Evan Zimmerman

San Francisco has been many things throughout its history, but it’s never been known as a college town. Now the city has an opportunity to make it happen.&nbsp;

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San Francisco has been many things throughout its history, but it’s never been known as a college town. Now the city has an opportunity to make it happen.&nbsp;

Last May, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/uc-downtown-san-francisco-18605701.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asked the University of California Regents</a> to consider opening a San Francisco campus to help support San Francisco’s flagging downtown. It’s a great idea, and the UC Regents look like they <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/uc-downtown-san-francisco-18605701.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">might answer Breed’s prayers</a>. UC’s plans are still up in the air, but the current proposals are unambitious tinkering. What San Francisco needs, and deserves, is a whole new university.

Last May, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/uc-downtown-san-francisco-18605701.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asked the University of California Regents</a> to consider opening a San Francisco campus to help support San Francisco’s flagging downtown. It’s a great idea, and the UC Regents look like they <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/uc-downtown-san-francisco-18605701.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">might answer Breed’s prayers</a>. UC’s plans are still up in the air, but the current proposals are unambitious tinkering. What San Francisco needs, and deserves, is a whole new university.

The solution is staring us in the face: UCSF, which today focuses only on graduate-level medicine and biology, can quickly become the MIT of the West if it becomes a full university. UCSF is already the <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/subscriber-only/2016/12/30/employers-public-agencies.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second-largest</a> public employer in the Bay Area and home to seven Nobel Prize winners. UC could build on its successful brand instead of risking it all on a brand-new venture. It is the only way to achieve <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-breed-30-000-downtown-homes-18711379.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breed’s goal of 30,000</a> new downtown residents, and it would be much faster than starting from scratch. It is the only viable approach.

The solution is staring us in the face: UCSF, which today focuses only on graduate-level medicine and biology, can quickly become the MIT of the West if it becomes a full university. UCSF is already the <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/subscriber-only/2016/12/30/employers-public-agencies.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second-largest</a> public employer in the Bay Area and home to seven Nobel Prize winners. UC could build on its successful brand instead of risking it all on a brand-new venture. It is the only way to achieve <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-breed-30-000-downtown-homes-18711379.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breed’s goal of 30,000</a> new downtown residents, and it would be much faster than starting from scratch. It is the only viable approach.

Grafting new schools onto existing, successful schools works; starting from nothing doesn’t. Take UC Irvine Law School. When UC decided to create the first new major law school in more than 40 years, officials did not create a stand-alone school. Instead, they recruited the esteemed <a href="https://lawreview.uchicago.edu/print-archive/most-cited-legal-scholars-revisited" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Erwin Chemerinsky</a> to launch it and placed it in an already high-performing campus. He got it operating in less than two years, and it was <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2017/05/17/uc-irvine-law-dean-erwin-chemerinsky-named-dean-of-berkeleys-law-school-will-begin-july-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ranked</a> #28 in the country when he left.&nbsp;

Grafting new schools onto existing, successful schools works; starting from nothing doesn’t. Take UC Irvine Law School. When UC decided to create the first new major law school in more than 40 years, officials did not create a stand-alone school. Instead, they recruited the esteemed <a href="https://lawreview.uchicago.edu/print-archive/most-cited-legal-scholars-revisited" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Erwin Chemerinsky</a> to launch it and placed it in an already high-performing campus. He got it operating in less than two years, and it was <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2017/05/17/uc-irvine-law-dean-erwin-chemerinsky-named-dean-of-berkeleys-law-school-will-begin-july-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ranked</a> #28 in the country when he left.&nbsp;

Compare that with the creation of UC Merced. The decision to start a new UC was made <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu/history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decades ago</a>, but the 1988 resolution did not turn into a university open for business until 2006. Worse, it wasn’t worth the wait. UC Merced is the least prestigious UC campus and has the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2023/uc-admissions-acceptance-rates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lowest enrollment</a>.

Compare that with the creation of UC Merced. The decision to start a new UC was made <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu/history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decades ago</a>, but the 1988 resolution did not turn into a university open for business until 2006. Worse, it wasn’t worth the wait. UC Merced is the least prestigious UC campus and has the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2023/uc-admissions-acceptance-rates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lowest enrollment</a>.

By starting with a system that’s already working, the new UCSF would have a head start. It’s already a powerhouse in biotech. The question would be what to do next and how to do it quickly.

By starting with a system that’s already working, the new UCSF would have a head start. It’s already a powerhouse in biotech. The question would be what to do next and how to do it quickly.

The first obvious act would be to merge with the <a href="https://www.uclawsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Law School SF</a>, which would become UCSF Law. It is a California law and policy success story despite being perhaps the only prestigious law school in the country that is not connected to a major university. Adding it to the UCSF portfolio would be mutually beneficial, helping to scale the new UCSF without the effort of creating a new school while providing additional resources (and a better name) to the new UCSF Law.&nbsp;

The first obvious act would be to merge with the <a href="https://www.uclawsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Law School SF</a>, which would become UCSF Law. It is a California law and policy success story despite being perhaps the only prestigious law school in the country that is not connected to a major university. Adding it to the UCSF portfolio would be mutually beneficial, helping to scale the new UCSF without the effort of creating a new school while providing additional resources (and a better name) to the new UCSF Law.&nbsp;

With that strong base, the clear next step for an enlarged UCSF would be expanding its graduate science programs. It is both the closest to what UCSF does now and the path of least resistance to state funding. Most importantly, UCSF’s biology chops would lend it the credibility to recruit talent and instantly lead in other fields: quantum computing, aerospace, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and more. UCSF would be building on its base instead of chasing undergraduate humanities that are not its core competency (but are the province of Berkeley and Stanford).

With that strong base, the clear next step for an enlarged UCSF would be expanding its graduate science programs. It is both the closest to what UCSF does now and the path of least resistance to state funding. Most importantly, UCSF’s biology chops would lend it the credibility to recruit talent and instantly lead in other fields: quantum computing, aerospace, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and more. UCSF would be building on its base instead of chasing undergraduate humanities that are not its core competency (but are the province of Berkeley and Stanford).

A science- and engineering-focused undergraduate program would be new for UCSF, which is why it should come second. To stand out, UCSF would need a strong differentiator beyond merely relying on its prestigious brand. Here is one clear way: UCSF can provide the most competitive co-op program in the world, embedding students in workplaces while they’re still in school. Because UCSF is in the world mecca of high technology, it can design programs with top companies, as is done in Asia, where companies like <a href="https://esg.tsmc.com/csr/en/update/innovationAndService/caseStudy/2/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TSMC</a> and <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Samsung-joins-forces-with-universities-at-home-to-foster-the-future-of-IT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samsung</a> work with local universities to design coursework, and place students in envy-worthy jobs like the <a href="https://atila.ca/blog/aarondoerfler/waterloo-is-extremely-good-at-placing-students-at-tech-companies-and-its-not-even-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legendary</a> University of Waterloo program in Canada. Imagine producing elite graduates with practical experience while also creating working-class jobs that support the local manufacturing sector.

A science- and engineering-focused undergraduate program would be new for UCSF, which is why it should come second. To stand out, UCSF would need a strong differentiator beyond merely relying on its prestigious brand. Here is one clear way: UCSF can provide the most competitive co-op program in the world, embedding students in workplaces while they’re still in school. Because UCSF is in the world mecca of high technology, it can design programs with top companies, as is done in Asia, where companies like <a href="https://esg.tsmc.com/csr/en/update/innovationAndService/caseStudy/2/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TSMC</a> and <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Samsung-joins-forces-with-universities-at-home-to-foster-the-future-of-IT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samsung</a> work with local universities to design coursework, and place students in envy-worthy jobs like the <a href="https://atila.ca/blog/aarondoerfler/waterloo-is-extremely-good-at-placing-students-at-tech-companies-and-its-not-even-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legendary</a> University of Waterloo program in Canada. Imagine producing elite graduates with practical experience while also creating working-class jobs that support the local manufacturing sector.

A new university would bring a lot of benefits to San Francisco. Colleges are inherently in-person and add a level of stability, regardless of the future of work-from-home. There is no talk of a doom loop in <a href="https://www.berkeleyside.org/2023/12/27/berkeley-downtown-covid-recovery-housing-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley</a> or <a href="https://paloaltoonline.com/news/2023/03/14/as-retail-trends-shift-palo-alto-looks-for-new-economic-strategy#:~:text=After%20taking%20a%20massive%20economic,a%20deep%20COVID%2D19%20slump." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palo Alto</a>. Furthermore, universities have a network effect: Harvard and MIT gave Boston the Broad Institute and Watertown. Imagine the cluster of UC Berkeley, a newly full UCSF and Stanford. It would be unbeatable.&nbsp;

A new university would bring a lot of benefits to San Francisco. Colleges are inherently in-person and add a level of stability, regardless of the future of work-from-home. There is no talk of a doom loop in <a href="https://www.berkeleyside.org/2023/12/27/berkeley-downtown-covid-recovery-housing-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley</a> or <a href="https://paloaltoonline.com/news/2023/03/14/as-retail-trends-shift-palo-alto-looks-for-new-economic-strategy#:~:text=After%20taking%20a%20massive%20economic,a%20deep%20COVID%2D19%20slump." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palo Alto</a>. Furthermore, universities have a network effect: Harvard and MIT gave Boston the Broad Institute and Watertown. Imagine the cluster of UC Berkeley, a newly full UCSF and Stanford. It would be unbeatable.&nbsp;

Although this wouldn’t be cheap, it is the cheapest option. UC Irvine Law started with a $20 million donation; UC Merced spent many times that. By starting with UCSF, UC can build off existing physical and intellectual infrastructure and acquire empty buildings downtown. What’s more, big costs matter less if you can attract big dollars, and UCSF has no difficulty attracting huge donations thanks to its successful brand and illustrious alumni. Plus, by focusing on science and engineering, UCSF can partially fund its expansion with grants from institutions like the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense.

Although this wouldn’t be cheap, it is the cheapest option. UC Irvine Law started with a $20 million donation; UC Merced spent many times that. By starting with UCSF, UC can build off existing physical and intellectual infrastructure and acquire empty buildings downtown. What’s more, big costs matter less if you can attract big dollars, and UCSF has no difficulty attracting huge donations thanks to its successful brand and illustrious alumni. Plus, by focusing on science and engineering, UCSF can partially fund its expansion with grants from institutions like the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense.

The alternatives are non-starters. <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/downtown-university-campus-18260569.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According</a> to UC Law SF’s David Faigman (wouldn’t that sound better as “UCSF Law’s David Faigman”?), opening a totally de novo university in five years would be “heroic” and doing it in less than a decade would be “surprising.” Way too slow.&nbsp;

The alternatives are non-starters. <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/downtown-university-campus-18260569.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According</a> to UC Law SF’s David Faigman (wouldn’t that sound better as “UCSF Law’s David Faigman”?), opening a totally de novo university in five years would be “heroic” and doing it in less than a decade would be “surprising.” Way too slow.&nbsp;

The other main proposals involve merely creating housing for other universities. Although those ideas would be fast, they would merely bring hundreds of students, not the tens of thousands San Francisco needs. Plus, Berkeley is across the bay and Stanford is about 45 minutes away, making mere housing unappealing to students.

The other main proposals involve merely creating housing for other universities. Although those ideas would be fast, they would merely bring hundreds of students, not the tens of thousands San Francisco needs. Plus, Berkeley is across the bay and Stanford is about 45 minutes away, making mere housing unappealing to students.

Those limited ideas ignore the fact that San Francisco is a global city that deserves a flagship university. Instead of reinventing the wheel, let’s just scale up what we already have for the future it is destined to fulfill: Creating one of the greatest universities on Earth.

Those limited ideas ignore the fact that San Francisco is a global city that deserves a flagship university. Instead of reinventing the wheel, let’s just scale up what we already have for the future it is destined to fulfill: Creating one of the greatest universities on Earth.

Evan Zimmerman is based in the Bay Area and the founder of Edge, a Y Combinator-backed startup that uses AI to help patent practitioners write patents.

Evan Zimmerman is based in the Bay Area and the founder of Edge, a Y Combinator-backed startup that uses AI to help patent practitioners write patents.

San Francisco, college town? It can become one by uplifting one university that’s already here

Opinion: San Francisco, college town? It can become one by uplifting one university that’s already here

Kevin Truong

Kevin V. Nguyen

When San Francisco’s office drones are away, the partyers will play.

When San Francisco’s office drones are away, the partyers will play.

That’s the upshot of cellphone data analyzed by University of Toronto researchers to determine how dozens of downtowns across the U.S. are recovering from the pandemic.

That’s the upshot of cellphone data analyzed by University of Toronto researchers to determine how dozens of downtowns across the U.S. are recovering from the pandemic.

Segmenting the data by the time of the day gives insight into which specific groups are driving the district’s comeback locally. During work hours, San Francisco’s downtown activity was tagged at a mere 56.6% of pre-pandemic levels. However, after-hours activity has jumped up to 94.8% of that baseline.&nbsp;

Segmenting the data by the time of the day gives insight into which specific groups are driving the district’s comeback locally. During work hours, San Francisco’s downtown activity was tagged at a mere 56.6% of pre-pandemic levels. However, after-hours activity has jumped up to 94.8% of that baseline.&nbsp;

A similar split divides weekdays and weekends, which currently are at 59.6% and 99.4% of pre-pandemic activity, respectively. The <a href="https://downtownrecovery.com/charts/trends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new data</a> lends credence to city leaders’ stated strategy of betting heavily on downtown as a nightlife and entertainment hub.&nbsp;

A similar split divides weekdays and weekends, which currently are at 59.6% and 99.4% of pre-pandemic activity, respectively. The <a href="https://downtownrecovery.com/charts/trends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new data</a> lends credence to city leaders’ stated strategy of betting heavily on downtown as a nightlife and entertainment hub.&nbsp;

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To be sure, part of the contrast is a matter of scale. Back in 2019, San Francisco’s daily work-hour population would balloon to more than 1.1 million people, keeping the city’s economy humming and its office towers full.

To be sure, part of the contrast is a matter of scale. Back in 2019, San Francisco’s daily work-hour population would balloon to more than 1.1 million people, keeping the city’s economy humming and its office towers full.

Overall, downtown San Francisco’s return is still coming in fits and starts.&nbsp;

Overall, downtown San Francisco’s return is still coming in fits and starts.&nbsp;

The city&#8217;s 67.7% overall recovery rate is in the bottom third of the 55 U.S. cities analyzed by University of Toronto researchers, who noted that activity in San Francisco has been highly volatile, ranging from an extremely busy summer last year that gave way to relatively muted winter months.&nbsp;

The city's 67.7% overall recovery rate is in the bottom third of the 55 U.S. cities analyzed by University of Toronto researchers, who noted that activity in San Francisco has been highly volatile, ranging from an extremely busy summer last year that gave way to relatively muted winter months.&nbsp;

The city&#8217;s 67.7% overall recovery rate is in the bottom third of the 55 U.S. cities analyzed by University of Toronto researchers, who noted that activity in San Francisco has been highly volatile, ranging from an extremely busy summer last year that gave way to relatively muted winter months.&nbsp;

As remote work has predominated in the wake of the pandemic, San Francisco office vacancy rates continue to break records. Currently, around a third of the city’s office space is unoccupied. Although the commercial real estate market has been buoyed somewhat by interest and investment in AI, the nascent industry still represents a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/24/how-much-big-tech-pulled-back-in-san-francisco/">small fish in a very big (and largely empty) pond</a>.&nbsp;

Corporate retreat: Big Tech has slashed its office presence in San Francisco by half

As remote work has predominated in the wake of the pandemic, San Francisco office vacancy rates continue to break records. Currently, around a third of the city’s office space is unoccupied. Although the commercial real estate market has been buoyed somewhat by interest and investment in AI, the nascent industry still represents a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/24/how-much-big-tech-pulled-back-in-san-francisco/">small fish in a very big (and largely empty) pond</a>.&nbsp;

According to data from key card company Kastle Systems, weekly return-to-office numbers for the San Francisco metro area have failed to breach 50% of pre-pandemic levels to date.&nbsp;

According to data from key card company Kastle Systems, weekly return-to-office numbers for the San Francisco metro area have failed to breach 50% of pre-pandemic levels to date.&nbsp;

San Francisco is getting back to in-person work. Just ask these companies

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Ben Bleiman, the president of the SF Entertainment Commission, is a partner at Harrington&#8217;s Bar and Grill in the Financial District, which reopened in March after a more than three-year closure. He said regular business during lunch and happy hour is fairly predictable, with peaks during the middle of the week. After-work-party bookings are picking up as well.&nbsp;

Ben Bleiman, the president of the SF Entertainment Commission, is a partner at Harrington's Bar and Grill in the Financial District, which reopened in March after a more than three-year closure. He said regular business during lunch and happy hour is fairly predictable, with peaks during the middle of the week. After-work-party bookings are picking up as well.&nbsp;

Ben Bleiman, the president of the SF Entertainment Commission, is a partner at Harrington&#8217;s Bar and Grill in the Financial District, which reopened in March after a more than three-year closure. He said regular business during lunch and happy hour is fairly predictable, with peaks during the middle of the week. After-work-party bookings are picking up as well.&nbsp;

Still, he said, downtown bars make the bulk of their money during daytime hours, and that means overall business is still a ways away from recovery.&nbsp;

Still, he said, downtown bars make the bulk of their money during daytime hours, and that means overall business is still a ways away from recovery.&nbsp;

Ben Bleiman, chair of the San Francisco Entertainment Commission, at Soda Popinski's in San Francisco. | Juliana Yamada/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/INLINED003_DowntownBarsThriving06092023.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man wearing black shirt stands at a bar. " class="wp-image-184224"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ben Bleiman, president of the San Francisco Entertainment Commission, said the city&#8217;s bars still need daytime traffic to rebound. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/INLINED003_DowntownBarsThriving06092023.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man wearing black shirt stands at a bar. " class="wp-image-184224"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ben Bleiman, president of the San Francisco Entertainment Commission, said the city's bars still need daytime traffic to rebound. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/INLINED003_DowntownBarsThriving06092023.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man wearing black shirt stands at a bar. " class="wp-image-184224"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ben Bleiman, president of the San Francisco Entertainment Commission, said the city&#8217;s bars still need daytime traffic to rebound. </figcaption></figure>

“Ninety percent of sales take place during work and happy hour for most spots,” Bleiman said. “So even if after-hours [traffic] is back to 90%, it’s still a drop in the bucket.”

“Ninety percent of sales take place during work and happy hour for most spots,” Bleiman said. “So even if after-hours [traffic] is back to 90%, it’s still a drop in the bucket.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-betting-on-fun-nbsp">Betting on fun&nbsp;</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-betting-on-fun-nbsp">Betting on fun&nbsp;</h2>

Perhaps resigned to the fact that the hybrid work shift is largely permanent, city leaders have leaned heavily into moving downtown San Francisco away from its longtime role as a 9-to-5 business destination.

Perhaps resigned to the fact that the hybrid work shift is largely permanent, city leaders have leaned heavily into moving downtown San Francisco away from its longtime role as a 9-to-5 business destination.

Among the recent moves made by city leaders is the planned designation of the state’s first “Entertainment Zone” on Front Street in the Financial District, which would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/03/entertainment-zone-alcohol-consumption-sales-financial-district/">turn the area into a version of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street</a> by allowing outdoor alcohol sales and consumption during events.&nbsp;

San Francisco wants to turn a chunk of downtown into the city&#8217;s Bourbon Street

Among the recent moves made by city leaders is the planned designation of the state’s first “Entertainment Zone” on Front Street in the Financial District, which would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/03/entertainment-zone-alcohol-consumption-sales-financial-district/">turn the area into a version of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street</a> by allowing outdoor alcohol sales and consumption during events.&nbsp;

The city also plans to launch a $500,000 program offering up to 20 grants to fund economic revitalization projects related to nightlife or entertainment downtown.

The city also plans to launch a $500,000 program offering up to 20 grants to fund economic revitalization projects related to nightlife or entertainment downtown.

Picking up on this rise in after-hours activity, several new bars and restaurants have launched or opened to take advantage of these off-hour visitors. These range from the opening of the trendy rooftop Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Chotto Matte to the rebirth of the Starlite cocktail lounge at the Beacon Grand hotel.

Picking up on this rise in after-hours activity, several new bars and restaurants have launched or opened to take advantage of these off-hour visitors. These range from the opening of the trendy rooftop Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Chotto Matte to the rebirth of the Starlite cocktail lounge at the Beacon Grand hotel.

Chotto Matte officially opened and is now San Francisco’s largest rooftop restaurant on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FEATURED_ChottoMatteOpen10202023-08.jpg?w=640" alt="A picture of an interior restaurant dining room with large glass windows and city buildings in the distance." class="wp-image-213726"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chotto Matte, San Francisco’s largest rooftop restaurant, opened in late 2023.</figcaption></figure>

A number of after-work events and block parties, like the monthly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/09/san-francisco-downtown-first-thursdays/">First Thursdays series</a> and the return of the Indian dancing-based Bhangra and Beats Market, have also been put into place with the help of city funding.&nbsp;

New series to bring free music, two beer gardens and a giant disco ball to downtown 

A number of after-work events and block parties, like the monthly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/09/san-francisco-downtown-first-thursdays/">First Thursdays series</a> and the return of the Indian dancing-based Bhangra and Beats Market, have also been put into place with the help of city funding.&nbsp;

Robbie Silver, executive director of the Downtown SF Partnership, said nightlife attractions have proven to be a bright spot for an area still suffering from a dearth of daily office workers.

Robbie Silver, executive director of the Downtown SF Partnership, said nightlife attractions have proven to be a bright spot for an area still suffering from a dearth of daily office workers.

The Downtown SF Partnership has invested heavily in after-hours events, launching Let’s Glow, a holiday light show, and Drag Me Downtown, a weekly summer pop-up drag showcase.&nbsp;

The Downtown SF Partnership has invested heavily in after-hours events, launching Let’s Glow, a holiday light show, and Drag Me Downtown, a weekly summer pop-up drag showcase.&nbsp;

“I’m hoping a block party mentality will help drive people downtown and also fill in these ground-floor vacancies with new bars, restaurants, dance venues contributing to a new downtown renaissance,” Silver said.&nbsp;

“I’m hoping a block party mentality will help drive people downtown and also fill in these ground-floor vacancies with new bars, restaurants, dance venues contributing to a new downtown renaissance,” Silver said.&nbsp;

Dead by day, a party at night—could new sky-high bars save downtown? 

One quibble Silver has with statistical measures of downtown recovery is using 2019 as a point of comparison to the current situation. With the larger macro changes in the economy, Silver said the simple fact is that downtown simply won’t come back in the same way any time soon.

One quibble Silver has with statistical measures of downtown recovery is using 2019 as a point of comparison to the current situation. With the larger macro changes in the economy, Silver said the simple fact is that downtown simply won’t come back in the same way any time soon.

“If we keep comparing ourselves to 2019, we&#8217;re going to set ourselves up for failure,” Silver said. “If we need a baseline, let’s use the year prior to see actually how much progress we’re making.”

“If we keep comparing ourselves to 2019, we're going to set ourselves up for failure,” Silver said. “If we need a baseline, let’s use the year prior to see actually how much progress we’re making.”

“If we keep comparing ourselves to 2019, we&#8217;re going to set ourselves up for failure,” Silver said. “If we need a baseline, let’s use the year prior to see actually how much progress we’re making.”

More people are coming back to play—not work—in downtown SF, data shows

Gabe Greschler

What keeps economists, local politicians, and real estate moguls all up at night?

What keeps economists, local politicians, and real estate moguls all up at night?

The fear? Lost revenue from business and property taxes, due to few commuters, empty storefronts, and vacant skyscrapers.

The fear? Lost revenue from business and property taxes, due to few commuters, empty storefronts, and vacant skyscrapers.

All the candidates for mayor agree that something must be done, but does anyone have the right formula to make the downtown boom again?&nbsp;

All the candidates for mayor agree that something must be done, but does anyone have the right formula to make the downtown boom again?&nbsp;

As part of our “Ask the candidates” series, we collected questions from readers about the most critical challenges facing the city and are publishing the responses up to Election Day.&nbsp;

As part of our “Ask the candidates” series, we collected questions from readers about the most critical challenges facing the city and are publishing the responses up to Election Day.&nbsp;

Several readers asked about the candidates’ plans to reinvigorate downtown. Here are their answers.&nbsp;

Several readers asked about the candidates’ plans to reinvigorate downtown. Here are their answers.&nbsp;

London Breed attends the second night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday August 20, 2024. (Photo by Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gettyimages-2166926734.jpg?w=2500" alt="People are clapping and cheering in a crowded convention center. A large &quot;DNC 2024&quot; sign is displayed overhead, creating an energetic atmosphere." class="wp-image-303906"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed said downtown needs to be redesigned for not only office workers.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-breed">London Breed</h2>

The mayor says the city must “accept reality” that a Monday-to-Friday schedule for workers isn’t likely to return. Downtown was designed for commuters, not residents, Mayor London Breed said, and that needs to change.&nbsp;

The mayor says the city must “accept reality” that a Monday-to-Friday schedule for workers isn’t likely to return. Downtown was designed for commuters, not residents, Mayor London Breed said, and that needs to change.&nbsp;

Breed has rolled out the “Roadmap to Downtown San Francisco Future,” which offers incentives for businesses to open in the neighborhood and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/07/san-francisco-london-breed-state-of-the-city-2024/">a plan to bring in 30,000 residents and students</a>. Breed said she is open to office-to-residential conversions, though they are known to be <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/03/11/upshot/office-conversions.html">technically challenging.</a> Breed has also pushed for downtown concerts and other events.

&#8216;Tired of the negativity&#8217;: Breed hits back at doubters in State of the City speech

Breed has rolled out the “Roadmap to Downtown San Francisco Future,” which offers incentives for businesses to open in the neighborhood and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/07/san-francisco-london-breed-state-of-the-city-2024/">a plan to bring in 30,000 residents and students</a>. Breed said she is open to office-to-residential conversions, though they are known to be <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/03/11/upshot/office-conversions.html">technically challenging.</a> Breed has also pushed for downtown concerts and other events.

“I am working to bring about a new future for our downtown office buildings,” she wrote in her questionnaire for The Standard. “One where workers mix with students and residents. Where there are a plethora of activities and arts and culture activities, not just during happy hour but all weekend as well.”&nbsp;

“I am working to bring about a new future for our downtown office buildings,” she wrote in her questionnaire for The Standard. “One where workers mix with students and residents. Where there are a plethora of activities and arts and culture activities, not just during happy hour but all weekend as well.”&nbsp;

Nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie stands outside the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday, June 28, 2024, after the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling on homelessness.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240620-scotushomelessness-sm-01.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit speaks at a podium, surrounded by people holding &quot;Lurie for Mayor&quot; signs. The group stands outside a building, with a few recording the event." class="wp-image-286804"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie is prioritizing public safety as a way to attract residents to downtown.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daniel-lurie">Daniel Lurie</h2>

Nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie said he would prioritize downtown’s safety and cleanliness to make the neighborhood more attractive. He said he would loosen regulations around keeping small businesses intact and tweak taxes to attract company headquarters.&nbsp;

Nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie said he would prioritize downtown’s safety and cleanliness to make the neighborhood more attractive. He said he would loosen regulations around keeping small businesses intact and tweak taxes to attract company headquarters.&nbsp;

“We must better consolidate City Hall’s available tools and resources to revitalize downtown and increase support for small businesses in the form of tax breaks, grants, loans, and marketing,” Lurie wrote in his questionnaire. “And we need safe and clean streets, smart investments, and a vision for economic recovery that builds on the talent of our local small businesses.”&nbsp;

“We must better consolidate City Hall’s available tools and resources to revitalize downtown and increase support for small businesses in the form of tax breaks, grants, loans, and marketing,” Lurie wrote in his questionnaire. “And we need safe and clean streets, smart investments, and a vision for economic recovery that builds on the talent of our local small businesses.”&nbsp;

District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin addresses members of the media during a press conference announcing the release of the draft plan of the San Francisco Waterfront Flood Study at the Ferry Building in San Francisco on January 26, 2024. Officials are proposing flood defenses to combat sea level rise along San Francisco’s waterfront.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ppb3116-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="An older man with gray hair and a beard, wearing a suit, is speaking into a microphone at a podium. A woman in a pink blazer is seated in the background." class="wp-image-314058"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin wants a Center for Tech Diplomacy in downtown.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aaron-peskin">Aaron Peskin</h2>

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin pitched a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-aaron-peskin-interview-abc7/">Center for Tech Diplomacy</a> that he said would attract startups and pledged to work with big businesses to keep them downtown.&nbsp;

Watch: San Francisco should ‘embrace tech,&#8217; Aaron Peskin says

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin pitched a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-aaron-peskin-interview-abc7/">Center for Tech Diplomacy</a> that he said would attract startups and pledged to work with big businesses to keep them downtown.&nbsp;

He pointed to legislation he and Breed spearheaded last year <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-announces-new-initiative-spur-conversions-underutilized-office-buildings">that makes it easier and cheaper to convert office space</a>. Peskin has also co-authored bills for “entertainment zones” that have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/04/entertainment-zones-downtown-sf-public-drinking/">sped up the permitting process for organizing events</a>.

Here are the next four public drinking zones planned for San Francisco

He pointed to legislation he and Breed spearheaded last year <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-announces-new-initiative-spur-conversions-underutilized-office-buildings">that makes it easier and cheaper to convert office space</a>. Peskin has also co-authored bills for “entertainment zones” that have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/04/entertainment-zones-downtown-sf-public-drinking/">sped up the permitting process for organizing events</a>.

“As Mayor, I will implement my middle-class financing plan to lower interest rates on construction and speed these conversions even faster,” Peskin wrote. “We must use a combination of lower office costs, residential conversions, and new amenities such as parks, libraries, and art to bring people back to downtown.”&nbsp;

“As Mayor, I will implement my middle-class financing plan to lower interest rates on construction and speed these conversions even faster,” Peskin wrote. “We must use a combination of lower office costs, residential conversions, and new amenities such as parks, libraries, and art to bring people back to downtown.”&nbsp;

Mark Farrell listens to the other candidates at the second mayoral debate, held at UC Law in San Francisco on Monday, June 17th, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-321.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit looks to the side, sitting with an American flag partially visible in the background. He has a microphone clipped to his shirt." class="wp-image-284216"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former interim Mayor Mark Farrell wants to give incentives to businesses who require employees to work at the office.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mark-farrell">Mark Farrell</h2>

Former interim mayor Mark Farrell said he is committing to cutting the commercial vacancy rate in half by the end of his first term in 2028.&nbsp;

Former interim mayor Mark Farrell said he is committing to cutting the commercial vacancy rate in half by the end of his first term in 2028.&nbsp;

Farrell was the only candidate who answered an inquiry about work-from-home policies. He said he would offer tax incentives for businesses requiring employees to work from the office at least four days per week. He also pledged to offer financing and tax incentives for businesses, housing construction, and conversions and to repurpose downtown buildings for mixed-use projects.&nbsp;

Farrell was the only candidate who answered an inquiry about work-from-home policies. He said he would offer tax incentives for businesses requiring employees to work from the office at least four days per week. He also pledged to offer financing and tax incentives for businesses, housing construction, and conversions and to repurpose downtown buildings for mixed-use projects.&nbsp;

“I believe San Francisco has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to completely reimagine the possibilities and vision for our downtown neighborhoods,” he wrote. “My vision for downtown is one that is safe, clean, and thriving 24/7.”

“I believe San Francisco has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to completely reimagine the possibilities and vision for our downtown neighborhoods,” he wrote. “My vision for downtown is one that is safe, clean, and thriving 24/7.”

Farrell blamed Breed’s administration for one of the “slowest post-pandemic recoveries in the country,” <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/05/05/downtown-san-francisco-recovery-pandemic-struggles">citing</a> University of Toronto data. Farrell also pointed to canceled <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/downtown-sf-moscone-center-losing-conferences-18649965.php">conventions</a> and retailers like Macy’s leaving the area.

Farrell blamed Breed’s administration for one of the “slowest post-pandemic recoveries in the country,” <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/05/05/downtown-san-francisco-recovery-pandemic-struggles">citing</a> University of Toronto data. Farrell also pointed to canceled <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/downtown-sf-moscone-center-losing-conferences-18649965.php">conventions</a> and retailers like Macy’s leaving the area.

Want to read each candidate’s entire response to reinvigorating downtown? Click <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/mayor-questionnaire-downtown_office.pdf">here</a>.

Want to read each candidate’s entire response to reinvigorating downtown? Click <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/mayor-questionnaire-downtown_office.pdf">here</a>.

Can downtown be saved? Mayoral candidates’ big ideas to stop the bleeding

Ida Mojadad

After an existential vote in June, Golden Gate University said its struggling law school will stay open and fully accredited, for now.&nbsp;

After an existential vote in June, Golden Gate University said its struggling law school will stay open and fully accredited, for now.&nbsp;

The 122-year-old nonprofit institution has been fighting to stay afloat in recent years amid the deteriorating condition of the surrounding Downtown neighborhood. The school said it is still determining its long-term viability, but administrators informed students in an email at the end of June that it would not close within the next school year.&nbsp;

The 122-year-old nonprofit institution has been fighting to stay afloat in recent years amid the deteriorating condition of the surrounding Downtown neighborhood. The school said it is still determining its long-term viability, but administrators informed students in an email at the end of June that it would not close within the next school year.&nbsp;

However, faculty have been advised that layoffs may take place down the line.&nbsp;

However, faculty have been advised that layoffs may take place down the line.&nbsp;

“GGU Law will continue to operate during the academic year 2023-24 and beyond as necessary to ensure at a minimum that all currently enrolled and entering students will continue to receive their scholarships and be able to receive an ABA-accredited degree,” spokesperson Jenny McKeel said in an email to The Standard.

“GGU Law will continue to operate during the academic year 2023-24 and beyond as necessary to ensure at a minimum that all currently enrolled and entering students will continue to receive their scholarships and be able to receive an ABA-accredited degree,” spokesperson Jenny McKeel said in an email to The Standard.

In June, <a href="https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/as-golden-gate-law-works-to-meet-bar-pass-standard-new-students-get-full-scholarships" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">students and faculty raised</a> concerns about rumors that the university was considering shuttering the law school or giving up national accreditation in the wake of struggles to meet standards in recent years. The American Bar Association found Golden Gate University School of Law to be <a href="https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/as-golden-gate-law-works-to-meet-bar-pass-standard-new-students-get-full-scholarships">out of compliance for having low bar passage rates in 2021</a>, prompting the school to substantially lower its admission rate starting in 2022.

In June, <a href="https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/as-golden-gate-law-works-to-meet-bar-pass-standard-new-students-get-full-scholarships" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">students and faculty raised</a> concerns about rumors that the university was considering shuttering the law school or giving up national accreditation in the wake of struggles to meet standards in recent years. The American Bar Association found Golden Gate University School of Law to be <a href="https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/as-golden-gate-law-works-to-meet-bar-pass-standard-new-students-get-full-scholarships">out of compliance for having low bar passage rates in 2021</a>, prompting the school to substantially lower its admission rate starting in 2022.

The law school said this week that it will retain accreditation with the ABA.&nbsp;

The law school said this week that it will retain accreditation with the ABA.&nbsp;

The school has struggled financially in recent years, but university leaders said a January 2022 plan to stay afloat by selling property fell apart due to the “precipitous devaluation” of Downtown commercial real estate.

The school has struggled financially in recent years, but university leaders said a January 2022 plan to stay afloat by selling property fell apart due to the “precipitous devaluation” of Downtown commercial real estate.

The university declined to provide information on the current number of students and faculty at the law school, but Student Bar Association President Mohammed Jamal said there are about 200 students.

The university declined to provide information on the current number of students and faculty at the law school, but Student Bar Association President Mohammed Jamal said there are about 200 students.

Jamal lamented the recent difficulties of the law school, which has a longtime reputation of educating prospective lawyers from working-class backgrounds and others who might not get into top schools. It’s also known to specialize in public-interest and environmental law.&nbsp;

Jamal lamented the recent difficulties of the law school, which has a longtime reputation of educating prospective lawyers from working-class backgrounds and others who might not get into top schools. It’s also known to specialize in public-interest and environmental law.&nbsp;

“Being a lawyer is a very privileged profession,” Jamal said. “It will be sad if Golden Gate University will have to close after more than 100 years.”

“Being a lawyer is a very privileged profession,” Jamal said. “It will be sad if Golden Gate University will have to close after more than 100 years.”

Despite troubles, Golden Gate University says law school won’t close

Josh Koehn

Since the start of this year, a rotating cast of San Franciscans have been gathering for dinner and drinks while discussing the city’s most pressing problems. Rather than the typical bitchfest, this discreet group of tech entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, elected officials and City Hall commissioners spends less time bemoaning what’s wrong and more time noodling on solutions.

Since the start of this year, a rotating cast of San Franciscans have been gathering for dinner and drinks while discussing the city’s most pressing problems. Rather than the typical bitchfest, this discreet group of tech entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, elected officials and City Hall commissioners spends less time bemoaning what’s wrong and more time noodling on solutions.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/bilal-mahmood-entrepreneur-and-scientist-on-why-hes-running/">Bilal Mahmood</a>, a startup founder and neuroscientist who finished third in a state Assembly special election last year, designed the dinner parties after the Junto Club, a 12-member group of tradesmen and artisans formed by Benjamin Franklin in 1727. Franklin’s goal was to develop ideas on how to build a new nation and more humane society, and the result of these meetings led to the colonies’ first community fire department and the country’s first hospital. The latter was created through a public-private partnership, an untested concept in the burgeoning nation.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/bilal-mahmood-entrepreneur-and-scientist-on-why-hes-running/">Bilal Mahmood</a>, a startup founder and neuroscientist who finished third in a state Assembly special election last year, designed the dinner parties after the Junto Club, a 12-member group of tradesmen and artisans formed by Benjamin Franklin in 1727. Franklin’s goal was to develop ideas on how to build a new nation and more humane society, and the result of these meetings led to the colonies’ first community fire department and the country’s first hospital. The latter was created through a public-private partnership, an untested concept in the burgeoning nation.

Mahmood told The Standard that these off-the-record dinner parties will soon go by another name Franklin’s group used—Leather Apron Club, a decidedly metal-meets-<a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/pleasure-pain-and-leather-photos-of-folsom-street-fair-2022/">Folsom Street Fair</a> moniker. In mid-January, Mahmood and 11 others gathered to discuss one of San Francisco’s most existential issues: how to save Downtown.

Mahmood told The Standard that these off-the-record dinner parties will soon go by another name Franklin’s group used—Leather Apron Club, a decidedly metal-meets-<a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/pleasure-pain-and-leather-photos-of-folsom-street-fair-2022/">Folsom Street Fair</a> moniker. In mid-January, Mahmood and 11 others gathered to discuss one of San Francisco’s most existential issues: how to save Downtown.

The loss of businesses and in-office workers since the pandemic has kneecapped the flow of tax revenue to City Hall, and foot traffic to small businesses in the area has evaporated. San Francisco is staring down the barrel of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">nearly $800 million deficit</a>, and increasingly hyperbolic concerns of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/">real estate collapse</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/downtown-sfs-death-spiral-continues-as-independent-bookstore-shutters/">death spiral</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/04/07/business/what-is-doom-loop.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doom loop</a> are becoming commonplace.

The loss of businesses and in-office workers since the pandemic has kneecapped the flow of tax revenue to City Hall, and foot traffic to small businesses in the area has evaporated. San Francisco is staring down the barrel of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">nearly $800 million deficit</a>, and increasingly hyperbolic concerns of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/">real estate collapse</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/downtown-sfs-death-spiral-continues-as-independent-bookstore-shutters/">death spiral</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/04/07/business/what-is-doom-loop.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doom loop</a> are becoming commonplace.

Pedestrians walk through San Francisco’s Financial District, which has had a surge of vacant storefront properties, on Nov. 17, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED04_DowntownSF04102023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-147241"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians walk through San Francisco’s Financial District, which has had a surge of vacant storefront properties, on Nov. 17, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

But as Mahmood and his guests discussed the state of Downtown over karaage, sashimi and wagyu at Ozumo, an upscale Japanese restaurant near the Embarcadero, one guest floated an idea that seemed to linger. Zach Klein, the venture capitalist and co-founder of Vimeo, suggested San Francisco should create a new university, or at least a vast array of college student housing, in the downtown core. 

But as Mahmood and his guests discussed the state of Downtown over karaage, sashimi and wagyu at Ozumo, an upscale Japanese restaurant near the Embarcadero, one guest floated an idea that seemed to linger. Zach Klein, the venture capitalist and co-founder of Vimeo, suggested San Francisco should create a new university, or at least a vast array of college student housing, in the downtown core.

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