The Planning Commission heard the results of the economic study it commissioned to assess the city’s formula retail policies Thursday. The study, conducted by Strategic Economics, helps provide a better understanding of the impacts of current and proposed retail land use regulations on neighborhood commercial corridors and businesses of all sizes and types. The study analyzed potential impacts of both formula and non-formula retail on neighborhood merchant economic activity and sustainability, commercial rents, vacant storefronts, jobs, wages and neighborhood character. The study will produce recommendations for new regulations that govern land use decisions related to all retailers in San Francisco’s neighborhood commercial districts. The Chamber, through its Formula Retail Working Group, encourages flexible and balanced policies that help all of our commercial corridors thrive and generate opportunities for homegrown companies to grow and expand in the city. .
