About SOMA West
SOMA West Community Benefit District is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization formed in 2020 dedicated to improving the quality of life in SOMA West by creating a cleaner, safer and more vibrant neighborhood for all.
We are accomplishing this through a robust, data-driven cleaning and maintenance program, public safety and outreach, and projects and events that activate and improve our dense urban environment, as well as celebrate our neighborhood’s rich and diverse history.
What sets SOMA West apart is that all of our cleaning and maintenance crew are full-time employees of SOMA West CBD, not contractors. While we work with contractors when the need arises, the majority of staff you see every day in SOMA West Uniforms are CBD employees who are paid competitive wages and have full-time benefits. We invest in our employees and their futures, working with them to grow themselves, resumes, and job skills.
SOMA West is the largest geographical district in the City. The boundaries of the District include approximately 2,765 parcels located on approximately 107 blocks, including blocks and partial blocks bounded by 5th Street and 6th Street on the east, Minna Street and Folsom Street on the north, South Van Ness Avenue, and the U.S. Highway 101 Freeway on the west, and Townsend Street on the south.
SOMA West CBD Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the SOMA West CBD?
The SOMA West Community Benefit District (CBD) is a property-based assessment district in San Francisco, created to provide supplemental services such as cleaning, safety, beautification, marketing, and advocacy beyond what the City provides. These services aim to enhance the quality of life, business activity, and safety in the area.
2. What services does SOMA West CBD provide?
SoMa West CBD offers:
- Clean Team services: sidewalk sweeping, graffiti removal, trash pickup, and landscaping.
- Safety services: patrols by ambassadors who deter and report illegal or disruptive behavior.
- Beautification: public art, space activation, and maintenance.
- Marketing and advocacy: district branding, events, and support for local businesses.
- Community engagement and grants: support for local groups through small grants and collaborations.
3. Who is responsible for cleaning or maintaining private property?
SOMA West CBD only provides services in the public right-of-way (e.g., sidewalks, alleys, and tree wells). Property owners remain fully responsible for the upkeep of private property, including building facades, private parking lots, and fenced areas. The CBD will work with property owners on graffiti requests and assist on general requests for private property on a case-by-case basis, within reason.
4. What can be done about the homeless population?
SOMA West CBD is not a law enforcement or social services agency, but it:
- Employs ambassadors and outreach staff to engage with unhoused individuals.
- Offers compassionate de-escalation and wellness checks.
- Offers food, water, and hygiene kits, as well as rain gear and warm clothing when there is inclement weather as part of our outreach efforts.
- Coordinates with City agencies and service providers for housing referrals and support.
However, homelessness is a citywide issue, and long-term solutions depend on systemic housing, health, and social service programs.
5. Can I request extra services for my property or block?
Extra services may be possible within the CBD boundaries by:
- Submitting a request to the SWCBD Dispatch
- Funding additional services through a cost-sharing agreement or sponsorship.
Customized services are considered on a case-by-case basis, based on capacity, funding, and alignment with district goals.
6. I’m just outside the SOMA West CBD boundary. Can I still get services?
Services are only provided to parcels within the official SOMA West CBD boundaries. Properties outside the district do not pay assessments and therefore are not eligible for regular services.
However, you may inquire with us to establish a Special Services Contract where we can work out terms and payments for cleaning, power washing, and outreach services to buildings and block faces that surround our district and are not covered by a neighboring CBD.
7. How is the CBD funded?
Funding comes from annual property assessments based on parcel and building square footage. Assessments only apply to properties within the district and are used exclusively for services that provide special benefit to those properties.
SWCBD is also eligible for tax-deductible donations, grants, and sponsorships.
8. How does SOMA West CBD handle safety?
The Safe Team focuses on:
- Deterring illegal activity like loitering, drug use, and trespassing.
- Responding to quality-of-life issues including encampments and sidewalk blockages.
- Performing security patrols and wellness checks.
- Coordinates with SFPD and emergency and non-emergency services depending on the situation
9. How can I get involved or share concerns?
You can:
- Submit service requests via the website or directly to CBD staff.
- Attend public meetings or events hosted by the CBD.
- Let us know if you want to add an event or share news in our monthly newsletter.