CityBeat 2026 Poll Results presented by United Airlines

January 27, 2026 /

CityBeat 2026 Poll Results presented by United Airlines

Revealing San Francisco Voter attitudes and opinions on issues including quality of life, housing and affordability, transportation, education, crime, city services, and more.

 

 

Download Full CityBeat 2026 Poll Results HERE

 

 

New polling shows optimism about safety, street conditions, and quality of life concerns, support for tax incentives that grow the economy, and support for transit infrastructure investments. San Francisco, CA – New polling released today by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce shows a decisive shift in how San Franciscans view the city’s trajectory, with optimism, confidence and perceptions of quality of life reaching their highest levels in years. The findings were unveiled at the Chamber’s 2026 CityBeat Breakfast: Next Is Now.

 

The 38th Annual CityBeat Poll is presented by United Airlines, and conducted by EMC Research. After several years defined by disruption and uncertainty, CityBeat 2026 shows San Franciscans are beginning to see tangible progress on the issues that matter most in their daily lives. The results show that while progress is real, San Franciscans want leaders to stay focused on the fundamentals: building a city that works, where affordability concerns are addressed, and where businesses of all sizes can thrive.

“The data shows confidence is returning, but expectations are rising too,” said Rodney Fong, President and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. “People want steady progress and a vision for the future. This is about staying focused on what’s working and making the decisions and investments now that will determine San Francisco’s competitiveness and quality of life in the years ahead.”

“Just a few days ago, the eyes of the world were on San Francisco during Super Bowl week. We got to show off who we really are. The streets were alive. Restaurants were packed. Events ran smoothly. We showed that the San Francisco comeback is real,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “We’ve finally got our city moving in the right direction again and now it’s time to step on the accelerator. But momentum is not the finish line. The work now is to make this recovery durable. Recovery happens when people across this city—business, labor, community, philanthropy, and government—decide to move in the same direction. That’s how we got here and that’s how we will keep going.”

 

Voter Optimism Reflects Momentum
The CityBeat 2026 poll shows broad-based improvement across nearly every major indicator of civic confidence:
  • 64% of voters say San Francisco is headed in the right direction, up sharply from just
    26% in 2021
  • 44% say overall quality of life has improved, reaching a five-year high
  • Nearly six in ten voters say crime has gotten better, compared to just six percent five
    years ago
  • Voters report significant improvements in perceptions of homelessness, street behavior,
    and street cleanliness.

These gains reflect meaningful progress on the basics that shape everyday life. “This year’s CityBeat results show that optimism is no longer just returning, it’s being reinforced by real, visible progress,” said Papia Gambelin, Managing Director, State and Local Government Affairs, Western Region. “Voters are recognizing improvements on the fundamentals. It is clear that continued progress depends on staying focused and delivering further results to keep the momentum going.”

Downtown and Economic Recovery: Progress, With Work Ahead

  • 92% say a thriving downtown is critical to the regional economy
  • 75% say the city is making progress on the downtown economy with new events,
    conventions, and businesses, a 27-point increase from last year
  • Perceptions of safety downtown are at their highest levels in years, particularly among
    frequent visitors

At the same time, CityBeat 2026 shows strong voter support for policies that build on this momentum downtown while also strengthening neighborhood corridors:

  • 90% support tax incentives to support small businesses
  • 74% say attracting and retaining large businesses is important to San Francisco’s future
  • 74% support tax incentives for hospitality and tourism businesses
  • 63% support research and development tax credits to attract high-growth companies
  • 69% support reducing the commercial real estate transfer tax to address vacancies

Taken together, the results show that voters recognize downtown’s recovery as central to jobs, vibrancy, and long-term economic competitiveness, and they support practical, targeted investments to bring more activity, housing, arts, culture, and businesses back to the city’s core.

“As we continue to see improvements in economic indicators downtown, the public is seeing and feeling those results,” said Anne Taupier, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “They also see the importance of continued investment in downtown as a key driver of vitality across our city, ensuring job growth for our residents, expanding opportunities for small businesses, and sustaining San Francisco’s long-term economic health.”

Housing, Cost of Living, and Affordability
While optimism is rising, CityBeat 2026 makes clear that affordability remains a top concern. At the same time, voters strongly support solutions that address these challenges:
  • 61% of voters say housing availability has gotten worse
  • 78% say controlling the cost of living has gotten worse
  • 80% support making it easier to build housing

Transit and Infrastructure: A City That Works

CityBeat 2026 highlights strong consensus around transit and core infrastructure:

  • 91% say quality Muni and BART service is essential to San Francisco’s future
  • 80% say protecting transit from significant cuts is important
  • 69% support funding transit even if it requires new revenue
Voters view transit, public safety, and effective government as foundational to a city that works understanding that they support daily life, economic activity, and long-term confidence in San Francisco’s future.

Business, Innovation, and What Comes Next
Leaders across technology, real estate, design, the arts, culture, and commerce echoed the poll’s central takeaway: San Francisco has stabilized the foundation, and the next phase of recovery depends on staying focused, protecting momentum, and making smart investments now.

“The CityBeat results make clear that this is a moment for leadership,” said Noa Clark, incoming Chair of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Partner at Pillsbury. “In the year ahead, I’m challenging the business community to step up, stay engaged, and help lead the next phase of San Francisco’s recovery by investing, advocating, and working together to build a city that works for everyone.”

“This data reflects what we’re already seeing and have always believed in- San Francisco is a hub of innovation, arts, and culture,” said Sally Kay, Head of Public Policy and Community Engagement at Amazon. As a large employer, Amazon is committed to investing in the city’s
upward trajectory through job creation, sustainable operations, and working closely with city leaders and local organizations to support initiatives that matter most to San Franciscans.”

 

“As I wrap up my year leading the Chamber’s Board, I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve seen across San Francisco,” said Cammy Blackstone, outgoing Chair of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Director of External Affairs at AT&T. “It hasn’t been easy, but by staying focused on the fundamentals and working together, we’ve helped move the city in a more positive direction. CityBeat 2026 reflects that momentum and the impact of leaders who chose to stay engaged and committed to San Francisco’s future.”

 

About CityBeat
CityBeat is the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s annual briefing on the city’s economic outlook, business climate, and civic priorities. Now in its 38th year, CityBeat provides a data-driven snapshot of how San Franciscans are experiencing their city and what they want to see next. This event was made possible by the generous support of Chamber Members, including Bank of America, DoorDash, Version, and other member organizations.

The 2026 CityBeat Poll, presented by United Airlines, was conducted by EMC Research and surveyed 500 San Francisco voters in January 2026. Additional findings and a video presenting them will be made available on the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download Full CityBeat 2026 Poll Results HERE

 

FOR ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:

David Harrison, Director of Public Policy | dharrison@sfchamber.com | (202) 262-5860

 

About the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce represents businesses of every size and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits the city.