San Francisco Mayor Secures $60 Million for Downtown Revival from Tech Giants
San Francisco's Downtown Development Corporation (SFDDC), initiated by Mayor Daniel Lurie, has successfully secured over $60 million in funding from major tech companies including Google and OpenAI. This funding is part of the Heart of the City initiative, which aims to revitalize San Francisco's downtown area by enhancing street safety, supporting small businesses, and improving cleanliness. The initiative has also attracted contributions from other significant backers such as Visa, Thoma Bravo, Ripple, Salesforce, Amazon, and Emerson Collective. The funds will be used to provide direct grants to businesses for marketing, legal support, and to fill vacant retail spaces. Additionally, a portion of the funding will be allocated to the development of a new Embarcadero Park, inspired by New York City's Bryant Park. The initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare the city for upcoming major events like the Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.