San Franciscans Optimistic about City’s Direction;
Most Worried about Homelessness

Jump in Fear about Crime, Drugs & Gang Violence
Strong Support Keeping 49ers in San Francisco
Approval for public-private universal WiFi System

San Francisco, March 15, 2007 – San Franciscans have recovered their sense of confidence in the city and are optimistic that San Francisco is moving in the right direction. Fifty-six percent of registered voters surveyed say the city is on the right track, compared to a low of 33 percent in the 2003.

Some of the credit goes to the improving economy. Forty-one percent say the economy is definitely better – and that means they are more confident in their own prospects for employment and good wages.

But we also have to acknowledge the role the Mayor has played in this turnaround.
San Franciscans – 72 percent of them – are very pleased with the job Mayor Newsom is doing.

And they are looking forward to things getting even better. Thirty percent of those surveyed predict the quality of life in San Francisco will be better.

“Maybe it’s just that we San Franciscans are optimists,” says Steven B. Falk, Chamber president & CEO. “That same percentage looked forward to a better future when asked in 2003 – of course, they were right!”

Still, there is always room for improvement. Topping the list of concerns, as it has for several years running, are worries about homelessness and panhandling, with 41 percent naming these as major issues.

Next in line of the major issues named by respondents are the high cost of homeownership (25 percent), education in our public schools (24 percent), crime (24 percent) and Muni’s performance record (11 percent).

Of these, the biggest jump is in a new level of fear about crime, drugs and gang violence.

“When the Chamber polled voters in 2003, crime was hardly on the radar,” says Falk. “Today, 24 percent say it is a major issue.”

Also noteworthy is an increase in the level of dissatisfaction with the city’s schools – an increase from 9 percent who cited public education as a problem in 2003, to 24 percent today. Those surveyed don’t say that education is getting worse, but they are more concerned with its quality than ever before.

“The bottom line is that all of these issues have one thing in common: They all rely on a healthy local economy that can provide the resources, not just in tax dollars, but in talent and time, leadership and know-how to make a positive difference,” says Falk. “If our businesses are to keep growing, to continue to create new jobs, this city has to take into account those actions that threaten growth and hamper job creation.”

San Franciscans want their 49ers to stay in San Francisco. Sixty-three percent say the city should make it a priority to hold onto the home team.

“Let’s hope we can get a deal on the table that is good for the Niners and good for the city,” says Falk.

San Franciscans support by 51 percent a public-private WiFi system, such as the proposal on the table to partner with EarthLink/Google, over just 19 percent who say universal WiFi should be city-owned and operated.

About the CityBeat Poll
A total of 500 respondents were surveyed during the first week of March 2007 by David Binder Associates. Respondents were registered voters, living in San Francisco, who voted in recent elections.