Downtown Re-Activation: The Future of Downtown San Francisco HYBRID
Downtown San Francisco sits at a defining crossroads. Once a bustling nexus of commerce, culture, and connectivity, it now faces extraordinary challenges—from evolving work patterns and economic volatility to the urgent need for more inclusive and welcoming public spaces. How can we move beyond mere revitalization and truly reimagine downtown as a dynamic center of innovation, community, and resilience?
This event convenes civic leaders, designers, and community stakeholders to explore visionary ideas and practical strategies for downtown’s future. Through an energizing evening of discussion and collaboration, we will delve into three foundational themes shaping the city’s path forward: infrastructure & transport, commerce & culture, and parks & civil society.
The evening will kick off with invited keynote remarks from Mayor Daniel Lurie (TBC), offering an inside look at the city’s vision for downtown renewal. A rapid-fire panel discussion moderated by S.F. Chronicle Housing and Real Estate Reporter J.K. Dineen will follow, featuring experts spanning the spheres of planning, business, and urban design, including:
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Rupa Marya, MD – Physician, activist, and champion for health equity in urban environments
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Claude Imbault – VP of Planning & Economic Development, Downtown SF Partnership
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Alicia John-Baptiste (Invited) – Chief of Infrastructure, Climate, and Mobility, City and County of San Francisco
Attendees will then engage in an interactive visioning workshop, collaborating to envision the headlines that could characterize a thriving downtown by 2030.
This gathering is more than just a conversation—it’s a proactive call to shape the narrative of San Francisco’s urban core. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we aim to reframe the future of downtown and spark innovative solutions that yield real impact. Whether you are an architect, planner, policymaker, business leader, or dedicated resident, your insights are vital to determining what comes next for San Francisco’s evolving city center.