Kevin Truong

Twenty-twenty-two has certainly been an eventful one, as San Francisco continues to contend with the ramifications of the pandemic.

core/paragraph

<p>Twenty-twenty-two has certainly been an eventful one, as San Francisco continues to contend with the ramifications of the pandemic.</p>

A darkening economic outlook—particularly for the tech sector—spells trouble ahead for a region that is still reeling from the impact of the shift to remote work. Alongside those challenges emerged new technologies and a revived labor movement that will affect the business climate in the years to come.

<p>A darkening economic outlook—particularly for the tech sector—spells trouble ahead for a region that is still reeling from the impact of the shift to remote work. Alongside those challenges emerged new technologies and a revived labor movement that will affect the business climate in the years to come.</p>

And, of course, who could forget about Elon Musk? (Even if some of us really want to.)

<p>And, of course, who could forget about Elon Musk? (Even if some of us really want to.)</p>

Here’s a rundown of the biggest business stories in San Francisco for this year.

<p>Here’s a rundown of the biggest business stories in San Francisco for this year.</p>

Downtown’s Decline and Staggered Recovery


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-downtown-s-decline-and-staggered-recovery">Downtown’s Decline and Staggered Recovery</h2>


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<h2 id="h-downtown-s-decline-and-staggered-recovery">Downtown’s Decline and Staggered Recovery</h2>

A man in a suit struts through the empty Salesforce buildings in downtown San Francisco on Oct. 27, 2021. | Camille Cohen


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/abandoneddowntown-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44213"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A man in a suit struts through the empty Salesforce buildings in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 27, 2021. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/abandoneddowntown-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44213"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A man in a suit struts through the empty Salesforce buildings in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 27, 2021. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The bill from the halting return of San Francisco’s Downtown—which continues to suffer from a dearth of office workers—has recently taken the form of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-set-for-hard-times-as-huge-728m-budget-hole-could-get-worse/">massive $728 million budget deficit</a> projected for the city over the next two years.

<p>The bill from the halting return of San Francisco’s Downtown—which continues to suffer from a dearth of office workers—has recently taken the form of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-set-for-hard-times-as-huge-728m-budget-hole-could-get-worse/">massive $728 million budget deficit</a> projected for the city over the next two years.</p>

The throughline from the pandemic to that number is relatively straightforward. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/">remote work shift</a> has meant higher vacancy rates for commercial real estate and correspondingly lower property values and tax revenues. Meanwhile, the hollowed-out <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/as-twitter-goes-so-goes-a-revival-of-the-neighborhood-it-helped-transform/">streets</a> in the city’s business district has highlighted challenging street conditions, worsened by a persistent drug crisis.&nbsp;

<p>The throughline from the pandemic to that number is relatively straightforward. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/">remote work shift</a> has meant higher vacancy rates for commercial real estate and correspondingly lower property values and tax revenues. Meanwhile, the hollowed-out <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/as-twitter-goes-so-goes-a-revival-of-the-neighborhood-it-helped-transform/">streets</a> in the city’s business district has highlighted challenging street conditions, worsened by a persistent drug crisis.&nbsp;</p>

Similar issues are impacting urban business districts around the country, including in <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2022/12/13/23507820/chicago-lunch-downtown-neigbhorhoods-return-covid">Chicago</a>, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/14/nyregion/adams-hochul-ny-plan.html">New York</a> and even <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2022/12/02/oakland-downtown-residential.html">across the bay in Oakland</a>. But San Francisco still stands as the center of the remote and hybrid work habits that predominated during the pandemic, due in no small part to its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/how-techies-fueled-boom-and-bust-of-sf-office-work/">heavy reliance on the tech sector</a> as its economic engine.

<p>Similar issues are impacting urban business districts around the country, including in <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2022/12/13/23507820/chicago-lunch-downtown-neigbhorhoods-return-covid">Chicago</a>, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/14/nyregion/adams-hochul-ny-plan.html">New York</a> and even <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2022/12/02/oakland-downtown-residential.html">across the bay in Oakland</a>. But San Francisco still stands as the center of the remote and hybrid work habits that predominated during the pandemic, due in no small part to its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/how-techies-fueled-boom-and-bust-of-sf-office-work/">heavy reliance on the tech sector</a> as its economic engine.</p>

There are signs of life, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/transamerica-pyramid-at-50-san-francisco-icon-enters-a-new-era-with-400m-redevelopment/">investment to revamp</a> the city’s iconic Transamerica Pyramid complex, but the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nothing-is-off-the-table-city-leaders-mull-what-to-do-with-sfs-empty-downtown/">overarching message by city and business leaders</a> is clear. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/mayor-breed-downtown-leaders-plan-to-rezone-union-square/">Transform Downtown</a> from a 9-to-5 district solely focused on office work to one that can support multiple industries and multiple uses to help usher in the next era for the troubled neighborhood.

<p>There are signs of life, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/transamerica-pyramid-at-50-san-francisco-icon-enters-a-new-era-with-400m-redevelopment/">investment to revamp</a> the city’s iconic Transamerica Pyramid complex, but the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nothing-is-off-the-table-city-leaders-mull-what-to-do-with-sfs-empty-downtown/">overarching message by city and business leaders</a> is clear. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/mayor-breed-downtown-leaders-plan-to-rezone-union-square/">Transform Downtown</a> from a 9-to-5 district solely focused on office work to one that can support multiple industries and multiple uses to help usher in the next era for the troubled neighborhood.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-end-of-the-good-times-in-tech">The End of the Good Times in Tech</h2>


<h2 id="h-the-end-of-the-good-times-in-tech">The End of the Good Times in Tech</h2>

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks about a Facebook News feature at the Paley Center For Media on Oct. 25, 2019, in New York City. The company announced in October 2021 that it was renaming itself Meta.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1178141765-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89998"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. | Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>


The tech sector boom that helped propel the Bay Area’s economy for much of the past decade—and created a fair share of social strife—appears to be at an inflection point. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-layoff-tracker-trends-san-francisco-2022/">Mass layoffs have hit</a> both long-standing giants of the industry and up-and-coming companies.

<p>The tech sector boom that helped propel the Bay Area’s economy for much of the past decade—and created a fair share of social strife—appears to be at an inflection point. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-layoff-tracker-trends-san-francisco-2022/">Mass layoffs have hit</a> both long-standing giants of the industry and up-and-coming companies.</p>

Reasons behind the downturn are varied, but could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-scaled-too-quickly-and-now-the-bay-area-is-paying-the-price/">be a rude awakening</a> for a cohort of workers who have only seen good times and graphs that go up and to the right.

<p>Reasons behind the downturn are varied, but could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-scaled-too-quickly-and-now-the-bay-area-is-paying-the-price/">be a rude awakening</a> for a cohort of workers who have only seen good times and graphs that go up and to the right.</p>

Rising interest rates have cut the ready supply of cheap financing that fueled tech companies’ high-growth strategies and overoptimism about larger economic shifts kicked off by the pandemic has led to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-scaled-too-quickly-and-now-the-bay-area-is-paying-the-price/">pullbacks and retrenchment</a>.

<p>Rising interest rates have cut the ready supply of cheap financing that fueled tech companies’ high-growth strategies and overoptimism about larger economic shifts kicked off by the pandemic has led to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-scaled-too-quickly-and-now-the-bay-area-is-paying-the-price/">pullbacks and retrenchment</a>.</p>

At the same time, the cryptocurrency industry that has garnered billions in investment, seems to be facing its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/video/watch-the-extraordinary-saga-of-sam-bankman-fried-and-the-collapse-of-ftx/">own existential crisis</a>. The collapse of FTX and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sam-bankman-fried-charged-with-defrauding-investors/">its wunderkind Sam Bankman-Fried</a> has led to a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/ftx-contagion-blockfi-bankruptcy-wipes-out-billions-for-400000-everyday-americans-and-investors-like-peter-thiel-2/">growing financial contagion</a> in the industry infecting companies and investors exposed to FTX’s allegedly fraudulent practices.

<p>At the same time, the cryptocurrency industry that has garnered billions in investment, seems to be facing its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/video/watch-the-extraordinary-saga-of-sam-bankman-fried-and-the-collapse-of-ftx/">own existential crisis</a>. The collapse of FTX and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sam-bankman-fried-charged-with-defrauding-investors/">its wunderkind Sam Bankman-Fried</a> has led to a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/ftx-contagion-blockfi-bankruptcy-wipes-out-billions-for-400000-everyday-americans-and-investors-like-peter-thiel-2/">growing financial contagion</a> in the industry infecting companies and investors exposed to FTX’s allegedly fraudulent practices.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-labor-movement-revival">A Labor Movement Revival</h2>


<h2 id="h-a-labor-movement-revival">A Labor Movement Revival</h2>

Elina Wells, a union representative with UAW 5810, leads chants at UCSF Parnassus branch hospital and medical school, while approximately 50 thousand grad students, TA’s, and researchers protest for for better wages, benefits, and contracts, on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/UCStrike111022-28.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-93406"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nearly 50,000 grad students, TAs and researchers at the UC protested for better wages, benefits and contracts. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>


Two years of a pandemic that relied on the diligent service of essential workers have conspired with changing political winds to boost <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/398303/approval-labor-unions-highest-point-1965.aspx">public approval of unions</a> to its highest point in the country since 1965.

<p>Two years of a pandemic that relied on the diligent service of essential workers have conspired with changing political winds to boost <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/398303/approval-labor-unions-highest-point-1965.aspx">public approval of unions</a> to its highest point in the country since 1965.</p>

That has led to a turning point to decades of declining union membership and policies that have limited organized labor. The results of this trend are easy to see in the Bay Area.

<p>That has led to a turning point to decades of declining union membership and policies that have limited organized labor. The results of this trend are easy to see in the Bay Area.</p>

Organizing of Starbucks workers, one of the most visible labor movements in recent memory, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/starbucks-in-castro-becomes-first-in-san-francisco-to-unionize/">hit San Francisco</a> earlier this year. In August, a location in the Castro commonly known as “Bearbucks” became the first Starbucks in the city to successfully vote to unionize.

<p>Organizing of Starbucks workers, one of the most visible labor movements in recent memory, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/starbucks-in-castro-becomes-first-in-san-francisco-to-unionize/">hit San Francisco</a> earlier this year. In August, a location in the Castro commonly known as “Bearbucks” became the first Starbucks in the city to successfully vote to unionize.</p>

That has come alongside union drives among <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci02yeHP-6m/">Alcatraz Cruises employees</a>, noted <a href="https://twitter.com/tartineunion">San Francisco bakery Tartine</a> and workers in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/california-first-statewide-cannabis-industry-union-contract/">cannabis industry</a>.

<p>That has come alongside union drives among <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci02yeHP-6m/">Alcatraz Cruises employees</a>, noted <a href="https://twitter.com/tartineunion">San Francisco bakery Tartine</a> and workers in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/california-first-statewide-cannabis-industry-union-contract/">cannabis industry</a>.</p>

Existing unions are taking advantage of this moment to flex their power, including Macy’s workers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-macys-staff-will-strike-on-these-crucial-holiday-shopping-days/">who recently authorized a strike</a> at the retailers’ flagship Union Square location on two of the busiest shopping days of the year.

<p>Existing unions are taking advantage of this moment to flex their power, including Macy’s workers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-macys-staff-will-strike-on-these-crucial-holiday-shopping-days/">who recently authorized a strike</a> at the retailers’ flagship Union Square location on two of the busiest shopping days of the year.</p>

The most notable labor action of the year, however, was the nearly 50,000 academic workers across the University of California that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/shut-it-down-uc-strike-could-mean-major-disruptions-to-classes-research/">went on strike in November</a>.

<p>The most notable labor action of the year, however, was the nearly 50,000 academic workers across the University of California that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/shut-it-down-uc-strike-could-mean-major-disruptions-to-classes-research/">went on strike in November</a>.</p>

The work stoppage, which was the largest-ever in higher education history, threw a wrench in the normal operation of classrooms and research facilities and has already <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/sacramento-mayor-darrell-steinberg-brought-in-to-mediate-university-of-california-strike/">won some major concessions</a> from the university in the form of higher compensation and improved benefits.

<p>The work stoppage, which was the largest-ever in higher education history, threw a wrench in the normal operation of classrooms and research facilities and has already <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/sacramento-mayor-darrell-steinberg-brought-in-to-mediate-university-of-california-strike/">won some major concessions</a> from the university in the form of higher compensation and improved benefits.</p>

Where Does AI and Automation Go From Here?


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-does-ai-and-automation-go-from-here">Where Does AI and Automation Go From Here?</h2>


<h2 id="h-where-does-ai-and-automation-go-from-here">Where Does AI and Automation Go From Here?</h2>

Two Lensa AI creations using the Magic Avatar feature in the Cosmic style, left, and Stylish style, right. | Lensa AI


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Lensa2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-101372"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two Lensa AI creations using the Magic Avatar feature in the Cosmic style, left, and Stylish style, right. | Lensa AI</figcaption></figure>


The impact that AI and automation will have on human beings have long been a hallmark of sci-fi, but they are increasingly the subject of very real policy and philosophical debates.&nbsp;

<p>The impact that AI and automation will have on human beings have long been a hallmark of sci-fi, but they are increasingly the subject of very real policy and philosophical debates.&nbsp;</p>

San Francisco’s position in the center of the innovation economy means that it is on the front lines of how these technologies will be used in the near future. Case in point, Mezli, which bills itself as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/mezli-serves-up-robot-made-mediterranean-food-in-sfs-mission-bay/">world’s first fully automated restaurant</a> and can assemble Mediterranean grain bowls from its robotic box without those pesky labor costs.

<p>San Francisco’s position in the center of the innovation economy means that it is on the front lines of how these technologies will be used in the near future. Case in point, Mezli, which bills itself as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/mezli-serves-up-robot-made-mediterranean-food-in-sfs-mission-bay/">world’s first fully automated restaurant</a> and can assemble Mediterranean grain bowls from its robotic box without those pesky labor costs.</p>

Or how about the growing number of Cruise and Waymo “robotaxis” <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/cruises-robotaxi-revolution-is-hitting-the-gas-in-san-francisco/">battling for supremacy</a> on the city’s streets? That race continues on even as <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/vnmpf1/bunch_of_cruise_cars_stuck_on_gough_by_robin/">viral incidents</a> of technical errors and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/16/23512650/cruise-robotaxi-nhtsa-investigation-av-braking-traffic">government investigations</a> into self-driving vehicle incidents rise. Elected officials have already started to respond by seeking to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/sf-supervisors-push-regulators-to-rein-in-cruise-waymo-self-driving-cars/">rein in their expansion</a> in San Francisco.

<p>Or how about the growing number of Cruise and Waymo “robotaxis” <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/cruises-robotaxi-revolution-is-hitting-the-gas-in-san-francisco/">battling for supremacy</a> on the city’s streets? That race continues on even as <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/vnmpf1/bunch_of_cruise_cars_stuck_on_gough_by_robin/">viral incidents</a> of technical errors and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/16/23512650/cruise-robotaxi-nhtsa-investigation-av-braking-traffic">government investigations</a> into self-driving vehicle incidents rise. Elected officials have already started to respond by seeking to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/sf-supervisors-push-regulators-to-rein-in-cruise-waymo-self-driving-cars/">rein in their expansion</a> in San Francisco.</p>

And who could forget the release of <a href="https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/">ChatGPT</a>, the advanced chatbot tool released by San Francisco-based OpenAI that broke the internet for a few days. Or Lensa, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/do-ai-generated-art-apps-like-lensa-steal-from-artists-experts-say-its-up-for-debate/">an avatar-generating app</a>.

<p>And who could forget the release of <a href="https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/">ChatGPT</a>, the advanced chatbot tool released by San Francisco-based OpenAI that broke the internet for a few days. Or Lensa, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/do-ai-generated-art-apps-like-lensa-steal-from-artists-experts-say-its-up-for-debate/">an avatar-generating app</a>.</p>

Alongside any novel technology comes a round of hand-wringing of what it means and what it could replace. Discussion about whether AI-generated art <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/do-ai-generated-art-apps-like-lensa-steal-from-artists-experts-say-its-up-for-debate/">steals from existing artists</a> or ChatGPT technology could <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/12/chatgpt-ai-writing-college-student-essays/672371/">kill the college essay</a> have already started to predominate.

<p>Alongside any novel technology comes a round of hand-wringing of what it means and what it could replace. Discussion about whether AI-generated art <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/do-ai-generated-art-apps-like-lensa-steal-from-artists-experts-say-its-up-for-debate/">steals from existing artists</a> or ChatGPT technology could <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/12/chatgpt-ai-writing-college-student-essays/672371/">kill the college essay</a> have already started to predominate.</p>

What comes next is an open question, although presumably, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/we-asked-an-ai-to-write-a-typical-sf-story-heres-what-it-came-up-with/">you could ask ChatGPT</a> to help answer it.

<p>What comes next is an open question, although presumably, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/we-asked-an-ai-to-write-a-typical-sf-story-heres-what-it-came-up-with/">you could ask ChatGPT</a> to help answer it.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trigger-warning-elon-musk">Trigger Warning: Elon Musk</h2>


<h2 id="h-trigger-warning-elon-musk">Trigger Warning: Elon Musk</h2>

In this photo illustration, the Twitter account for Elon Musk is displayed on the screen of an iPhone on April 26, 2022 in Paris, France. | Chesnot/Getty Images


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1393786687-2500x1667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-95498"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Billionaire Elon Musk purchased Twitter for $44 billion. | Chesnot/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>


Just in time for the holidays, Elon Musk has <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/12/15/twitter-journalists-suspended-musk/">suspended a number of journalists</a> who cover the social media platform from Twitter, pointing to questionable “doxxing” claims as a rationale.

<p>Just in time for the holidays, Elon Musk has <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/12/15/twitter-journalists-suspended-musk/">suspended a number of journalists</a> who cover the social media platform from Twitter, pointing to questionable “doxxing” claims as a rationale.</p>

It’s just the latest development of a storyline that started out as a joke, turned into an ordeal and now appears to be a lasting nightmare for the chronically online with little means of escape, other than Mastodon.

<p>It’s just the latest development of a storyline that started out as a joke, turned into an ordeal and now appears to be a lasting nightmare for the chronically online with little means of escape, other than Mastodon.</p>

Soon after completing his $44 billion purchase of the company in October under court order, Musk and his team took to the hard work of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/twitters-mass-layoffs-could-open-up-a-legal-can-of-worms-for-elon-musk/">chaotically firing thousands of employees</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/another-casualty-of-twitter-chaos-local-nonprofits-depending-on-the-company/">cutting support for nonprofits</a> and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/11/16/musk-twitter-email-ultimatum-termination/">getting folks to</a> commit to his “hardcore” vision of Twitter.

<p>Soon after completing his $44 billion purchase of the company in October under court order, Musk and his team took to the hard work of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/twitters-mass-layoffs-could-open-up-a-legal-can-of-worms-for-elon-musk/">chaotically firing thousands of employees</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/another-casualty-of-twitter-chaos-local-nonprofits-depending-on-the-company/">cutting support for nonprofits</a> and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/11/16/musk-twitter-email-ultimatum-termination/">getting folks to</a> commit to his “hardcore” vision of Twitter.</p>

Apparently, that looks like ruling the site by fiat, putting out <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/twitter-launches-8-a-month-verified-subscription-service-ahead-of-elections/">contradictory messaging</a> and using public opinion polls to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/elon-musk-reinstates-trumps-twitter-account/">make major decisions</a>. If the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/dave-chappelle-show-elon-musk-booed-chris-rock/">audience response</a> at a recent Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco is any indication, Musk’s recent activity hasn’t won him many fans locally.

<p>Apparently, that looks like ruling the site by fiat, putting out <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/twitter-launches-8-a-month-verified-subscription-service-ahead-of-elections/">contradictory messaging</a> and using public opinion polls to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/elon-musk-reinstates-trumps-twitter-account/">make major decisions</a>. If the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/dave-chappelle-show-elon-musk-booed-chris-rock/">audience response</a> at a recent Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco is any indication, Musk’s recent activity hasn’t won him many fans locally.</p>

More recently, it has emerged that Twitter has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/twitter-landlord-in-negotiations-with-lenders-as-musk-reportedly-stiffs-owners/">stiffing its landlords</a> of rent, withholding payments to vendors and considering denying severance payments to laid-off employees. There is a dire financial reality behind these decisions, predicated on declining advertiser revenue and $1 billion in payments <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/30/technology/elon-musk-twitter-debt.html">to cover the interest</a> on the debt taken on via the purchase of the company.

<p>More recently, it has emerged that Twitter has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/twitter-landlord-in-negotiations-with-lenders-as-musk-reportedly-stiffs-owners/">stiffing its landlords</a> of rent, withholding payments to vendors and considering denying severance payments to laid-off employees. There is a dire financial reality behind these decisions, predicated on declining advertiser revenue and $1 billion in payments <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/30/technology/elon-musk-twitter-debt.html">to cover the interest</a> on the debt taken on via the purchase of the company.</p>

For the sake of a weary world, here’s hoping that a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/energy-healer-tech-couple-say-they-flew-to-sf-on-private-jet-to-help-heal-elon-musk/">strong dose of “energy healing”</a> might mean a quieter 2023.

<p>For the sake of a weary world, here’s hoping that a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/energy-healer-tech-couple-say-they-flew-to-sf-on-private-jet-to-help-heal-elon-musk/">strong dose of “energy healing”</a> might mean a quieter 2023.</p>

The biggest business stories that rocked the Bay in 2022

Christina Campodonico

FiDi. Mid-Market. Fisherman’s Wharf. These were some of the answers we received after spending an afternoon around the Ferry Building asking folks to point out where they thought Downtown San Francisco was located on a map.&nbsp;

<p>FiDi. Mid-Market. Fisherman’s Wharf. These were some of the answers we received after spending an afternoon around the Ferry Building asking folks to point out where they thought Downtown San Francisco was located on a map.&nbsp;</p>

The question was <a href="https://twitter.com/lmc/status/1609784166136320000?s=46&amp;t=uBSr0v4twboUOnjrqs3nhQ">inspired by a tweet posted earlier this year</a>, which revealed that sometimes even local families can&#8217;t come to an agreement about the boundaries of Downtown:

<p>The question was <a href="https://twitter.com/lmc/status/1609784166136320000?s=46&amp;t=uBSr0v4twboUOnjrqs3nhQ">inspired by a tweet posted earlier this year</a>, which revealed that sometimes even local families can't come to an agreement about the boundaries of Downtown:</p>

<p>The question was <a href="https://twitter.com/lmc/status/1609784166136320000?s=46&amp;t=uBSr0v4twboUOnjrqs3nhQ">inspired by a tweet posted earlier this year</a>, which revealed that sometimes even local families can&#8217;t come to an agreement about the boundaries of Downtown:</p>

core/embed

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/lmc/status/1609784166136320000?s=46&amp;t=uBSr0v4twboUOnjrqs3nhQ
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SF people: when you talk about downtown, what are you talking about? Even within my own long time SF family we&#39;re all referring to different areas. I&#39;m talking about the financial dist, my daughter Union Square/SOMA across from Union Square, another to the mid/east end of SOMA.</p>&mdash; Lisa Church 🗽 (@lmc) <a href="https://twitter.com/lmc/status/1609784166136320000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While many of the people we talked with generally agreed that the Financial District could hold the title, the responses we received were quite varied—both geographically and philosophically. Some said Salesforce Tower, located in the so-called “East Cut,&#8221; was the definitive beacon of Downtown SF. Others placed emphasis on commercial corridors, like Union Square and Market Street’s “silk road.” Some even included the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/sf-tourist-destinations-what-to-visit-what-to-skip/">far-flung tourist trap of Fisherman’s Wharf</a>.

<p>While many of the people we talked with generally agreed that the Financial District could hold the title, the responses we received were quite varied—both geographically and philosophically. Some said Salesforce Tower, located in the so-called “East Cut," was the definitive beacon of Downtown SF. Others placed emphasis on commercial corridors, like Union Square and Market Street’s “silk road.” Some even included the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/sf-tourist-destinations-what-to-visit-what-to-skip/">far-flung tourist trap of Fisherman’s Wharf</a>.</p>

<p>While many of the people we talked with generally agreed that the Financial District could hold the title, the responses we received were quite varied—both geographically and philosophically. Some said Salesforce Tower, located in the so-called “East Cut,&#8221; was the definitive beacon of Downtown SF. Others placed emphasis on commercial corridors, like Union Square and Market Street’s “silk road.” Some even included the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/sf-tourist-destinations-what-to-visit-what-to-skip/">far-flung tourist trap of Fisherman’s Wharf</a>.</p>

Fishermans’ Wharf in San Francisco, Calif. on February 28, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED04_DowntownBorders_011923-2500x1949.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116867"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some respondents thought even far-off tourist destination Fishermans’ Wharf could be considered part of Downtown SF. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>


Perhaps this isn&#8217;t surprising. After all, even online mapping services seem confused about this question.

<p>Perhaps this isn't surprising. After all, even online mapping services seem confused about this question.</p>

<p>Perhaps this isn&#8217;t surprising. After all, even online mapping services seem confused about this question.</p>

Ask Google Maps where Downtown SF is, and <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Civic+Center,+San+Francisco,+CA+94102/@37.7777062,-122.4356312,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8085808eb456e2dd:0xcb1742ab59d38bda!8m2!3d37.7773082!4d-122.4196412">it’ll point you to Civic Center</a>. Ask Apple Maps, and it pinpoints the intersection of Taylor and Sutter streets in the middle of what could be considered Lower Nob Hill. And if you still prefer to print out turn-by-turn directions on MapQuest, you&#8217;ll discover that Downtown <a href="https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/downtown-san-francisco-493010866">is on Montgomery Street between Bush and Sutter</a>. 

<p>Ask Google Maps where Downtown SF is, and <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Civic+Center,+San+Francisco,+CA+94102/@37.7777062,-122.4356312,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8085808eb456e2dd:0xcb1742ab59d38bda!8m2!3d37.7773082!4d-122.4196412">it’ll point you to Civic Center</a>. Ask Apple Maps, and it pinpoints the intersection of Taylor and Sutter streets in the middle of what could be considered Lower Nob Hill. And if you still prefer to print out turn-by-turn directions on MapQuest, you'll discover that Downtown <a href="https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/downtown-san-francisco-493010866">is on Montgomery Street between Bush and Sutter</a>. </p>

<p>Ask Google Maps where Downtown SF is, and <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Civic+Center,+San+Francisco,+CA+94102/@37.7777062,-122.4356312,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8085808eb456e2dd:0xcb1742ab59d38bda!8m2!3d37.7773082!4d-122.4196412">it’ll point you to Civic Center</a>. Ask Apple Maps, and it pinpoints the intersection of Taylor and Sutter streets in the middle of what could be considered Lower Nob Hill. And if you still prefer to print out turn-by-turn directions on MapQuest, you&#8217;ll discover that Downtown <a href="https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/downtown-san-francisco-493010866">is on Montgomery Street between Bush and Sutter</a>. </p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/MorrowJamesAdam/status/1609859592498077696?s=20&amp;t=GFzmT-si0NCkWClAV1UB7A
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Even those who get paid to write about San Francisco for a living gave slightly different answers to the question.

<p>Even those who get paid to write about San Francisco for a living gave slightly different answers to the question.</p>

Astrid Kane, a senior editor for The Standard, has lived in SF for 15 years. They identified the Transamerica Pyramid as the northernmost cut-off point of Downtown; the southern boundary, they said, was a bit squishier.&nbsp;

<p>Astrid Kane, a senior editor for The Standard, has lived in SF for 15 years. They identified the Transamerica Pyramid as the northernmost cut-off point of Downtown; the southern boundary, they said, was a bit squishier.&nbsp;</p>

Our business reporter, Kevin Truong, has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/">writing about the city’s economy</a> since 2016. He tends to think of the Financial District as being synonymous with Downtown—but, he acknowledged, others often lump SoMa, Union Square and Civic Center into their definitions, as well.&nbsp;

<p>Our business reporter, Kevin Truong, has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/">writing about the city’s economy</a> since 2016. He tends to think of the Financial District as being synonymous with Downtown—but, he acknowledged, others often lump SoMa, Union Square and Civic Center into their definitions, as well.&nbsp;</p>

Both Standard staffers agreed that any accurate definition of Downtown would have to include skyscrapers. “It&#8217;s basically where the high-rise buildings are,” Truong said. 

<p>Both Standard staffers agreed that any accurate definition of Downtown would have to include skyscrapers. “It's basically where the high-rise buildings are,” Truong said. </p>

<p>Both Standard staffers agreed that any accurate definition of Downtown would have to include skyscrapers. “It&#8217;s basically where the high-rise buildings are,” Truong said. </p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-cares"><strong>Who Cares?</strong></h2>


<h2 id="h-who-cares"><strong>Who Cares?</strong></h2>

The question might seem inconsequential—like little more than a fun theoretical exercise. But knowing what Downtown is and where it’s going is key <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nothing-is-off-the-table-city-leaders-mull-what-to-do-with-sfs-empty-downtown/">to the city’s post-pandemic economic recovery</a>.&nbsp;

<p>The question might seem inconsequential—like little more than a fun theoretical exercise. But knowing what Downtown is and where it’s going is key <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nothing-is-off-the-table-city-leaders-mull-what-to-do-with-sfs-empty-downtown/">to the city’s post-pandemic economic recovery</a>.&nbsp;</p>

We called up <a href="https://downtownsf.org/">Downtown SF Partnership</a>, the new-ish <a href="https://sf.gov/information/community-benefit-districts">community benefit district</a> (or CBD for short) for the Financial District and Jackson Square neighborhoods. Although the organization has a <a href="https://downtownsf.org/about">map</a> clearly delineating its own the borders, Robbie Silver, executive director of the Downtown SF Partnership, concedes that the precise location of Downtown SF is more confusing.

<p>We called up <a href="https://downtownsf.org/">Downtown SF Partnership</a>, the new-ish <a href="https://sf.gov/information/community-benefit-districts">community benefit district</a> (or CBD for short) for the Financial District and Jackson Square neighborhoods. Although the organization has a <a href="https://downtownsf.org/about">map</a> clearly delineating its own the borders, Robbie Silver, executive director of the Downtown SF Partnership, concedes that the precise location of Downtown SF is more confusing.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Downtown-SF-Map-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-116838"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A map of the Downtown SF Partnership&#8217;s community benefit district | Courtesy Downtown SF Partnership.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Downtown-SF-Map-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-116838"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A map of the Downtown SF Partnership's community benefit district | Courtesy Downtown SF Partnership.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Downtown-SF-Map-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-116838"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A map of the Downtown SF Partnership&#8217;s community benefit district | Courtesy Downtown SF Partnership.</figcaption></figure>

“We&#8217;ve been kind of battling a bit of a perception of, ‘Where is Downtown San Francisco?’” Silver said. “And I think if you ask anybody, you&#8217;ll get a different answer any time.”&nbsp;

<p>“We've been kind of battling a bit of a perception of, ‘Where is Downtown San Francisco?’” Silver said. “And I think if you ask anybody, you'll get a different answer any time.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We&#8217;ve been kind of battling a bit of a perception of, ‘Where is Downtown San Francisco?’” Silver said. “And I think if you ask anybody, you&#8217;ll get a different answer any time.”&nbsp;</p>

The 43-block area looks a bit triangular(ish), encompassing the traditional Financial District and Jackson Square, but also dips down into a part of SoMa dubbed the “East Cut” and also juts outs onto a portion of the Embarcadero south of Market toward Howard Street.

<p>The 43-block area looks a bit triangular(ish), encompassing the traditional Financial District and Jackson Square, but also dips down into a part of SoMa dubbed the “East Cut” and also juts outs onto a portion of the Embarcadero south of Market toward Howard Street.</p>

An aerial of downtown San Francisco on September 19, 2016. | Adobe Stock


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED_DowntownBorders_011923-2500x1666.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-116848"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An aerial of downtown San Francisco including commercial and residential buildings | Adobe Stock</figcaption></figure>


While the borders might appear a little “weird,” they were established by consensus, Silver explained. Property owners in the area voted on the boundaries, and in 2020, the Downtown Community Benefit District was established. But that name was a mouthful, so the community benefit district recently rebranded as the Downtown SF Partnership. 

<p>While the borders might appear a little “weird,” they were established by consensus, Silver explained. Property owners in the area voted on the boundaries, and in 2020, the Downtown Community Benefit District was established. But that name was a mouthful, so the community benefit district recently rebranded as the Downtown SF Partnership. </p>

The CBD is also in the middle of rolling out a new street signage campaign with 260 banners and 35 big belly trash cans sporting the new Downtown SF moniker and dropping any mention of FiDi or the Financial District. It’s all part of an effort to battle the confusing question of “Where is Downtown SF?” and rebrand the area as more than a 9-to-5 work destination, primarily for white-collar professionals. Moving forward, the organization is planning to center more of its advertising materials on arts-focused events and activations, like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/a-festival-of-lights-lets-glow-sf-and-other-lustrous-displays-illuminate-the-city/">Let’s Glow SF</a>, to draw more people Downtown after business hours.&nbsp;

<p>The CBD is also in the middle of rolling out a new street signage campaign with 260 banners and 35 big belly trash cans sporting the new Downtown SF moniker and dropping any mention of FiDi or the Financial District. It’s all part of an effort to battle the confusing question of “Where is Downtown SF?” and rebrand the area as more than a 9-to-5 work destination, primarily for white-collar professionals. Moving forward, the organization is planning to center more of its advertising materials on arts-focused events and activations, like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/a-festival-of-lights-lets-glow-sf-and-other-lustrous-displays-illuminate-the-city/">Let’s Glow SF</a>, to draw more people Downtown after business hours.&nbsp;</p>

Pedestrians meander the downtown, Financial District of San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022.  


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED03b_DowntownBorders_011923-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116876"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians meander the Financial District of San Francisco on Nov. 17, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>


But the rebrand is about more than just marketing. It could be essential to the city’s economic recovery. Due to the rise of remote work and high office vacancy rates as a result of the pandemic, San Francisco could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/blowing-a-hole-in-our-budget-sf-grapples-with-massive-fiscal-hit-of-remote-work/">lose as much as $200 million annually</a>, according to the city’s chief economist.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>But the rebrand is about more than just marketing. It could be essential to the city’s economic recovery. Due to the rise of remote work and high office vacancy rates as a result of the pandemic, San Francisco could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/blowing-a-hole-in-our-budget-sf-grapples-with-massive-fiscal-hit-of-remote-work/">lose as much as $200 million annually</a>, according to the city’s chief economist.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

“We may not want to go back to the normal 9-to-5 because that limits the type of economy that Downtown SF can have,” Silver said. “When we activate a Downtown beyond 5 o&#8217;clock into the evening hours with hospitality, with arts and culture, it can bring a much more diverse audience to Downtown that never interacted with Downtown before.” 

<p>“We may not want to go back to the normal 9-to-5 because that limits the type of economy that Downtown SF can have,” Silver said. “When we activate a Downtown beyond 5 o'clock into the evening hours with hospitality, with arts and culture, it can bring a much more diverse audience to Downtown that never interacted with Downtown before.” </p>

<p>“We may not want to go back to the normal 9-to-5 because that limits the type of economy that Downtown SF can have,” Silver said. “When we activate a Downtown beyond 5 o&#8217;clock into the evening hours with hospitality, with arts and culture, it can bring a much more diverse audience to Downtown that never interacted with Downtown before.” </p>

A night view of Ferry Building and Market Street during rainy weather on Dec. 30, 2022 in San Francisco. | Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Image)


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED02_DowntownBorders_011923-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116861"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A night view of Ferry Building and Market Street during rainy weather on December 30, 2022. | Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Image</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-official-line"><strong>The Official Line</strong></h2>


<h2 id="h-the-official-line"><strong>The Official Line</strong></h2>

We reached out to the Mayor’s Office and Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and they directed us to <a href="https://generalplan.sfplanning.org/images/downtown/dtn_map1.pdf">two</a> <a href="https://generalplan.sfplanning.org/images/downtown/dtn_map7.pdf">maps</a> of the Planning Department’s <a href="https://generalplan.sfplanning.org/Downtown.htm">Downtown Area Plan</a> as the boundaries of Downtown.&nbsp;

<p>We reached out to the Mayor’s Office and Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and they directed us to <a href="https://generalplan.sfplanning.org/images/downtown/dtn_map1.pdf">two</a> <a href="https://generalplan.sfplanning.org/images/downtown/dtn_map7.pdf">maps</a> of the Planning Department’s <a href="https://generalplan.sfplanning.org/Downtown.htm">Downtown Area Plan</a> as the boundaries of Downtown.&nbsp;</p>

A screenshot of the Downtown Land Use and Density plan from the Planning Department’s Downtown Area Plan | Courtesy Office of Economic and Workforce Development


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINEDMAP1_DowntownBorders_011923.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116852"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A screenshot of the Downtown Land Use and Density plan from the Planning Department’s Downtown Area Plan | Courtesy Office of Economic and Workforce Development</figcaption></figure>


That&#8217;s how we ended up talking with Dan Sider, the Planning Department’s chief of staff. He offered us some technical and philosophical answers.&nbsp;

<p>That's how we ended up talking with Dan Sider, the Planning Department’s chief of staff. He offered us some technical and philosophical answers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That&#8217;s how we ended up talking with Dan Sider, the Planning Department’s chief of staff. He offered us some technical and philosophical answers.&nbsp;</p>

A screenshot of the proposed Pedestrian Network for the Downtown District from the Planning Department’s Downtown Area Plan | Courtesy Office of Economic and Workforce Development


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINEDMAP7_DowntownBorders_011923.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116855"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A screenshot of the proposed Pedestrian Network for the Downtown District from the Planning Department’s Downtown Area Plan | Courtesy Office of Economic and Workforce Development</figcaption></figure>


“For zoning or for land use, Downtown is a C-3 district,” Sider explained. <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_planning/0-0-0-20120">According to the planning code</a>, C-3 districts are labeled as “Downtown Commercial” and can encompass everything from offices and retail to hotels, clubs and entertainment venues.&nbsp;“The C-3 zoning is categorically north of Duboce and Division and east of Franklin and south of Washington.”&nbsp;

<p>“For zoning or for land use, Downtown is a C-3 district,” Sider explained. <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_planning/0-0-0-20120">According to the planning code</a>, C-3 districts are labeled as “Downtown Commercial” and can encompass everything from offices and retail to hotels, clubs and entertainment venues.&nbsp;“The C-3 zoning is categorically north of Duboce and Division and east of Franklin and south of Washington.”&nbsp;</p>

But Sider also directed us <a href="https://sfplanning.org/resource/neighborhood-group-organizations">to this map</a> which identifies the neighborhood boundaries that the Planning Department uses for notification purposes.&nbsp;Notably, the term “Downtown” is tacked onto to Civic Center with a slash, and FiDi and South of Market are listed as separate neighborhoods.&nbsp;

<p>But Sider also directed us <a href="https://sfplanning.org/resource/neighborhood-group-organizations">to this map</a> which identifies the neighborhood boundaries that the Planning Department uses for notification purposes.&nbsp;Notably, the term “Downtown” is tacked onto to Civic Center with a slash, and FiDi and South of Market are listed as separate neighborhoods.&nbsp;</p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/SFAlin7/status/1609795787608981504?s=20&amp;t=IL1D-Oxf6iLsg46H8eddfQ
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It’s confusing to be sure, but ultimately drawing neighborhood boundaries is more “art than science,” Sider observed. The idea of a “downtown” can also be “highly subjective,” he noted.    

<p>It’s confusing to be sure, but ultimately drawing neighborhood boundaries is more “art than science,” Sider observed. The idea of a “downtown” can also be “highly subjective,” he noted.    </p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/4shub/status/1609793846594109440?s=20&amp;t=GFzmT-si0NCkWClAV1UB7A
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“You can look at a map, and we can point exactly to where those [C-3] Districts are and where the line for those districts are drawn. It&#8217;s a fairly straightforward binary undertaking,” Sider said. “If you are stopped by a tourist in Hayes Valley and then [they] say, ‘Hey, how do we get to Downtown,&#8217; or &#8216;What&#8217;s the best thing to do Downtown?’ that can be a very different answer.”

<p>“You can look at a map, and we can point exactly to where those [C-3] Districts are and where the line for those districts are drawn. It's a fairly straightforward binary undertaking,” Sider said. “If you are stopped by a tourist in Hayes Valley and then [they] say, ‘Hey, how do we get to Downtown,' or 'What's the best thing to do Downtown?’ that can be a very different answer.”</p>

<p>“You can look at a map, and we can point exactly to where those [C-3] Districts are and where the line for those districts are drawn. It&#8217;s a fairly straightforward binary undertaking,” Sider said. “If you are stopped by a tourist in Hayes Valley and then [they] say, ‘Hey, how do we get to Downtown,&#8217; or &#8216;What&#8217;s the best thing to do Downtown?’ that can be a very different answer.”</p>

Ultimately, Sider stated that “while we needed to put lines on a map in order to comply with the Planning Code’s notification requirements, we have no intention of trying to regulate the minefield of neighborhood nomenclature and borders.”

<p>Ultimately, Sider stated that “while we needed to put lines on a map in order to comply with the Planning Code’s notification requirements, we have no intention of trying to regulate the minefield of neighborhood nomenclature and borders.”</p>

In other words, where Downtown is and what it might become is up to us.

<p>In other words, where Downtown is and what it might become is up to us.</p>

Where is downtown SF, exactly?

Sophie Bearman

Jesse Rogala

For many city leaders, a revitalization of San Francisco&#8217;s downtown is top of mind as the area languishes half-empty <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-workers-strongly-prefer-permanent-hybrid-work-according-to-poll/">due to remote work</a>. With foot traffic and tourism down, longstanding small businesses that rely on office workers and conventioneers have struggled to survive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>For many city leaders, a revitalization of San Francisco's downtown is top of mind as the area languishes half-empty <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-workers-strongly-prefer-permanent-hybrid-work-according-to-poll/">due to remote work</a>. With foot traffic and tourism down, longstanding small businesses that rely on office workers and conventioneers have struggled to survive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>For many city leaders, a revitalization of San Francisco&#8217;s downtown is top of mind as the area languishes half-empty <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-workers-strongly-prefer-permanent-hybrid-work-according-to-poll/">due to remote work</a>. With foot traffic and tourism down, longstanding small businesses that rely on office workers and conventioneers have struggled to survive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

As part of an effort to spark ideas, the Downtown SF Community Benefits District enlisted the urban design firm Sitelab to devise a roadmap to the future. The <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/220715_Downtown-SF-Public-Realm-Action-Plan_DSFP_SITELAB_FINAL_highres.pdf">143-page Public Realm Action Plan</a> released this week is big on plans to revive what had previously been the city’s major economic engine.&nbsp;

<p>As part of an effort to spark ideas, the Downtown SF Community Benefits District enlisted the urban design firm Sitelab to devise a roadmap to the future. The <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/220715_Downtown-SF-Public-Realm-Action-Plan_DSFP_SITELAB_FINAL_highres.pdf">143-page Public Realm Action Plan</a> released this week is big on plans to revive what had previously been the city’s major economic engine.&nbsp;</p>

In shorter supply are the dollars and cents to make the ambitious plans a reality. The citywide budget <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supes-roundup-putting-the-budget-to-bed-and-revenue-nightmares/">recently passed</a> at the Board of Supervisors included $8 million for downtown recovery over the next two years. But even that funding was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/restaurants-bars-downtown-economic-recovery-budget-funding-events/">subject to skepticism</a>.

<p>In shorter supply are the dollars and cents to make the ambitious plans a reality. The citywide budget <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supes-roundup-putting-the-budget-to-bed-and-revenue-nightmares/">recently passed</a> at the Board of Supervisors included $8 million for downtown recovery over the next two years. But even that funding was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/restaurants-bars-downtown-economic-recovery-budget-funding-events/">subject to skepticism</a>.</p>

A full-scale transformation would likely cost many times that amount, and it’s yet to be seen whether the political will exists to follow through.

<p>A full-scale transformation would likely cost many times that amount, and it’s yet to be seen whether the political will exists to follow through.</p>

“It is clear that downtown San Francisco can’t continue ‘business as usual,’” the report states, with the underlying assumption that much of that business no longer exists. Here are some of the key highlights from the report and its vision of a renewed downtown.&nbsp;

<p>“It is clear that downtown San Francisco can’t continue ‘business as usual,’” the report states, with the underlying assumption that much of that business no longer exists. Here are some of the key highlights from the report and its vision of a renewed downtown.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From office park to urban park</h2>


The report cites data showing downtown trips plummeting from about 240,000 in early 2020 to 150,000 in June, and underscored the need for the area to embrace mixed uses, including housing.&nbsp;

<p>The report cites data showing downtown trips plummeting from about 240,000 in early 2020 to 150,000 in June, and underscored the need for the area to embrace mixed uses, including housing.&nbsp;</p>

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