Legislation to Fill Empty Storefronts and Support Economic Recovery

For too long, San Francisco’s policies made it too hard on our small business owners, even as we said over and over how important they were.

Three years ago, we started to change those policies.

Today, we are taking another step. https://t.co/yxMWQ93OMu

— London Breed (@LondonBreed) June 6, 2023

Along with Supervisors @JoelEngardio, @mattdorsey, and Myrna Melgar, I am introducing legislation to change over 100 rules in our Planning Code that get in the way of what we all want: a thriving and dynamic small business community. https://t.co/t4KdCfAFTL

— London Breed (@LondonBreed) June 6, 2023

This legislation will fill empty storefronts and support our economic recovery by improving permitting and getting rid of barriers for small businesses that need to thrive.

The good news – we know these changes can work because we’ve already seen success. pic.twitter.com/vgIJmZLI3j

— London Breed (@LondonBreed) June 6, 2023

Three years ago, we launched improvement through Prop H, which streamlined permitting for small businesses by processing projects in shorter time periods.

Since then, over 3,500 businesses have benefited from the program.

— London Breed (@LondonBreed) June 6, 2023

We opened our Permit Center, which locates all our permitting departments in one place, so people don’t have to run all over trying to get multiple approvals.

Since the start of this year, the Permit Center has served 191 customers per day and provides 531 services daily.

— London Breed (@LondonBreed) June 6, 2023

For our small businesses to be successful, we also need to continue to focus on clean and safe streets. My budget invests in getting us on the road back to full police staffing and focusing our efforts on the fentanyl crisis playing out on our streets.

— London Breed (@LondonBreed) June 6, 2023

It's not just about cutting time -- we are also reducing fees. As part of my budget, we are extending First Year Free, which waives fees for new businesses or businesses adding a new location.

Since First Year Free started in 2021, 3,910 businesses have enrolled in the program.

— London Breed (@LondonBreed) June 6, 2023

These changes are making a difference for people. And with this new legislation, we will build on that work and support more small businesses across our entire City. This is how we support neighborhoods and our economic recovery.

— London Breed (@LondonBreed) June 6, 2023