Downtown SF's vacant storefront program is back

A plan to provide rent-free, previously vacant storefronts to businesses to create pop-ups has led to seven businesses signing long-term leases. A recent expansion of the program hopes to continue that trend.

Why it matters: San Francisco's downtown core has been one of the slowest to recover in comparison to other major cities.

• City officials and local organizations have tried to reverse that trend by bringing small businesses to vacant storefronts, facilitating live events like Downtown First Thursdays , working to redesign the iconic Powell Street and more.

Driving the news: The mayor's office and the nonprofit SF New Deal this week announced three new grantees for its Vacant to Vibrant program, which first launched last fall, to join the eight other previously announced grantees for this summer's batch of pop-ups.

• The goal of the program is to bring energy back to downtown while also supporting small businesses, which "are a key ingredient to the renewal of our downtown," Simon Bertrang, executive director of SF New Deal, said in a press release.
• The pop-ups will officially open June 18.

Plus, the city, in partnership with the Union Square Alliance, unveiled a proposal this week to redesign Powell Street at the cable car turnaround.

• The project would cost up to $30 million, but there's currently only $3.5 million available in funds, according to a joint press release.
• City officials, however, have proposed a $390 million bond for the November election that would cover the full cost of the redesign proposal, as well as shelter infrastructure, street paving and more.

What they're saying: The proposal "not only respects and celebrates San Francisco's rich history but adds a layer of modern design," District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin said in a press release.

• "It's a perfect hybrid of the past and future" and shows San Francisco "is committed to doing its part to attract new life to the heart of Downtown," he added.

What to watch: The Union Square Alliance is hosting an open house Wednesday night for the public to view the proposals and offer input.

• The bond proposal needs at least eight members of the Board of Supervisors to vote in favor to make it onto November's ballot.

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