Author: Alfredo Casuso

Contact: Mayor’s Press Office, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org   

New Data: San Francisco Street Homelessness Hits 10-Year Low

Biennial homeless count finds 13% decrease in people living in tents and on the streets from 2022, hitting the lowest level since before 2015   

16 May 2024 – San Francisco, CA: New data released as part of the City’s biennial homeless count shows that the number of people living on the streets of San Francisco has reached the lowest level in at least 10 years. This comes as San Francisco has expanded access to shelter and housing, and increased enforcement of local laws when offers of shelter and service are refused.  

The 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count conducted in January 2024 found that fewer than 3,000 people are living in tents, structures, or on the streets, a 13% drop since the 2022 PIT Count and the lowest level since before the 2015 PIT Count.  

This decline matches recent declines in the City’s quarterly tent count. Based on the April tent count, there are 41% fewer tents than since July 2023, the lowest rate that San Francisco has seen in five years.  

“We are working every day to move people off our streets and into shelter, housing, and care,” said Mayor London Breed. “This is safer and healthier for people on our streets, and it is better for all of us that want a cleaner and safer San Francisco. Our City workforce is dedicated to making a difference, and we will keep working to get tents off our streets, bring people indoors, and change the conditions in our neighborhoods.”    

Lowest Street Homelessness Level in 10 Years  

In the 2024 PIT Count, 2,912 people were found to be sleeping unsheltered on San Francisco’s streets, either in tents, structures, or on the street. This is a 13% decrease from 2022 when the number was 3,347. This is the lowest this count has been since before 2015, when 3,791 people were found sleeping on the streets.  

Since coming into office, Mayor Breed has prioritized moving people indoors, by expanding shelter and housing to new historic highs, directing consistent encampment outreach efforts, and launching innovative programs like Street to Home, which has bypassed bureaucratic barriers to more quickly place people into vacant housing. She has also successfully worked with state legislators to expand mental health laws at the state level, allowing San Francisco to compel more people unwilling or unable to accept help into treatment and care.    

Progress on Street Encampments  

San Francisco’s encampment teams, organized under the Healthy Street Outreach Center (HSOC), have been conducting operations to offer people shelter and services, enforce local laws to prevent camping when people refuse services, and clean up encampments.   

Since the last Point-in-Time Count in 2022, HSOC encampment teams have conducted over 900 operations, moving over 2,800 people directly from encampments into shelter. This is in addition to the thousands of others who accessed shelter during that time through other access points.     

HSOC encampment teams have continued this work in 2024, exceeding their previous year’s pace with over 250 operations so far this year. This work has followed the clarification by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in the fall of 2023 that stated that people who refuse offers of shelter do not meet the definition of “involuntarily homeless,” and thus, the federal preliminary injunction order does not apply to them. Prior to that clarification, the City had been constrained in what laws could be enforced due to the federal injunction.  

Expanding Shelter and Housing  

San Francisco has expanded shelter capacity by over 60% since 2018, with more shelter beds coming online soon that will reach a 66% expansion. As part of the PIT Count, the sheltered population now accounts for 48% of the overall homeless count, up from 2019 when it only accounted for 36% of the overall homeless count.  

San Francisco has also increased housing slots by over 50% since 2018, giving San Francisco the most housing for the formerly homeless of any city in the Bay Area and the second most per-capita in the country.    

San Francisco has helped over 15,000 people exit homelessness into housing since 2018 and has dramatically increased the rate at which people are exiting homelessness in the last two years. In 2022 and 2023, San Francisco helped an average of 3,300 people per year exit homelessness, a nearly 80% increase from the previous average between 2019 and 2021. This includes people moving into permanent supportive housing, accessing rental subsidies, or receiving travel relocation assistance. 

Mayor Breed’s work to move people off the street and into shelter, housing or back home with family has resulted in a 41% decrease in tents. 

Inflow Increase 

Despite these significant investments, service improvements, and positive outcomes, our community is still seeing a high rate of people becoming homeless. More than 22,000 entered the homelessness response system since our latest PIT Count in 2022. The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) estimates that for every one person HSH resolves homelessness for annually, three people become homeless. Though San Francisco’s unsheltered population decreased again in 2024 from 2022 and remains down significantly from 2019, due to Mayor Breed’s significant expansion of shelter, the overall count that includes sheltered and unsheltered individuals increased.  

This can be seen in the increase in the rise in family homelessness and vehicular homelessness between 2022 and 2024. The overall unsheltered population as defined in the PIT Count, which includes both people living on the streets and in vehicles, dropped by 1%, and remains down 16% since 2019. But there was a rise in vehicular homelessness between 2022 and 2024, though the number of people living in vehicles remains below 2019 levels.  

This rise in vehicular homelessness is driven in particular by an increase in family homelessness that has occurred in the last year, resulting from post-COVID economic hardships and by new families arriving in San Francisco without access to housing. Specifically, the 2024 PIT Count saw a 94% increase in families from 2022, which aligns with other City data. 67% of these families are sheltered. Of the families living unsheltered, 90% are residing in vehicles. Mayor Breed’s Safer Families proposes to address this immediate need.  

About the Point-in-Time Count  

Today the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing released the preliminary results of the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a biennial census of people experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness in a single night. This count provides information that helps the City and County of San Francisco better understand homelessness in the community and guides the way the City and its partners respond to the crisis. The PIT Count helps identify trends and changes in demographics over time and informs future data modeling and planning. 

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media contact:
David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Kimpton Alton Hotel Unveils Dynamic Spring and Summer Events
in Fisherman’s Wharf 

10 May 2024 San Francisco, CA:  1000 California Sea Lions can’t be wrong. As witnessed by the unprecedented convergence of the beloved maritime mammals to Fisherman’s Wharf this month, San Francisco’s waterfront hospitality center is swimming in vacation time activities and attractions. Question: where do savvy visitors stay? Answer: The award-winning Kimpton Alton Hotel (www.altonhotelsf.com) located in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf area. The acclaimed boutique property has a wave of exciting events and collaborations for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. In partnership with the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District (FWCBD), the Alton Hotel is committed to enhancing the cultural landscape and fostering community engagement.

“San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to be this summer,” says Emily Nichols, General Manager of the Kimpton Alton Hotel. “This season’s diverse programming shows off the best of what San Francisco is famous for and why The Alton is the perfect base for leisure activities for locals and out-of-town visitors alike.”

Adjacent to the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, the Kimpton Alton Hotel invites guests to explore the waterfront including PIER39, the Hyde Street Pier National Maritime Park, Alcatraz National Park Cruises, plus enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline from the newly installed SkyStar Wheel, San Francisco’s answer to “The London Eye.”

“Mother’s Day Brunch on May 12 at our Michelin Star Recommended Abacá Restaurant is the perfect kick-off to the season,” said Nichols, noting Abacá’s monthly Chef Collaboration Dinners. “Guests can indulge in exquisite cuisine curated by renowned chefs, including a special upcoming meal with Monique Feybess, as seen on Top Chef.”  Abacá’ contemporary Filipino-Californian restaurant, showcases Filipino culture and cuisine while using some of Northern California’s best seasonal ingredients.

Kicking off Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 25, the Kimpton Alton Hotel is proud to support the Fisherman’s Wharf CBD’s Pier Party Concert Series. This series will feature 20 concerts in the Crab Wheel Plaza every Saturday from 3pm – 7pm, showcasing local talent and fostering community spirit.

On Monday, June 17, The Alton hosts a Juneteenth Poetry Night, featuring readings in partnership with The Living Room to commemorate Juneteenth, honoring African American heritage. This free event, held in the Kimpton Hotel Studio, invites the public to join in a celebration of resilience and cultural expression. The SF Wine Society will be curating special vintages for the occasion.

Throughout June, the Alton celebrates SF’s diversity and inclusion, with a wide array of LGBTQ Pride Festivities featuring Drag Bingo Brunch on “Pink Saturday”, June 27 with performances by the fabulous Katya Smirnoff-Skyy and Wine Hour celebrations.

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf, the Kimpton Alton Hotel offers a blend of modern luxury and coastal charm. With thoughtfully designed accommodations, exceptional dining experiences, and unparalleled hospitality, the Alton invites guests to discover the essence of San Francisco. Whether exploring the vibrant local arts scene or indulging in culinary delights, the Alton Hotel promises an unforgettable stay in the City by the Bay.

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

MEDIA ADVISORY / REQUEST FOR ONSITE COVERAGE:
FRIDAY, MAY 10 – SUNDAY, MAY 12

Marisa Rodriguez, Union Square Alliance CEO
Available for in-person onsite interviews

Union Square is for Moms!

This Weekend, Numerous Brunch, Lunch and High Tea Options
to Make Your Mother Feel Special

WHO: The Union Square Alliance Presents

WHAT: Mother’s Day Specials in Union Square
WHEN: Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12 (Details Below)
WHERE: Throughout the Union Square District (Details Below)
WEB: www.visitunionsquaresf.com

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea & Buffet at Beacon Grand’s Post Room

Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12 

• May 11 – Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea: Treat the special mother in your life to an elegant afternoon tea. 
• May 12 – Mother’s Day Brunch: Treat your mother to an unforgettable Brunch Buffet featuring decadent favorites, including seafood cocktail, live omelet station, waffle and pasta station, alongside carving stations of rib roast and ham plus wine bar and more. Live piano music creates a charming background for an unforgettable afternoon.  

Morton’s Steakhouse Mother’s Day Feature 

Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12 

• Experience the perfection of a perfectly aged Wagyu filet using the Yukimuro (‘snow storage’) method, paired with a luscious lobster tail. This rare offering redefines the art of fine dining.
• Mother’s Day Exclusive Cocktail: Lavender Bouquet: Savor a unique blend of Hendrick’s Gin, Grand Marnier, lavender, and fresh lemon juice.

Ferragamo Perfume Engravings

Sunday, May 12 12pm – 5pm

• New fragrance Signorina Unica with complimentary engravings. Schedule appointment. Prosecco service and chocolates. Call them to reserve your spot but walk-ins allowed also.

Mother’s Day Tea at the Westin St. Francis
Sunday, May 12, 1pm – 3pm

• Reserve your seats for a favorite Union Square Mother’s Day tradition! The Westin St. Francis is hosting their traditional tea service high above the city. Enjoy traditional tea service, champagne, and a create-your-own-bouquet experience with Diosa Blooms!
• Children’s menu available upon request. Ticket price includes service charge. Children under 2 do not need a ticket. 

ANZU Mother’s Day Brunch: Buffet & Concert 

Sunday, May 12, Brunch Seatings: 9:30am, 11am, & 12:30pm,
Concert Performances: 10:30am, 12pm, & 1:30pm      

• Hotel Nikko will be hosting a special combined presentation of Motown & Mimosas followed by Brunch at Anzu. Indulge in Restaurant Anzu’s lavish brunch buffet and then enjoy an exciting show in Feinstein’s. 
• Choose your preferred performance and brunch seating time from three separate options:  Each brunch seating lasts for 1 hour, and the show is 45 minutes long.  

Free Salsa Concert & Fashion Show at Union Square Plaza

Sunday, May 12, 2pm – 5pm

• Lively salsa concert featuring Los Kimberos, accompanied by free dance lessons. The first 220 moms will receive a gift. Enjoy Nucha Empanadas and a spritz bar from Tyler Florence’s Miller & Lux Provisions. Adding to the excitement will be a couture fashion show, showcasing local designer Colleen Quen’s exquisite Bloom 2024 Couture Gown inspired by the Dahlias, San Francisco’s official flower, representing the city’s grace and allure with hair styling sponsored JROLAND Salon, fashion show directed by Pande Production’s Eddie Cotillon, a special appearance by former Miss California, Catherine Liang, and Fabric sponsored by Britex Fabrics.

Afternoon Tea at the Rotunda 

Friday, May 10 –  Sunday, May 12, beginning at 2:30pm 

• Experience Afternoon Tea at the Rotunda in Neiman Marcus on Friday and Saturday beginning at 2:30pm and on Sunday beginning at 1:30 pm.
• The afternoon tea menu includes finger sandwiches, scones with jams, and delightful petite sweets. Enjoy your choice of freshly brewed Dammann Frères teas.

Coastal Italian Mother’s Day at Corzetti 

Sunday, May 12, Evening  

• Celebrate Mother’s Day at Corzetti with coastal Italian cuisine, natural wines, cocktails, and impeccable vibes. Plus, mothers receive a free gift to add extra sweetness to their day. 

Iconic Mother’s Day at Historic John’s Grill 

Sunday, May 12, Evening   

• Enjoy cascading blooms by Zaddy Blooms and celebrate Mother’s Day at John’s Grill, a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant, frequented by celebrities, offers expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, excellent service, and a unique atmosphere. *Moms get a free rose!

San Francisco Leaders Support Business Tax Reform Proposal to Strengthen City Economy

Contact: mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org  

San Francisco Leaders Support Business Tax Reform Proposal to Strengthen City Economy

Controller and Treasurer release final business tax reform proposal in response to call from Mayor Breed, Board President Peskin, and Supervisor Mandelman

7 May 2024, San Francisco, CA: Today City leaders responded to the final business tax reform proposal issued by the Controller and the Treasurer, saying that the measure is the right proposal to support San Francisco’s long-term economic success in a post-COVID world.  

In July 2023, Mayor London Breed, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman asked then City Controller Ben Rosenfield and Treasurer José Cisneros to initiate a comprehensive process to propose reform of the City’s business tax structure. The goal was to convene the business community and other stakeholders to develop specific reform recommendations that could lead to a measure on the November 2024 ballot.  

After months of engagement, deliberation, and analysis, Controller Greg Wagner, former Controller Rosenfield, Chief Economist Ted Egan, and Treasurer Cisneros have issued their final proposal that advances key economic goals for the City while remaining revenue neutral. With support from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, they held 30 group meetings and three large group round tables with small and large businesses, organized labor partners, and other stakeholders to inform the work.  

Key elements of the proposal include:

• Exempting more than 2,500 small businesses from the tax by expanding the Small Business Exemption to $5 million dollars
• Lowering taxes for hotels, arts, entertainment, and recreation
• Reducing volatility by ensuring taxes are not overconcentrated  
• Reducing disincentives for bringing workers back or locating in San Francisco  
• Simplifying the overall tax structure to be more predictable

The proposal has earned the support of Mayor Breed, President Peskin, and Supervisor Mandelman. Now, a group led by small business leaders is initiating an effort to bring this measure to voters.  

“We are working every day to support our economic revitalization and create a more vibrant future for Downtown and our City,” said Mayor London Breed. “San Francisco is a center of innovation and opportunity, but the world has changed after COVID. We need a business tax structure that reflects our new reality, and that supports and encourages businesses large and small to thrive. This proposal is the result of a collaborative approach that will deliver a tax system that will help San Francisco grow and fund critical City services throughout our neighborhoods. I want to thank both our current and former Controller and our Treasurer for their work and all those who stepped up to participate to get this right.”  

“San Francisco’s economic recovery is a top priority, and that has meant taking a hard look at business tax reform,” said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. “I’m happy to see small business advocates pushing this important change forward today. This measure cuts taxes for restaurants and small businesses while protecting important sources of tax revenue for essential city services that benefit everyone. This is another example of what we can accomplish when we work together collaboratively, and I hope the voters will embrace this important policy.”

“The pandemic changed everything, including especially our economic condition,” said Supervisor Mandelman. “San Francisco must adapt, and this business tax reform proposal will position the city for economic recovery, job growth, and a sustainable and resilient city budget. It encourages job creation in San Francisco, supports our small businesses, and protects critical city services. Getting to this point was no easy task, and we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Controllers Wagner and Rosenfield, Treasurer Cisneros, and their respective staffs for all their great work.”

“I’m very pleased that we’ve landed on a proposal with clear and implementable changes that feel balanced,” said Controller Wagner. “And I’m so appreciative of all the work of my predecessor and the stakeholders who’ve participated in the many thoughtful, and not always easy, discussions that got us a plan to aid the City’s post-pandemic recovery and benefit San Franciscans.”

“It’s no secret that our current taxes are complicated. These proposed changes to our Business Tax laws reflect months of careful analysis and feedback from stakeholders to reduce the complexity and volatility of our taxes, all while preserving critical revenue for the City’s ongoing needs,” said Treasurer José Cisneros. “Many of these changes are simple, but impactful: cutting the number of tax categories in half, exempting thousands of small businesses from taxes, and aligning our filing deadlines with the IRS. Taxes may not be fun to pay, but I’m encouraged by these proposed reforms that will make it easier for businesses to comply with the law.”

“Our report last year highlighted serious risks to the City’s tax base and downtown economy because of remote work,” said Chief Economist Ted Egan. “This measure will protect the tax base, provide relief for hard-hit small businesses, and reduce the tax consequences of growing jobs and leasing office space in San Francisco.”

San Francisco Kicks Off Small Business Week Marking 20th Anniversary 

Contact: 
Mayor’s Press Office, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org

San Francisco Kicks Off Small Business Week Marking 20th Anniversary 

This year’s theme, “Make it here,” focuses on the small businesses that create products in San Francisco, as well as encouraging residents and visitors to shop and dine locally to support small businesses  

6 May 2024, San Francisco, CA: Mayor London N. Breed today kicked off Small Business Week highlighting resources and citywide events in support of San Francisco’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. This year’s annual celebration will showcase events, popups, and networking opportunities across the City between May 6 – May 10 and is presented by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Office of Small Business. 

The theme of Small Business Week 2024 is “Make it here,” which focuses on the manufacturing and production sectors that create San Francisco-made products. The sector generates $833 million in revenue each year in San Francisco across 550 unique manufacturers. According to a 2023 survey led by SF Made with support from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), the manufacturing sector provides 3,800 well-paying jobs in the City averaging $25/hour, outpacing state and national averages.  

“Small businesses are the heart of our communities and, every time we shop or dine locally, we are supporting the entrepreneurs who are greatly contributing to the vitality of our neighborhoods,”said Mayor London Breed. “I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce, our Office of Small Business, merchant leaders, and sponsors for ensuring that Small Business Week is a great success, and for helping make San Francisco a great city to do business.” 

Small Business Week features trainings and networking events for entrepreneurs, along with pop-ups and celebrations for the public. For more information about San Francisco’s Small Business Week and other events happening around the City, visit www.sfsmallbusinessweek.com.  

“Thanks to several key legislative changes and initiatives to support small businesses beginning in 2021, we have seen over $2.58 million in fees waived for businesses and nearly 5,000 businesses that have been able to get their permits over the counter within 1-2 business days,” said Katy Tang, Executive Director of the Office of Small Business. “In the last fiscal year, our office provided services in over 4,800 cases, ranging from individuals needing help understanding local regulations, lease review, and referrals to legal and financial experts.” 

Making it easier to start and grow a business is one of nine core strategies within Mayor Breed’s,Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future and small businesses are an essential component of that plan. Accounting for approximately 95% of businesses and employing nearly 1 million Bay Area residents, the small business sector is a vital contributor to the City’s economy and vibrancy. In the past year, the City has focused on facilitating leases both Downtown and throughout neighborhood corridors.  

A good example of how the City is working with public-private partnerships to reimagine Downtown is the Vacant to Vibrant program. The City-funded initiative transforms unused spaces Downtown into pop-ups and short-term activations in partnership with SF New Deal. To date, seven participating entrepreneurs have transitioned from pop-up to permanent, long-term leases, and the successful program is set to expand later this month. 

Additionally, through the Storefront Opportunity Grant, OEWD infused commercial corridors with $2.1 million in grants to 71 entrepreneurs opening a business or expanding into a new location. Altogether, the investment in San Francisco’s small businesses has resulted in an average of 200 new business registrations every month in 2023. 

“For the 20th Annual Small Business Week, the Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to highlight San Francisco’s makers, merchants, and manufacturers,” says Rodney Fong, President and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses are our economic and cultural engines, and we could not be more excited to celebrate their successes this year. A special thanks to Mayor London Breed, a longtime champion of San Francisco’s small businesses, and all those who join us in uplifting our local economy this week and year-round.” 

Through legislative action, San Francisco is making it simpler and less costly to start a business. The First Year Free Program is now extended for a fourth year, through June 30, 2025, waiving first-year permit, license, and business registration fees for new and expanding small businesses. Since January, over 100 changes to the Planning Code allow the City to ease restrictions, to bring more types of business into commercial corridors. Most recently, a pair of legislation introduced in April will encourage small outdoor community events through the waiving of certain fees and a simpler, annual special event food vending permit.  

“When I applied for the permits for my new photo studio through the Prop H, none of my friends thought I’d get them within the promised 30 days,” says Olga Polovaya, owner of MirrorMe, a portrait studio opening at 207 Berry St. “With the help of the Permit Specialists at the Office of Small Business, I did! Between Prop H speeding up the process and First Year Free saving me money, I’m closer than ever to opening up my dream business.” 

Mayor London Breed’s 2024 Small Business Week Awards:

This Small Business Week, the Mayor honors six small businesses that make and manufacture their products in San Francisco. The 2024 recipients are: 

• Z Cioccolato – 474 Columbus Ave. (North Beach) 
• Venezia Upholstery – 332 West Portal Ave. (West Portal) 
• San Franpsycho – 1256 9th Ave.(Inner Sunset) 
• Dianda’s Bakery – 2883 Mission St. (Mission) 
• American Industrial Center – 2345 3rd St(Potrero Hill) 
• SF Market (SF Wholesale Produce Market) – 2095 Jerrold Ave(Bayview) 

“Over the past 50 years my family and I have supported and nurtured small businesses in San Francisco, creating spaces for makers of every variety,” said Greg Markoulis owner of American Industrial Canter. “Valuing community over commodity and guiding the growth of the American Industrial Center more like a family than a commercial building. We are the champions of small businesses, making a community space that is clean, affordable and safe.” 

“We are blessed to design and create our products in the best City in the world,” said Christian Routzen, owner of San Franpsycho. “There is a vibe here that you cannot get anywhere else, especially next to Golden Gate Park, in the heart of the Sunset.”  

“The Small Business Commission is honored to commemorate the 20th Small Business Week,” says Cynthia Huie, President of the Small Business Commission. “Owning a business is never easy, and this week is an opportunity to promote ways that the city helps entrepreneurs succeed.”  

The Commission promotes policy and legislative solutions to mitigate challenges and support the economic health for San Francisco small businesses. Their comprehensive annual surveying of business owners is the backbone of the Commission’s focus – to support business retention and growth; make it easier and faster to open; and to strengthen economic vibrancy. 

Comprehensive support for small businesses is available year-round and free to the public from the Office of Small Business along with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. These services include one-on-one business counseling, help with permits or leases, and connection to workforce recruitment services, among others.  

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