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Board approves renewal and expansion of Downtown Community Benefit District; weighted ballots show strong support
Summary
After public hearings and a weighted ballot count, the Board of Supervisors approved renewal and a boundary expansion of the Downtown Community Benefit District to fund downtown clean‑and‑safe services and a future Embarcadero Park overlay; the Department of Elections reported 85.15% weighted support.
San Francisco — The Board of Supervisors voted July 21 to renew and expand the Downtown Community Benefit District (DSFP), authorizing a new 10‑year term and an assessment plan to fund expanded clean‑and‑safe services, economic development and programming for the Embarcadero waterfront.
Department of Elections staff reported a weighted ballot result of 85.15% in favor and 14.85% against, meaning there was no majority protest and the Board adopted the resolution to establish the renewed district.
Jackie Hazelwood of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development summarized the process the district used to pursue an early renewal and expansion, including petitions and a ballot phase, stakeholder outreach and coordination with the Port of San Francisco. "If approved, the renewed district would operate under the proposed management plan and expanded service area for a new 10‑year term commencing Jan. 1, 2027," she told the board.
Robbie Silver, executive director of Downtown SF Partnership, said the plan would nearly double cleaning and safety services in some areas, move to 24‑hour operations for clean‑and‑safe programs, and create a dedicated funding stream for Embarcadero Park programming once the park is substantially complete. Silver said first‑year assessments were projected to generate roughly $11 million to support a roughly $11.3 million operating budget.
Supporters from property owners and business groups emphasized downtown recovery and the need for sustained stewardship. BXP, which is developing the Embarcadero waterfront project, and multiple property owners spoke in favor, saying ongoing stewardship is necessary to keep downtown vibrant and safe.
The board also heard questions from supervisors about the park overlay, the port’s participation and the timetables for triggering additional park assessments. Staff said programming funds for the park—estimated at about $1.8 million annually—would not be collected or activated until the park is substantially complete and operating agreements are in place.
What’s next: With the board’s vote and no majority protest, Downtown SF Partnership will implement the management plan once the formal processes conclude, coordinate with Recreation and Parks on park‑overlay programming and begin deploying expanded clean, safety and activation services under the renewed district.
