*** STATEMENT***

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Today the San Francisco Economic Recovery Task Force (ERTF) released a report and policy recommendations at its final meeting, following months of stakeholder convenings. Called together in early April by Mayor London N. Breed and Board of Supervisors President Norman Yee, the ERTF was chaired by Assessor Carmen Chu, Treasurer José Cisneros, President of the Chamber of Commerce Rodney Fong, and Executive Director of the Labor Council Rudy Gonzalez. The ERTF began meeting within six weeks of the Stay Safer at Home Health Order, bringing together over 100 leaders from business, hospitality, labor, faith, education, non-profit, and community organizations to guide and inform San Francisco’s economic recovery through COVID-19.

The report issued summarizes the early economic impacts of COVID-19 and the City’s immediate response to support residents, businesses and workers. The report advances 41 policy recommendations that focus on long-term economic recovery and development, narrowing the gap for vulnerable communities, and providing businesses more opportunities and flexibility to operate and succeed in the short- and mid-term. 

Assessor Carmen Chu, co-chair of the Economic Recovery Task Force, issued the following statement:

“The recommendations released today are a reflection of the immediate needs and aspirations of our Task Force and community.  I am especially proud that we never lost sight of the need to rebuild more equitably so that all our communities can prosper. This report is just the beginning, we must continue to adapt to emerging needs of this global pandemic. Our Task Force’s Shared Spaces program is an example of what is possible when we work with purpose and when we work together. Collectively, the Task Force, departments, Mayor’s Office and Board of Supervisors acted swiftly to remove obstacles and support a program that has since created opportunities for more than 1,600 businesses across the City. As we move forward, my hope is that we continue to rise to meet the future with the same passion, creativity, and collective purpose.”

The recommendations focus on the following areas of need:

Local Economic Stimulus - explore policies and investments that encourage economic development and activity in San Francisco, such as funding public infrastructure projects, streamlining permitting processes, advocacy for state and federal resources, and more

Job Connections - facilitate and improve connection to jobs and explore programs that hire local workers

Promote Safe Reopening - provide clear and accessible information to businesses and workers on reopening requirements and provide tools and strategies to keep workers, customers, and residents safe

Preserve Operations and Lessen Regulatory Burdens - create flexibility for businesses to operate and consider reducing or eliminating regulatory burdens

Pursue Economic Justice - narrow the wealth gap and bridge the digital divide for low-income residents and communities of color

Invest in Housing - incentivize the construction of affordable housing, an immediate and long-term need

Meet the Basic Needs of the Vulnerable - ensure San Franciscans have access to food, shelter, mental health, and other services

Imagine and Build Stronger Neighborhoods - activate and draw upon San Francisco’s unique neighborhood and cultural assets

For the full list of detailed policy recommendations, read the report here: onesanfrancisco.org

 

 

Pub Date: 
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Contact: 

City Hall Office:

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place Room 190
San Francisco, CA 94102-4698
Tel: (415) 554-5596 Fax: (415) 554-7151
www.sfassessor.org
email: assessor@sfgov.org