A Positive Force for SF

MAYOR BREED’S BUSINESS TAX REFORM PROPOSAL

Earlier this month, Mayor Breed outlined her Roadmap to Downtown San Francisco’s Future during this year’s State of the City Address, focusing on post-pandemic recovery by improving public safety, revitalizing the downtown, and attracting new industries and employers. Notably, her nine-point plan to support downtown revitalization includes strategies for business retention and growth through significant tax reforms and incentives, including a $1 million discount in gross receipts annually for three years for companies that open offices in the downtown area. Additionally, existing businesses in struggling areas of downtown in the retail, manufacturing, food services, and art and entertainment sectors could see a delay in tax increases for two years. The Mayor’s Roadmap is largely driven by the billions lost in city revenue due to shifting work patterns coupled with office and commercial vacancies; however, it is yet to be seen if the Board of Supervisors will see eye-to-eye with the Mayor on her strategy and back her plan to put these tax reforms on the November 2024 ballot for voter approval.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH COMCAST

This month we would like to acknowledge sf.citi member Comcast for their commitment to spotlighting Black storytellers and changemakers through their multiple media platforms, programming, and community involvement. Comcast provides its audience with an enriching viewing experience for Black History Month by showcasing original series such as the ‘Evolution of Activism’ on its Black Experience on Xfinity program and through their Voices of the Civil Rights Movement multimedia initiative. Celebrating on a local level, Comcast has continued its partnership with Black Joy Parade, a non-profit based in Oakland, CA, that celebrates the Black experience and the community’s contribution to history and culture with its signature parade and celebration. Since its inception in 2017, Comcast has proudly supported the Black Joy Parade. Three years ago, Comcast teamed up with Black Joy Parade and introduced the Icons Among Us award, an initiative to recognize local activists and leaders dedicated to being a warrior for racial equality. This year’s Icons Among Us winners are Angela Wellman, Aminah Robinson, and Antoine Hunter! To learn more about Comcast’s partnership with Black Joy Parade and this year’s Icons, visit california.comcast.com.

SF NEWS & UPDATES

• Can downtown S.F. be revived? Mayor Breed and business leaders commit to new vision after ‘a lot of denial’ (SF Chronicle)
• San Francisco Is Losing Billions a Year in Local Spending to Remote Working (SF Standard)
• BART director, criminal justice reformer Lateefah Simon launches campaign for East Bay House seat (SF Chronicle)
• Take the money or change the world? Why some tech workers are sticking with the industry, or not (SF Chronicle)
• Deadline looms for S.F. to create court for severely mentally ill people. Can it make a difference? (SF Chronicle)