Downtown San Francisco has long been one of the city’s most bustling districts. Every weekday, hundreds of thousands of workers would bring the streets to life, creating a density of activity not seen anywhere else in the Bay Area. The pandemic has changed that, however, and though life is beginning to return, today the streets of neighborhoods like the Financial District and Jackson Square are far more hushed. Downtown SF, the city’s newest community benefit district is aiming to expedite that course by reinjecting new vitality into the neighborhood and strengthening its identity as the city’s core. Created in 2020, Downtown SF handles services above and beyond those offered by the city, including cleaning, safety and mobility within its 43-block radius, but it’s also undertaking ambitious public realm projects like Let’s Glow SF, the largest holiday projection mapping event in the U.S and creating new public spaces with art, seating and lighting. Take a tour with the Downtown SF’s leadership and learn how they’re planning for the future of the district.
- Robbie Silver / Downtown SF