San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA -- Mayor London N. Breed today unveiled an action plan aimed at revitalizing San Francisco's Union Square and Yerba Buena districts. The plan focuses on investments in hospitality, entertainment, arts and culture, retail, and tourism (HEART) sectors within these key areas.

The initiative includes a series of actions supported by legislation and public funding, spearheaded by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD). These neighborhoods are significant to the city's economy, housing nearly half of its hotel rooms and over 3.5 million square feet of retail space.

Challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to changes in retail patterns and a shift towards online shopping. Hybrid work models, suburban competition, and a slow recovery in tourism have also impacted foot traffic downtown. Despite these challenges, new business openings in Union Square and Yerba Buena are outpacing closures.

Mayor Breed's action plan aims to counteract negative trends while leveraging positive developments such as new restaurant openings and civic events. "San Francisco is in the midst of a shift," said Mayor Breed. "We are committed to investing in creative ways to bring more fun and options to the City’s most trafficked destinations."

Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director for OEWD, emphasized the importance of these neighborhoods: “These actions and investments will help make that visit a top-notch experience.”

Key initiatives include reimagining Powell Street as a premier destination with public space improvements on Hallidie Plaza and Maiden Lane. Additional entertainment zones will be established to allow outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages during events. Union Square Park will host year-round public events.

The plan also proposes developing a Vacant to Vibrant program for Powell Street storefronts, fostering small businesses in Yerba Buena’s Filipino business district, launching marketing campaigns for Powell Street leasing success, providing direct leasing support for small businesses, enhancing safety measures with 24/7 neighborhood-based security presence, continuing the Welcome Ambassadors program for tourists, increasing SFPD foot patrols, illuminating key pedestrian passages with overhead lighting, transforming vacant street-level spaces into visually appealing areas, offering reduced-cost parking in key city garages.

Recent zoning changes allowing flexibility on upper floors will facilitate converting commercial buildings into housing. The city plans to work with local leaders on legislation providing financial incentives for new construction projects.

Marisa Rodriguez from the Union Square Alliance highlighted the importance of these initiatives: “Mayor Breed’s latest initiatives address several critical needs for our community.” Desi Danganan from Kultivate Labs praised city support for SOMA Pilipinas: “The net results are an emerging renaissance of new Filipino businesses filling empty storefronts.”

Scott Rowitz from the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District emphasized partnerships between neighbors and civic organizations: “This funding is a sound investment to help revitalize downtown.” Chris Meany from Wilson Meany underscored the economic significance of these districts: “These historically vibrant districts are critical to bringing shoppers and conventions to the City.”

Lauren Ellis from CK Contemporary Gallery expressed optimism about her business's future: “Prioritizing a safe, vibrant and accessible Powell Street supports local business like mine.”

The action plan will be supported by $15 million in new investments from Mayor Breed’s upcoming budget and a proposed $390 million bond measure on November's ballot.

For more information about Mayor Breed’s Union Square and Yerba Buena Action Plan, please visit this page.