Kevin Truong

Mayor London Breed and a coalition of major San Francisco companies on Thursday announced a new initiative to bring employees back to in-office work starting this month.

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Mayor London Breed and a coalition of major San Francisco companies on Thursday announced a new initiative to bring employees back to in-office work starting this month.

The program—dubbed “Welcome Back to SF”—will require city and county employees to return to the office in a mix of schedules starting March 7. Among the companies that have pledged to bring workers back to the office this month are Salesforce, Gap Inc., Visa, Wells Fargo and Blackrock.

The program—dubbed “Welcome Back to SF”—will require city and county employees to return to the office in a mix of schedules starting March 7. Among the companies that have pledged to bring workers back to the office this month are Salesforce, Gap Inc., Visa, Wells Fargo and Blackrock.

“We are excited to welcome people back to downtown to work, to dine, and to experience the arts and culture that make this city special,” Breed said in a statement. “This March is the start of a new beginning for this city, and I want to thank all the businesses and workers who are committed to supporting our city and our small businesses.”

“We are excited to welcome people back to downtown to work, to dine, and to experience the arts and culture that make this city special,” Breed said in a statement. “This March is the start of a new beginning for this city, and I want to thank all the businesses and workers who are committed to supporting our city and our small businesses.”

Salesforce, the largest private employer in San Francisco, has around 10,600 workers in the city. Throughout the pandemic, business activity at its iconic tower, which functions as the company’s headquarters, has been largely muted. But leaders indicated Thursday that things are starting to change.&nbsp;

Salesforce, the largest private employer in San Francisco, has around 10,600 workers in the city. Throughout the pandemic, business activity at its iconic tower, which functions as the company’s headquarters, has been largely muted. But leaders indicated Thursday that things are starting to change.&nbsp;

“Our employees are looking for ways to safely connect in person, and we’re proud to welcome hundreds and soon-to-be thousands of employees to Salesforce Tower daily,” said Brent Hyder, the company’s president and chief people officer “As the largest private employer in San Francisco, we are deeply committed to the city and are excited our offices are buzzing again.”&nbsp;

“Our employees are looking for ways to safely connect in person, and we’re proud to welcome hundreds and soon-to-be thousands of employees to Salesforce Tower daily,” said Brent Hyder, the company’s president and chief people officer “As the largest private employer in San Francisco, we are deeply committed to the city and are excited our offices are buzzing again.”&nbsp;

Breed has made the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-revival-stunted-by-omicron-but-companies-poised-for-return/">economic recovery of downtown</a> a key part of her strategy for bringing San Francisco back from the pandemic downturn.&nbsp;

Breed has made the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-revival-stunted-by-omicron-but-companies-poised-for-return/">economic recovery of downtown</a> a key part of her strategy for bringing San Francisco back from the pandemic downturn.&nbsp;

That staggered return has had a number of downstream economic effects, according to Ted Egan, the city’s chief economist. These include less spending from office workers to support the businesses downtown, as well as the operations to run downtown offices themselves, including the supply chain around building maintenance, office supplies and furniture.

That staggered return has had a number of downstream economic effects, according to Ted Egan, the city’s chief economist. These include less spending from office workers to support the businesses downtown, as well as the operations to run downtown offices themselves, including the supply chain around building maintenance, office supplies and furniture.

At a San Francisco Business Times <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/breed-and-business-leaders-want-workers-back-but-employees-and-executives-have-differing-views/">event last month</a>, Breed said she was working with the Chamber of Commerce to target a specific date when workers were due to come back to offices, as well as specific days that workers on hybrid schedules would work in the office.

At a San Francisco Business Times <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/breed-and-business-leaders-want-workers-back-but-employees-and-executives-have-differing-views/">event last month</a>, Breed said she was working with the Chamber of Commerce to target a specific date when workers were due to come back to offices, as well as specific days that workers on hybrid schedules would work in the office.

Thursday’s announcement did not provide any guarantees, as officials instead said the “return to office policies may vary across companies” because of the widespread adoption of telecommuting.

Thursday’s announcement did not provide any guarantees, as officials instead said the “return to office policies may vary across companies” because of the widespread adoption of telecommuting.

San Francisco workers’ return to offices has lagged behind peer cities like New York, Los Angeles and Austin. According to the <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Kastle_Back_to_Work_Barometer_DATA_2022-3-3.xlsx">Back to Work barometer</a> from access card company Kastle Systems, only 27.6% of San Francisco’s workers have returned to the office during the week of March 2.

San Francisco workers’ return to offices has lagged behind peer cities like New York, Los Angeles and Austin. According to the <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Kastle_Back_to_Work_Barometer_DATA_2022-3-3.xlsx">Back to Work barometer</a> from access card company Kastle Systems, only 27.6% of San Francisco’s workers have returned to the office during the week of March 2.

There are signs of a potential turning point. Google <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/02/google-tells-employees-to-return-to-offices-in-april.html">told its employees</a> in the Bay Area and elsewhere that it expects them to begin returning to physical offices April 4, with most employees going in-person three days a week.

There are signs of a potential turning point. Google <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/02/google-tells-employees-to-return-to-offices-in-april.html">told its employees</a> in the Bay Area and elsewhere that it expects them to begin returning to physical offices April 4, with most employees going in-person three days a week.

To attract more workers downtown and activate surrounding neighborhoods, San Francisco is also partnering with commercial developers, retailers and business groups to launch a series of events across the last week of March.

To attract more workers downtown and activate surrounding neighborhoods, San Francisco is also partnering with commercial developers, retailers and business groups to launch a series of events across the last week of March.

Sonia Syngal, CEO of Gap Inc., said the company has spent the last year and a half redesigning its offices for hybrid work. The company plans to convert the ground floor of its headquarters at 2 Folsom St. into Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta retail locations.&nbsp;

Sonia Syngal, CEO of Gap Inc., said the company has spent the last year and a half redesigning its offices for hybrid work. The company plans to convert the ground floor of its headquarters at 2 Folsom St. into Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta retail locations.&nbsp;

Put the sweatpants away: SF’s big return to in-office work is almost here

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky <a href="https://twitter.com/bchesky/status/1519831566486147073">took to Twitter</a> last Thursday to officially announce that the company’s workers will not be required to come back to the office, following in the footsteps of other erstwhile tech employers that have gone at least partially remote.&nbsp;

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky <a href="https://twitter.com/bchesky/status/1519831566486147073">took to Twitter</a> last Thursday to officially announce that the company’s workers will not be required to come back to the office, following in the footsteps of other erstwhile tech employers that have gone at least partially remote.&nbsp;

“Our business wouldn’t have recovered as quickly from the pandemic if it hadn’t been for millions of people working from Airbnbs,” Chesky wrote. “We also had the most productive two-year period in our company’s history—all while working remotely.”

“Our business wouldn’t have recovered as quickly from the pandemic if it hadn’t been for millions of people working from Airbnbs,” Chesky wrote. “We also had the most productive two-year period in our company’s history—all while working remotely.”

The short-term rental company had previously targeted a September 2022 return for its return to the office, but careful trackers of Airbnb’s real estate moves shouldn’t be too surprised about Chesky’s announcement. The company has continued to <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2021/05/17/airbnb-san-francisco-office-leases.html">shed office space</a> in San Francisco during the pandemic, dropping or subleasing more than 400,000 square feet ​​at sites across the city. It even took a $113 million charge last year in order to exit a lease early.

The short-term rental company had previously targeted a September 2022 return for its return to the office, but careful trackers of Airbnb’s real estate moves shouldn’t be too surprised about Chesky’s announcement. The company has continued to <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2021/05/17/airbnb-san-francisco-office-leases.html">shed office space</a> in San Francisco during the pandemic, dropping or subleasing more than 400,000 square feet ​​at sites across the city. It even took a $113 million charge last year in order to exit a lease early.

The company confirmed it is currently occupying two San Francisco offices at 999 Brannan St. and 888 Brannan St. Employees working remotely won&#8217;t see any changes to their compensation, the company said.

The company confirmed it is currently occupying two San Francisco offices at 999 Brannan St. and 888 Brannan St. Employees working remotely won't see any changes to their compensation, the company said.

The company confirmed it is currently occupying two San Francisco offices at 999 Brannan St. and 888 Brannan St. Employees working remotely won&#8217;t see any changes to their compensation, the company said.

When asked whether Airbnb plans to shift its HQ out of San Francisco or continue its downsizing efforts, a spokesperson said they “don’t have any changes to or updates on our offices to share at this time.”

When asked whether Airbnb plans to shift its HQ out of San Francisco or continue its downsizing efforts, a spokesperson said they “don’t have any changes to or updates on our offices to share at this time.”

Not a great vote of confidence, nor a great sign for the sluggish recovery of the city’s office&nbsp;market.&nbsp;

Not a great vote of confidence, nor a great sign for the sluggish recovery of the city’s office&nbsp;market.&nbsp;

Airbnb joins other blue-chip tech companies like Yelp, Dropbox and Salesforce subsidiary Slack in reducing its San Francisco footprint. Block, another major tech employer that’s gone primarily remote, recently revealed that it’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/square-block-headquarters-jack-dorsey/">removed San Francisco</a> as its headquarters.&nbsp;

Airbnb joins other blue-chip tech companies like Yelp, Dropbox and Salesforce subsidiary Slack in reducing its San Francisco footprint. Block, another major tech employer that’s gone primarily remote, recently revealed that it’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/square-block-headquarters-jack-dorsey/">removed San Francisco</a> as its headquarters.&nbsp;

Hybrid work has persisted despite concerted efforts by the mayor and business groups to get workers back in the office and support struggling downtown small businesses.&nbsp;

Hybrid work has persisted despite concerted efforts by the mayor and business groups to get workers back in the office and support struggling downtown small businesses.&nbsp;

As an example, none of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tales-of-a-tower-salesforce-tower/">five largest tenants in Salesforce Tower</a>, who represent more than 1.2 million square feet of rentable space — currently have plans to bring workers into the office five days a week. Most are at three or fewer days in the office.

As an example, none of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tales-of-a-tower-salesforce-tower/">five largest tenants in Salesforce Tower</a>, who represent more than 1.2 million square feet of rentable space — currently have plans to bring workers into the office five days a week. Most are at three or fewer days in the office.

The city itself has more than <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Budget/Joint%20Report%20FY%202022-23%20through%20FY%202025-26%20FINAL.pdf">doubled its estimate</a> of the proportion of office workers that will be permanently telecommuting from 15% to 33%.

The city itself has more than <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Budget/Joint%20Report%20FY%202022-23%20through%20FY%202025-26%20FINAL.pdf">doubled its estimate</a> of the proportion of office workers that will be permanently telecommuting from 15% to 33%.

Commercial vacancy rates in San Francisco rose to 23.8% during the first quarter of 2022, according to a report from real estate services firm CBRE. That’s higher than the levels seen during the peak of the dot-com crash.&nbsp;For context, previous vacancy highs for San Francisco were 19% in 2003 and 16% in 2010.

Commercial vacancy rates in San Francisco rose to 23.8% during the first quarter of 2022, according to a report from real estate services firm CBRE. That’s higher than the levels seen during the peak of the dot-com crash.&nbsp;For context, previous vacancy highs for San Francisco were 19% in 2003 and 16% in 2010.

Net absorption for the quarter—the amount of new space rented minus the amount of space that became vacant—was at -1.1 million square feet, marking the ninth straight quarter of occupancy losses.&nbsp;

Net absorption for the quarter—the amount of new space rented minus the amount of space that became vacant—was at -1.1 million square feet, marking the ninth straight quarter of occupancy losses.&nbsp;

Vacancy rates also vary widely by submarket in the city’s central business district, ranging from 18.4% in the South Financial District to 41.2% in Yerba Buena.

Vacancy rates also vary widely by submarket in the city’s central business district, ranging from 18.4% in the South Financial District to 41.2% in Yerba Buena.

Airbnb likely isn’t the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/return-to-office-sf-london-breed-google/">last domino to fall</a>, either: According to CBRE, further adoption of hybrid work “is likely to persist throughout the year.”

Airbnb likely isn’t the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/return-to-office-sf-london-breed-google/">last domino to fall</a>, either: According to CBRE, further adoption of hybrid work “is likely to persist throughout the year.”

That theory has been borne out by other measures of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/return-to-office-sf-london-breed-google/">city’s return to work</a>.&nbsp;

That theory has been borne out by other measures of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/return-to-office-sf-london-breed-google/">city’s return to work</a>.&nbsp;

According to office occupancy data provided by keycard company Kastle, the percentage of in-office workers for the week of April 20 hovered around 33%, which puts the city ahead of both the New York and San Jose metro areas, although below the 41% average of 10 major metros across the country.

According to office occupancy data provided by keycard company Kastle, the percentage of in-office workers for the week of April 20 hovered around 33%, which puts the city ahead of both the New York and San Jose metro areas, although below the 41% average of 10 major metros across the country.

Still, real estate observers say signs of a recovery are emerging alongside greater clarity around the pandemic, noting a pickup in square footage requirements of companies in the market for office space.

Still, real estate observers say signs of a recovery are emerging alongside greater clarity around the pandemic, noting a pickup in square footage requirements of companies in the market for office space.

&#8220;Now that returning to the office has started in earnest, companies will get a better understanding of what their office space needs may look like in the months ahead,&#8221; said Colin&nbsp;Yasukochi,&nbsp;executive director of CBRE’s Tech Insights.

"Now that returning to the office has started in earnest, companies will get a better understanding of what their office space needs may look like in the months ahead," said Colin&nbsp;Yasukochi,&nbsp;executive director of CBRE’s Tech Insights.

&#8220;Now that returning to the office has started in earnest, companies will get a better understanding of what their office space needs may look like in the months ahead,&#8221; said Colin&nbsp;Yasukochi,&nbsp;executive director of CBRE’s Tech Insights.

&#8220;This uncertainty, which is related to how hybrid work evolves, will reset the connection between employee growth and office space needs,&#8221; he said.

"This uncertainty, which is related to how hybrid work evolves, will reset the connection between employee growth and office space needs," he said.

&#8220;This uncertainty, which is related to how hybrid work evolves, will reset the connection between employee growth and office space needs,&#8221; he said.

Airbnb’s shift to remote work is another hit to SF’s struggling office market

Rya Jetha

It’s official: AI is gobbling up engineering jobs on tech’s native turf.&nbsp;

It’s official: AI is gobbling up engineering jobs on tech’s native turf.&nbsp;

CEO Marc Benioff said Salesforce, San Francisco’s largest private employer, does not plan to hire engineers this year because of the success of AI agents created and used by the company.&nbsp;

CEO Marc Benioff said Salesforce, San Francisco’s largest private employer, does not plan to hire engineers this year because of the success of AI agents created and used by the company.&nbsp;

“My message to CEOs right now is that we are the last generation to manage only humans,” Benioff said Wednesday on Salesforce’s earnings call, indicating that companies of the future will have hybrid human and digital workforces.&nbsp;

“My message to CEOs right now is that we are the last generation to manage only humans,” Benioff said Wednesday on Salesforce’s earnings call, indicating that companies of the future will have hybrid human and digital workforces.&nbsp;

Benioff added that Salesforce’s mission is to become “the No. 1 digital labor provider, period” to other companies.&nbsp;

Benioff added that Salesforce’s mission is to become “the No. 1 digital labor provider, period” to other companies.&nbsp;

Digital labor is performed by AI agents, which are software programs that use AI to perform tasks. Unlike chatbots or search engines, AI agents are proactive and don&#8217;t need continual human oversight. They can schedule meetings, execute trades, and even write code.&nbsp;

Digital labor is performed by AI agents, which are software programs that use AI to perform tasks. Unlike chatbots or search engines, AI agents are proactive and don't need continual human oversight. They can schedule meetings, execute trades, and even write code.&nbsp;

Digital labor is performed by AI agents, which are software programs that use AI to perform tasks. Unlike chatbots or search engines, AI agents are proactive and don&#8217;t need continual human oversight. They can schedule meetings, execute trades, and even write code.&nbsp;

AI agents are one of the hottest technologies in Silicon Valley. Tech’s biggest behemoths and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/16/startup-founder-grindcore-culture-ai/">scrappiest startups</a> are racing to build sophisticated virtual employees.&nbsp;

&#8216;Work hard. Do not play hard&#8217;: Inside tech&#8217;s new hardcore grind culture

AI agents are one of the hottest technologies in Silicon Valley. Tech’s biggest behemoths and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/16/startup-founder-grindcore-culture-ai/">scrappiest startups</a> are racing to build sophisticated virtual employees.&nbsp;

Salesforce, the leading maker of customer management software, launched <a href="https://www.salesforce.com/news/press-releases/2024/10/29/agentforce-general-availability-announcement/#:~:text=October%2029%2C%202024%2032%20min,build%20efficiencies%20across%20their%20business">Agentforce</a> late last year, enabling companies to delegate responsibilities like handling customer cases and marketing campaigns to AI agents. Almost half the Fortune 100 companies use Salesforce’s AI and Data Cloud products, <a href="https://www.cxtoday.com/crm/salesforce-champions-unheralded-product-growth-in-the-quarter-of-agentforce/">Benioff said in the earnings call</a>.&nbsp;

Salesforce, the leading maker of customer management software, launched <a href="https://www.salesforce.com/news/press-releases/2024/10/29/agentforce-general-availability-announcement/#:~:text=October%2029%2C%202024%2032%20min,build%20efficiencies%20across%20their%20business">Agentforce</a> late last year, enabling companies to delegate responsibilities like handling customer cases and marketing campaigns to AI agents. Almost half the Fortune 100 companies use Salesforce’s AI and Data Cloud products, <a href="https://www.cxtoday.com/crm/salesforce-champions-unheralded-product-growth-in-the-quarter-of-agentforce/">Benioff said in the earnings call</a>.&nbsp;

People walk around Salesforce Tower in San Francisco on October 1, 2024. Salesforce is among a number of tech companies setting hard deadlines for employees to return to working in office this week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20240927-rtoisgtfo_1_aar_12.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman is walking while looking at her phone and holding a drink. Behind her is a glass building with a Salesforce logo." class="wp-image-317485"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Benioff said he believes companies of the future will have hybrid human and digital workforces.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20240927-rtoisgtfo_1_aar_12.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman is walking while looking at her phone and holding a drink. Behind her is a glass building with a Salesforce logo." class="wp-image-317485"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Benioff said he believes companies of the future will have hybrid human and digital workforces.</figcaption></figure>

Benioff is among the biggest evangelists of AI agents in Silicon Valley. He regularly tweets about the “<a href="https://x.com/Benioff/status/1891936695555068250">trillion-dollar digital labor revolution</a>.” Since the beginning of the year, Benioff has tweeted and retweeted dozens of times about the company’s agents.&nbsp;

Benioff is among the biggest evangelists of AI agents in Silicon Valley. He regularly tweets about the “<a href="https://x.com/Benioff/status/1891936695555068250">trillion-dollar digital labor revolution</a>.” Since the beginning of the year, Benioff has tweeted and retweeted dozens of times about the company’s agents.&nbsp;

“In the past 90 days on our help service … Agentforce has managed 380,000 conversations with an 84% resolution rate,” Benioff <a href="https://x.com/Benioff/status/1894883017275121858">wrote Wednesday on X</a>. “Thousands of Agents collaborate seamlessly with human counterparts, with only 2% of requests requiring human escalation.”

“In the past 90 days on our help service … Agentforce has managed 380,000 conversations with an 84% resolution rate,” Benioff <a href="https://x.com/Benioff/status/1894883017275121858">wrote Wednesday on X</a>. “Thousands of Agents collaborate seamlessly with human counterparts, with only 2% of requests requiring human escalation.”

On the earnings call, Benioff said Salesforce has closed 5,000 Agentforce deals since October and has never seen product growth at this level, calling the last three months the “quarter of Agentforce.”&nbsp;

On the earnings call, Benioff said Salesforce has closed 5,000 Agentforce deals since October and has never seen product growth at this level, calling the last three months the “quarter of Agentforce.”&nbsp;

He proudly touted Salesforce’s agents while taking a dig at Microsoft, one of the company’s main competitors and a favorite target. “Where are they delivering agents?” Benioff asked. “Do they have humans and agents working together to create customer success like us?”

He proudly touted Salesforce’s agents while taking a dig at Microsoft, one of the company’s main competitors and a favorite target. “Where are they delivering agents?” Benioff asked. “Do they have humans and agents working together to create customer success like us?”

Overall, the earnings call provided mixed results for the enterprise software giant, which missed analysts’ expectations for revenues and earnings per share. The stock, which has slid by around 10% since the beginning of the year, dropped sharply in after-hours trading.

Overall, the earnings call provided mixed results for the enterprise software giant, which missed analysts’ expectations for revenues and earnings per share. The stock, which has slid by around 10% since the beginning of the year, dropped sharply in after-hours trading.

Benioff’s announcement about not hiring more engineers comes after Salesforce cut more than 1,000 roles this year while simultaneously embarking on a hiring spree for workers focused on selling Agentforce. Salesforce has more than <a href="https://www.salesforce.com/news/stories/salesforce-company-facts/">72,000 employees worldwide.</a>

Benioff’s announcement about not hiring more engineers comes after Salesforce cut more than 1,000 roles this year while simultaneously embarking on a hiring spree for workers focused on selling Agentforce. Salesforce has more than <a href="https://www.salesforce.com/news/stories/salesforce-company-facts/">72,000 employees worldwide.</a>

Salesforce mandates October return to office for most employees as layoffs continue

sf-standard/related-post

Based Benioff? Woke-ish Salesforce billionaire takes a right turn

SF’s biggest employer brings workers back downtown, and the neighbors are loving it 

sf-standard/related-posts-container

The homegrown tech titan last year laid off around 1,000 people and in 2023 eliminated 10% of its positions, about 7,000. The company has been diligently eyeing its profit margins <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/6d0662ba-b033-49d7-849b-ea03a4689b98">following pressure from activist investors</a> in 2023.&nbsp;

The homegrown tech titan last year laid off around 1,000 people and in 2023 eliminated 10% of its positions, about 7,000. The company has been diligently eyeing its profit margins <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/6d0662ba-b033-49d7-849b-ea03a4689b98">following pressure from activist investors</a> in 2023.&nbsp;

Salesforce employees returned to the San Francisco headquarters in October, just as Agentforce was being rolled out to customers. Employees returned to <a href="https://www.costar.com/article/1145439868/salesforce-cuts-san-francisco-office-footprint-by-45-over-past-year-%E2%80%94-and-it-may-not-be-done">45% less office space </a>than before the pandemic, including the loss of a tower <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/11/salesforce-looks-to-dump-its-remaining-office-space-at-salesforce-east/">known as “Salesforce East</a>.”

Salesforce is leaving a San Francisco office tower bearing its name

Salesforce employees returned to the San Francisco headquarters in October, just as Agentforce was being rolled out to customers. Employees returned to <a href="https://www.costar.com/article/1145439868/salesforce-cuts-san-francisco-office-footprint-by-45-over-past-year-%E2%80%94-and-it-may-not-be-done">45% less office space </a>than before the pandemic, including the loss of a tower <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/11/salesforce-looks-to-dump-its-remaining-office-space-at-salesforce-east/">known as “Salesforce East</a>.”

Vernon Keenan, a senior industry analyst at Salesforce Devops, said the company’s pause on hiring engineers is evidence of the “quiet erosion of entry-level jobs” that’s a well-established pattern in Big Tech.&nbsp;

Vernon Keenan, a senior industry analyst at Salesforce Devops, said the company’s pause on hiring engineers is evidence of the “quiet erosion of entry-level jobs” that’s a well-established pattern in Big Tech.&nbsp;

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in October that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-earnings-q3-2024-new-code-created-by-ai-2024-10">AI was writing more than 25% of new code at Google</a>. Mark Zuckerberg this year said AI could soon <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ai-write-code-zuckerberg-says-164519848.html">replace the work of midlevel software engineers</a> at Meta who make mid-six-figure salaries.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in October that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-earnings-q3-2024-new-code-created-by-ai-2024-10">AI was writing more than 25% of new code at Google</a>. Mark Zuckerberg this year said AI could soon <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ai-write-code-zuckerberg-says-164519848.html">replace the work of midlevel software engineers</a> at Meta who make mid-six-figure salaries.

“We might be entering the white-collar recession of 2025,” Keenan said.&nbsp;

“We might be entering the white-collar recession of 2025,” Keenan said.&nbsp;

‘White-collar recession’: Benioff says Salesforce won’t hire engineers this year due to AI

Christina Campodonico

By many accounts, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/where-is-downtown-sf-exactly/">Downtown San Francisco</a> is in a so-called “<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/city-economy-doom-loop-17846412.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doom loop</a>,” with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">dying shopping centers</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/research-data/san-francisco-union-square-store-closures-pandemic-fallout/?">empty storefronts</a> serving as harbingers of the apocalypse. But where so many see doom and gloom, some with a creative mindset see sparkling opportunity.&nbsp;

By many accounts, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/where-is-downtown-sf-exactly/">Downtown San Francisco</a> is in a so-called “<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/city-economy-doom-loop-17846412.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doom loop</a>,” with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">dying shopping centers</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/research-data/san-francisco-union-square-store-closures-pandemic-fallout/?">empty storefronts</a> serving as harbingers of the apocalypse. But where so many see doom and gloom, some with a creative mindset see sparkling opportunity.&nbsp;

While the City by the Bay’s high cost of living <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/expensive-san-francisco/article/Artists-leaving-sf-bay-area-grass-is-greener-12382578.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is notorious for pushing out artists</a>, it’s the very artists that have been driven out who could be the ones to help save it, with a crush of creative proposals—from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-will-give-you-thousands-to-open-pop-ups-in-empty-downtown-storefronts-heres-how-to-apply/">pop-ups</a> to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">Indian dancing nights</a>—put forth to revitalize the city’s economic core.&nbsp;

While the City by the Bay’s high cost of living <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/expensive-san-francisco/article/Artists-leaving-sf-bay-area-grass-is-greener-12382578.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is notorious for pushing out artists</a>, it’s the very artists that have been driven out who could be the ones to help save it, with a crush of creative proposals—from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-will-give-you-thousands-to-open-pop-ups-in-empty-downtown-storefronts-heres-how-to-apply/">pop-ups</a> to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">Indian dancing nights</a>—put forth to revitalize the city’s economic core.&nbsp;

Partygoers enjoy a Non Stop Bhangra dance event in San Francisco. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5Q9A3956.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-147216"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Partygoers enjoy a Non Stop Bhangra dance event in San Francisco. | Courtesy Odell Hussey/Non Stop Bhangra</figcaption></figure>

Here are three not-so-modest artistic proposals for reviving Downtown—from turning the area into a stage to bringing a bit of Burning Man to its streets. Some are straightforward applications of art to sidewalks and the sides of buildings, while others are novel and a bit lofty—but hey, anything beats dreaming of doom loops, right?&nbsp;

Here are three not-so-modest artistic proposals for reviving Downtown—from turning the area into a stage to bringing a bit of Burning Man to its streets. Some are straightforward applications of art to sidewalks and the sides of buildings, while others are novel and a bit lofty—but hey, anything beats dreaming of doom loops, right?&nbsp;

Proposal 1: ‘Downtown as a Stage’&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-1-downtown-as-a-stage-nbsp">Proposal 1: ‘Downtown as a Stage’&nbsp;</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-1-downtown-as-a-stage-nbsp">Proposal 1: ‘Downtown as a Stage’&nbsp;</h2>

Transforming Downtown into a platform for art events and experiences is one strategy of the <a href="https://downtownsf.org/about/projects-initiatives/public-realm-action-plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Realm Action Plan</a>, which calls for transforming particular areas of Downtown with the expansion of pedestrian-friendly zones, parklets, pop-ups, bike amenities, landscaping, murals and cultural events. One section of the plan is even dedicated to reimagining “Downtown as a Stage” or “canvas.”&nbsp;

Transforming Downtown into a platform for art events and experiences is one strategy of the <a href="https://downtownsf.org/about/projects-initiatives/public-realm-action-plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Realm Action Plan</a>, which calls for transforming particular areas of Downtown with the expansion of pedestrian-friendly zones, parklets, pop-ups, bike amenities, landscaping, murals and cultural events. One section of the plan is even dedicated to reimagining “Downtown as a Stage” or “canvas.”&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED05_051923_ArtistsReviveDowntown.png" alt="" class="wp-image-162099"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Public Realm Action Plan proposes transforming the intersection of Leidesdorff and Commercial streets into an arts-focused space. | Courtesy Downtown SF Partnership</figcaption></figure>

The proposal, designed by Sitelab Urban Studio for the Downtown SF Partnership, identified art installations—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>, which brought 51,000 people and $3 million to Downtown San Francisco last holiday season, <a href="https://ctycms.com/ca-downtown-sf/docs/lets-glow-sf-2022-infographic-impact-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to official estimates</a>—as key to revitalizing the city’s core and changing the all-work-and-no-play narrative many associate with the Financial District.

The proposal, designed by Sitelab Urban Studio for the Downtown SF Partnership, identified art installations—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>, which brought 51,000 people and $3 million to Downtown San Francisco last holiday season, <a href="https://ctycms.com/ca-downtown-sf/docs/lets-glow-sf-2022-infographic-impact-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to official estimates</a>—as key to revitalizing the city’s core and changing the all-work-and-no-play narrative many associate with the Financial District.

A projection at 301 Pine St in San Francisco a part of Lets Glow SF hosted by Downtown SF on December 9 2021| Elliott Alexander

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Elloitt_Lights-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A projection is viewed at 301 Pine St. as part of Let&#8217;s Glow SF. | Elliott Alexander for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Elloitt_Lights-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A projection is viewed at 301 Pine St. as part of Let's Glow SF. | Elliott Alexander for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Elloitt_Lights-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A projection is viewed at 301 Pine St. as part of Let&#8217;s Glow SF. | Elliott Alexander for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

To combat that perception, the Downtown SF Partnership will host an array of events this summer, from a Bastille Day celebration at Belden Place in July to a series of drag pop-up performances during Pride, cheekily called “<a href="https://downtownsf.org/do/drag-me-downtown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drag Me Downtown</a>.”&nbsp;

To combat that perception, the Downtown SF Partnership will host an array of events this summer, from a Bastille Day celebration at Belden Place in July to a series of drag pop-up performances during Pride, cheekily called “<a href="https://downtownsf.org/do/drag-me-downtown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drag Me Downtown</a>.”&nbsp;

“Creating invitations to drive people back to downtown is essential not only for downtown recovery, but to avoid falling back into that [9-5 business] mono-economy, ” wrote Laura Crescimano, co-founder and principal of Sitelab, in an email. “Downtown has all the pieces to return to its vibrant self; it just needs reimagining,” Crescimano added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Creating invitations to drive people back to downtown is essential not only for downtown recovery, but to avoid falling back into that [9-5 business] mono-economy, ” wrote Laura Crescimano, co-founder and principal of Sitelab, in an email. “Downtown has all the pieces to return to its vibrant self; it just needs reimagining,” Crescimano added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

People look at projections outside of One Bush Plaza in San Francisco in 2021 as part of Let's Glow SF project. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/OneBushPlaza-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161218"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People look at projections outside of One Bush Plaza in San Francisco in 2021 as part of the Let&#8217;s Glow SF project. | Courtesy Let&#8217;s Glow SF</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/OneBushPlaza-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161218"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People look at projections outside of One Bush Plaza in San Francisco in 2021 as part of the Let's Glow SF project. | Courtesy Let's Glow SF</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/OneBushPlaza-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161218"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People look at projections outside of One Bush Plaza in San Francisco in 2021 as part of the Let&#8217;s Glow SF project. | Courtesy Let&#8217;s Glow SF</figcaption></figure>

The first pilot project that the organizations will deploy to test this theory is Landing at Leidesdorff, an initiative funded by the City of San Francisco expected to launch later this year. Located at the intersection of Leidesdorff and Commercial streets along the alleyways leading to Transamerica Park, the area will host happy hours and picnics and bring together local restaurants with live music, art and a rotating cast of SF makers and vendors.&nbsp;

The first pilot project that the organizations will deploy to test this theory is Landing at Leidesdorff, an initiative funded by the City of San Francisco expected to launch later this year. Located at the intersection of Leidesdorff and Commercial streets along the alleyways leading to Transamerica Park, the area will host happy hours and picnics and bring together local restaurants with live music, art and a rotating cast of SF makers and vendors.&nbsp;

While final plans for Landing at Leidesdorff are still in development, Robbie Silver, executive director of the Downtown SF Partnership, hopes that the space could offer everything from weekly yoga classes to book clubs. Landing at Leidesdorff will also pay homage to the bohemian history of <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/chronicle_vault/article/Iconic-SF-building-was-home-to-Bohemians-for-13340080.php">Monkey Block</a>, a historic building that once sat in the footprint of the Transamerica Pyramid and saw <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=New_Deal_Artists_and_Programs_During_the_Depression">the likes of Mark Twain, Jack London, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo</a> pass through its halls.&nbsp;

While final plans for Landing at Leidesdorff are still in development, Robbie Silver, executive director of the Downtown SF Partnership, hopes that the space could offer everything from weekly yoga classes to book clubs. Landing at Leidesdorff will also pay homage to the bohemian history of <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/chronicle_vault/article/Iconic-SF-building-was-home-to-Bohemians-for-13340080.php">Monkey Block</a>, a historic building that once sat in the footprint of the Transamerica Pyramid and saw <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=New_Deal_Artists_and_Programs_During_the_Depression">the likes of Mark Twain, Jack London, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo</a> pass through its halls.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FEATURED_051923_ArtistsReviveDowntown-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162115"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An outdoor concert entertains a Downtown audience at Battery Bridge. | Courtesy Downtown SF Partnership</figcaption></figure>

“We believe that arts and culture—along with hospitality—is really going to help drive a new Downtown economy,” Silver said.

“We believe that arts and culture—along with hospitality—is really going to help drive a new Downtown economy,” Silver said.

As for the pressing issue of the dollar amount for such endeavors, that’s still up in the air.&nbsp;

As for the pressing issue of the dollar amount for such endeavors, that’s still up in the air.&nbsp;

“That is a million-dollar question,” said Silver, noting that the Downtown SF Partnership is actively fundraising and seeking a mix of private and public funds.&nbsp;

“That is a million-dollar question,” said Silver, noting that the Downtown SF Partnership is actively fundraising and seeking a mix of private and public funds.&nbsp;

Proposal 2: Bring Burning Man Downtown&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-2-bring-burning-man-downtown-nbsp-nbsp">Proposal 2: Bring Burning Man Downtown&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/video/could-converting-empty-offices-solve-sfs-housing-crisis-maybe-but-not-any-time-soon/">Converting vacant office spaces into housing</a> has been floated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/a-blueprint-for-converting-empty-san-francisco-offices-to-housing-already-exists/">as one idea</a> for giving a second life to desolate Downtown. But what about transforming those empty pillars of corporate America into artists’ co-ops, instead—and bringing the collaborative spirit of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/interview-burning-man-ceo-marian-goodell-san-francisco-home-2022/">Burning Man</a> Downtown?&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/video/could-converting-empty-offices-solve-sfs-housing-crisis-maybe-but-not-any-time-soon/">Converting vacant office spaces into housing</a> has been floated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/a-blueprint-for-converting-empty-san-francisco-offices-to-housing-already-exists/">as one idea</a> for giving a second life to desolate Downtown. But what about transforming those empty pillars of corporate America into artists’ co-ops, instead—and bringing the collaborative spirit of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/interview-burning-man-ceo-marian-goodell-san-francisco-home-2022/">Burning Man</a> Downtown?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office buildings stack against each other in Downtown San Francisco. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FEATURED2_CRESublease040323.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-145762"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ArtHouse SF proposes turning vacant offices in Downtown SF into affordable artists&#8217; housing. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FEATURED2_CRESublease040323.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-145762"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ArtHouse SF proposes turning vacant offices in Downtown SF into affordable artists' housing. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FEATURED2_CRESublease040323.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-145762"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ArtHouse SF proposes turning vacant offices in Downtown SF into affordable artists&#8217; housing. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

That’s the proposal of P Segal—a writer, <a href="https://journal.burningman.org/2022/02/burning-man-arts/global-art/helping-artist-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one of the instigators of Burning Man</a> and a longtime fixture of San Francisco’s underground arts scene—who runs the nonprofit <a href="https://arthousesf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ArtHouse SF</a>. The nonprofit wants to purchase empty buildings from landlords through lease-to-own agreements to create co-ops where artists would work in creative commercial businesses on the ground floor of the buildings—think bookstores, galleries, coffee shops—and live in the spaces above while paying affordable rent. Burning Man’s <a href="https://burningman.org/about/10-principles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“communal effort” principle</a>, which values creative cooperation and collaboration, underlies this model.&nbsp;

That’s the proposal of P Segal—a writer, <a href="https://journal.burningman.org/2022/02/burning-man-arts/global-art/helping-artist-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one of the instigators of Burning Man</a> and a longtime fixture of San Francisco’s underground arts scene—who runs the nonprofit <a href="https://arthousesf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ArtHouse SF</a>. The nonprofit wants to purchase empty buildings from landlords through lease-to-own agreements to create co-ops where artists would work in creative commercial businesses on the ground floor of the buildings—think bookstores, galleries, coffee shops—and live in the spaces above while paying affordable rent. Burning Man’s <a href="https://burningman.org/about/10-principles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“communal effort” principle</a>, which values creative cooperation and collaboration, underlies this model.&nbsp;

Landlords would have an incentive to either sell their properties to ArtHouse SF at a future date or partner with the nonprofit on a commercial venture <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/san-francisco-property-owners-file-lawsuit-challenging-vacancy-tax/">to avoid the city’s vacancy tax</a>, offset capital gains, receive a charitable tax deduction or show a loss on their taxes, Segal explained.&nbsp;

Landlords would have an incentive to either sell their properties to ArtHouse SF at a future date or partner with the nonprofit on a commercial venture <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/san-francisco-property-owners-file-lawsuit-challenging-vacancy-tax/">to avoid the city’s vacancy tax</a>, offset capital gains, receive a charitable tax deduction or show a loss on their taxes, Segal explained.&nbsp;

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">ArtHouse SF&#8217;s plan proposes a co-op model where artists would work in creative retail spaces on the ground floor of the buildings where they reside. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<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">ArtHouse SF's plan proposes a co-op model where artists would work in creative retail spaces on the ground floor of the buildings where they reside. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<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">ArtHouse SF&#8217;s plan proposes a co-op model where artists would work in creative retail spaces on the ground floor of the buildings where they reside. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“It’s all about taxes,” she said.&nbsp;

“It’s all about taxes,” she said.&nbsp;

Segal also believes the arrangement would appeal to landlords and investors who want to put a positive stamp on the city and wouldn’t mind some good PR. She acknowledges the model is unusual but believes it could be a solution to the city’s challenging rental market, especially for artists who might have difficulty showing a stream of steady pay stubs totaling three times the monthly rent as often required by a potential landlord.&nbsp;

Segal also believes the arrangement would appeal to landlords and investors who want to put a positive stamp on the city and wouldn’t mind some good PR. She acknowledges the model is unusual but believes it could be a solution to the city’s challenging rental market, especially for artists who might have difficulty showing a stream of steady pay stubs totaling three times the monthly rent as often required by a potential landlord.&nbsp;

“I like to think that we’re suggesting new molds for how to make things work,” she said.&nbsp;

“I like to think that we’re suggesting new molds for how to make things work,” she said.&nbsp;

Burning Man 2019 | Courtesy of Burning Man/Benjamin Langholz

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/INLINE_DanAdams-2019-Art_-Stone-27-by-Benjamin-Langholz-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70286"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The ArtHouse SF model is inspired by the creative and collaborative spirit of Burning Man. | Courtesy Burning Man/Benjamin Langholz</figcaption></figure>

Segal first came up with the concept a few years ago after learning that the city has <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/housing/san-francisco-saw-big-increase-in-vacant-homes-new-report-shows/article_5c32fede-5004-11ed-85dc-03f11fbf7fbe.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a relatively high percentage of vacant residences</a> and that <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3060687/artists-who-have-been-priced-out-of-san-francisco-show-the-city-what-its-missing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">70% of artists had left the city</a>, according to one survey. Her own struggles securing housing in San Francisco as a working writer and her history with Burning Man <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/2014/08/11/local-legend-of-the-week-burning-man-founder-host-to-the-sf-cacophony-society-p-segal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as its first host</a> have also shaped the proposal, which she believes could be the shot in the arm Downtown San Francisco needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Segal first came up with the concept a few years ago after learning that the city has <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/housing/san-francisco-saw-big-increase-in-vacant-homes-new-report-shows/article_5c32fede-5004-11ed-85dc-03f11fbf7fbe.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a relatively high percentage of vacant residences</a> and that <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3060687/artists-who-have-been-priced-out-of-san-francisco-show-the-city-what-its-missing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">70% of artists had left the city</a>, according to one survey. Her own struggles securing housing in San Francisco as a working writer and her history with Burning Man <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/2014/08/11/local-legend-of-the-week-burning-man-founder-host-to-the-sf-cacophony-society-p-segal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as its first host</a> have also shaped the proposal, which she believes could be the shot in the arm Downtown San Francisco needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“What Burning Man offers is actually art therapy on steroids,” Segal said. “People just feel better when they&#8217;re around art. [&#8230;] When you put that kind of energy in a place intentionally, it&#8217;s like social engineering.”

“What Burning Man offers is actually art therapy on steroids,” Segal said. “People just feel better when they're around art. [...] When you put that kind of energy in a place intentionally, it's like social engineering.”

“What Burning Man offers is actually art therapy on steroids,” Segal said. “People just feel better when they&#8217;re around art. [&#8230;] When you put that kind of energy in a place intentionally, it&#8217;s like social engineering.”

While the group has <a href="https://arthousesf.org/what-we-need" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identified some potential buildings</a> and is seeking grants while <a href="https://arthousesf.org/donate-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accepting donations,</a> Segal said the project&#8217;s implementation will depend on finding the right collaborators and properties.&nbsp;

While the group has <a href="https://arthousesf.org/what-we-need" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identified some potential buildings</a> and is seeking grants while <a href="https://arthousesf.org/donate-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accepting donations,</a> Segal said the project's implementation will depend on finding the right collaborators and properties.&nbsp;

While the group has <a href="https://arthousesf.org/what-we-need" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identified some potential buildings</a> and is seeking grants while <a href="https://arthousesf.org/donate-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accepting donations,</a> Segal said the project&#8217;s implementation will depend on finding the right collaborators and properties.&nbsp;

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