a virtual cannabis equity town hall on Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. to solicit input on an equity program.

Next steps: commissioners said they will continue collecting survey responses, develop a follow‑up questionnaire focused on desired weekend and evening activities, and work on outreach materials and resources for business owners.