Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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The SoMa West CBD steering committee will survey property owners, businesses, and residents to identify additional services that will be part of the SoMa West CBD Management Plan, a document that outlines the services provided by the SoMa West CBD.

PROPOSED PROGRAMS  and  SERVICES  for  SoMa WEST CBD

   80% of the entire budget will support  CLEANINESS  &  SAFETY  improvements

• ENHANCED CLEANINESS and BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAMS   --   Sidewalk & Gutter Sweeping  *  Sidewalk Pressure Washing  *  Graffitti Removal  *  Trash Removal  *  Landscaping Programs  *  Public Art Programs
• ENHANCED SAFETY PROGRAMS   --  Bicycle Patrols  *  Vihicle Patrols  *  Foot Patrols  *  Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Measures
• NEIGHBORHOOD MARKETING and ADVOCACY   --  Destination Marketing  *  Branding  *  Events  *  Advocacy  *  Community Grants  *  Outreach

Supporting the SoMa West CBD enables the district to receive services above and beyond what the City can provide. The assessments collected go entirely to the CBD and can support enhancements such as safety, maintenance, beautification and business support. The SoMa West board of property and business owners and residents make the budget decisions, which ensures direct accountability for the enhanced services. In addition, studies from across the country show that CBDs have a positive effect on property values, sales and occupancies.

NO!  The City of San Francisco has established and documented the base level of pre-existing City services and has will continue to deliver and/or pay for those services if SoMa West CBD is formed. The CBD will not replace any pre-existing general City services.  Additionally, there are community events that the City would not provide but the CBD can such as Farmer’s markets, movie nights in community spaces, events for children and more.  We welcome all ideas.

Decisions related to the implementation of the SoMa West CBD management plan (including work programs, budgets and assessments) will be made by an elected Advisory Committee, composed primarily of property and business owners within the CBD. The budget provides for a full time District Coordinator who will manage all initiatives. All meetings of the Advisory Committee will be public meetings that anyone from the community can attend and express their opinion.

AN OUTSIDE STUDY FOUND THE FOLLOWING POSITIVE FINDINGS

• On average, CBD-maintained streets were found to be cleaner than similar commercial streets located in the same Supervisorial District.    
• CBD's have experienced declining crime prevalence similar to current citywide trends.
• During the 07/09 recession, CBD's retained more value in their properties, saw less reductions in shopping and business significant, and maintained lower commercial vacancy rates.
• CBD's have raised significant revenues from non-assessment sources like grants and donations.
• CBD's leverage significant community leadership to support their work from the City and others.
• The more services a CBD provides is correlated with a higher level of improvement.