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NEW POLLING SHOWS SAN FRANCISCO VOTERS FEELING PROGRESS ON ADDRESSING KEY ISSUES, SUPPORT MORE INVESTMENT IN DOWNTOWN

For Immediate Release: February 26, 2025

Media Contact: David Harrison, SF Chamber of Commerce, 202-262-5860

***PRESS RELEASE***

��ѻ��ý releases poll results at the Annual CityBeat Breakfast and 175th Anniversary.

San Francisco, CA – New polling released by the ��ѻ��ý CityBeat Poll, sponsored by United Airlines and conducted by EMC Research, shows that voter sentiment on key quality of life issues has improved markedly compared to 2022. The poll shows substantial improvement in voter confidence that the City is on the right track, with strong support for investments to diversify downtown uses. View 2025 Poll Results here.

“Our city has always thrived on ambition, and now is the time to channel that spirit into the future of downtown. From creating a world-class academic district to building a dynamic sports and events hub, we have a rare opportunity to reshape San Francisco for generations to come,” said Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the ��ѻ��ý. “As we celebrate the Chamber’s 175th year, we’re not just tackling today’s challenges–we’re driving bold ideas to shape San Francisco’s future.”

Voter optimism has increased dramatically this year, with many sentiments reaching 5 year highs.

• 43% of San Franciscans say that things in the City are headed in the right direction, up from 22% last year.
• Compared to last year, there is a 28% increase in the number of San Franciscans who rate their overall quality of life positively and a 5 year high in how many San Franciscans rate their quality of life in their neighborhood as better than the past few years.

Concerns around quality of life issues continue to be among some of the top concerns that voters have, with San Franciscans rating homelessness, crime and drugs, and affordable housing as their top concerns. While voters remain somewhat critical overall, and still very concerned about these issues, there’s been a substantial uptick in optimism in whether these problems are getting better. Compared to 2022, polling shows:

• 5X increase in San Franciscans who say that crime has gotten better.
• 4X increase in San Franciscans who say homelessness and street behavior has gotten better.
• 2.5X increase in San Franciscans who say street cleanliness has gotten better.

San Franciscans recognize downtown’s vital role in the regional economy but are divided on the City’s progress in its recovery. While weekly visitor numbers have remained steady at 38%, overall voter perception of downtown is improving, with the most positive views among those who visit most frequently.

• 89% of San Franciscans see the importance of downtown to the regional economy. ●
• 83% of San Franciscans agree that investment in downtown is a priority.
• Only 48% of San Franciscans agree that the City is making progress on the downtown economy with new events, conventions, and businesses.
• 66% of San Fransicans who report visiting downtown at least monthly shared that they enjoy visiting downtown.

San Franciscans overwhelmingly support efforts to revitalize downtown, with strong enthusiasm for a range of investment priorities:

• 87% of voters support transforming underused malls and stores
• 85% of voters support bringing more businesses downtown
• 81% of voters support encouraging new arts, culture and entertainment offerings downtown
• 77% of voters support bringing more events and activities downtown
• 70% of voters support offering financial incentives to build more housing downtown.
• CityBeat Breakfast Speakers:
• Mayor Daniel Lurie, 46th Mayor of the City & County of San Francisco
• Rodney Fong, President & CEO, SF Chamber of Commerce
• Brady Stewart, CEO Bay FC
• Jeff Korzenik, Chief Economist, Fifth Third Bank

 

Each year, the ��ѻ��ý releases the CityBeat Poll, presented by United Airlines, which offers a glimpse into San Francisco voter sentiments. The poll surveyed 500 voters between January 22-27, 2025 and was conducted by EMC Research. Visit for more information.

 

Quotes

“From cutting-edge technology and culinary excellence to groundbreaking medical care and social progress, San Francisco is known for solving problems that others can’t or won’t. But to get our economy going again at full strength, we need to invest in permanent solutions that make it easier, not harder, for businesses to set up shop in San Francisco,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “For too long, the barrier to entry for businesses large and small has been too high. But the message from this administration is loud and clear: San Francisco is open for business.”

“Optimism is returning to San Francisco in a way we haven’t seen in years. Last year, many voters felt we were on the wrong track, concerned about public safety, homelessness, street conditions, and the economy. But we turned frustration into action, focused on the fundamentals, and today, progress is taking shape,” said Papia Gambelin, Managing Director, State & Local Government Affairs, Western Region.

“San Francisco has always been a city of innovation, resilience, and reinvention. It’s home to critical industries, bold entrepreneurs, and a business community that drives global change. That spirit is why KPMG has been deeply committed to this city, where we’ve been operating for over 110 years. As San Francisco continues to be a leader in technology, finance, hospitality and beyond, we’re dedicated to working alongside the companies and people shaping its future,” said Chris Cimino, Office Managing Partner, KPMG San Francisco & Northern Pacific Hub.

 

��ѻ��ý The ��ѻ��ý

Founded in 1850, the ��ѻ��ý 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. Visit for more information.

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