NEW POLLING SHOWS SAN FRANCISCO VOTERS SUPPORT FINANCIAL INCENTIVES AND TAX CUTS TO SUPPORT DOWNTOWN
For Immediate Release: February 14, 2024
Media Contact: Daniel Herzstein, SF Chamber of Commerce, 415-305-8478
***PRESS RELEASE***
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce releases poll results at the Annual CityBeat Breakfast.
San Francisco, CA – New polling released by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce shows voters support financial incentives and tax breaks for downtown businesses to support filling empty office space and adding diverse new uses. The poll found that 88% of voters agree that a thriving downtown San Francisco is critical to the region’s economy. View 2024 CityBeat Poll Results presented by United Airlines here.
“Our Citybeat poll shows that San Franciscans are frustrated but ready to take real action on solving our most challenging issues by supporting policies that make it easier to do business and increase public safety,” said Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, “From reducing burdensome taxes to supporting common sense public safety reforms, San Franciscans spoke loudly that they want real policy solutions from City Hall.”
Voters are clear on the core challenges downtown faces, and a majority are supportive of solutions that provide relief to businesses.
- 84% support San Francisco offering financial incentives for small businesses to stay or move downtown.
- 81% support San Francisco offering tax incentives to help businesses move into vacant ground floor spaces downtown.
- 71% support San Francisco offering incentives for large businesses to stay or move downtown.
The Citybeat Poll also showed that San Franciscans are ready to see new housing in downtown including converting offices to homes:
- 78% responded that there should be more housing in downtown.
- 85% of voters said unused office spaces in downtown should be converted for other uses.
When asked specifically about Proposition C on the March 2024 Ballot, which would waive the city transfer tax on office to residential conversions, 53% of likely March voters supported the idea with 42% in opposition.
Public Safety:
Half of voters named crime as a major issue facing the city, and while the percentage of voters who think that crime has gotten better in San Francisco has increased from last year’s poll, 69% still think that crime has gotten worse. When asked 61% of voters reported that they feel safe visiting downtown during the day. Those who visit downtown feel safer in the area than those who visit less frequently. The share of voters citing crime and drugs as what comes to mind when they think of downtown fell from 23% to 15%.
Voters indicated their support of March ballot initiatives that address public safety concerns and illegal drug use.
Propositions E and F saw majority support of likely March voters indicating that they would vote yes on both measures. Proposition E, which would update the San Francisco Police Department’s policies on technology, vehicle pursuits, and community input, had 61% in support and 37% opposed. Proposition F, which would require drug screening and substance abuse treatment for single adults receiving cash assistance from the City, had 61% support and 36% opposed.
Each year, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce releases the CityBeat Poll, presented by United Airlines, which offers a glimpse into San Francisco voter sentiments. The poll surveyed 500 voters between January 17-24, 2024, and was conducted by EMC Research.
Speakers included:
- Mayor London Breed, 45th Mayor of the City & County of San Francisco
- Hunter Pence, San Francisco Giants (2x) World Champion, (4x) MLB All-Star & Alexis Pence, Healthy Planet Project
- Rodney Fong, President & CEO, SF Chamber of Commerce
- Kathryn Cahill Thompson, Outgoing Board Chair, SF Chamber of Commerce, CEO of Cahill Contractors LLC
- Alfredo Pedroza, Incoming Board Chair, Senior Vice President, Local Government Relations & Public Policy at Wells Fargo
- Papia Gambelin, Board Member, SF Chamber of Commerce; Managing Director, State & Local Government Affairs, Western Region at United Airlines
- Emcee: Audrey Asistio, NBC Bay Area
About San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1850, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the preeminent business organization for advocacy, networking and economic growth. The Chamber delivers on its mission to attract, develop and retain business in San Francisco by representing companies and organizations that make San Francisco a preferred destination for businesses and visitors and a great place to live and work. www.sfchamber.com
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