In an exclusive interview, Claude Imbault, the French-American V.P. of Planning and Economic Development for the Downtown SF Partnership, shared his unique cultural background and insights into the revitalization efforts of San Francisco’s downtown. Born in San Francisco to a Parisian father and a French-American mother, Claude’s family was deeply connected to the French community in San Francisco from the 1950’s to the early 1970’s. After moving to Besançon during his early childhood, Claude returned to the U.S. and eventually settled in San Francisco where he has used his background in urban planning, organizational psychology and behavioral economics to drive key revitalization projects for the Mid Market Community District, the Union Square Alliance and more recently the Downtown SF Partnership.
The Birth of the Downtown SF Partnership
Initiated in 2008 by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, restarted by a group of local property owners in 2017 after the recession hit, and officially launched in 2020 with an annual budget of $4.3M to address downtown’s unique challenges through collection action, the Downtown SF Partnership focuses on improving the safety, cleanliness, and vibrancy of 43 blocks in downtown San Francisco, spanning the Financial District and the Jackson Square Historic District.
Created in response to rising cleanliness and safety issues as well as concerns from property owners about a flight of tenants moving to newer developments in SOMA, the organization’s initial mission to provide a clean and safe downtown has expanded to include the creation of social destinations and public realm improvements to attract more people to the downtown area. Today, the organization is dedicated to creating a vibrant and inviting downtown where businesses thrive, people feel welcome, and memorable experiences are made.
The Power of Public Design
After covid hit, driving the major exodus of downtown, there was a clear need to bring attention back to the area so the Downtown SF Partnership team hired Bay Area based urban design firm, SITELAB urban studio, to reimagine downtown and design a Public Realm Action Plan, a first of its kind visioning framework outlining public realm concepts and pilot programs – like utilizing privately-owned public open spaces, creating more access to nature, investing in public art, increasing accessibility and walkability. The plan leans on urban design as a means of economic recovery to reimagine Downtown San Francisco as a pedestrian-centric, more vibrant and culturally rich area.
“We are clearly seeing the power of public design in altering people’s perceptions and experiences of downtown San Francisco” says Claude, sharing examples of recent projects aimed at revitalizing underused spaces, such as Landing at Leidersdorf in Commercial street.
Landing at Leidesdorff is a reimagined downtown experience for San Franciscans – activated with pop-up vendors, cultural programming, varying food and beverage options and local art installations – across historic alleyways and underutilized public spaces in the city’s traditional financial corridor.
Tactical Urbanism Initiatives
Funded by a combination of financial assessments (taxes collected from property owners), city grants, and private donations, the reimagining efforts aim to create a more vibrant and livable downtown area through a series of tactical urbanism initiatives.
“These initiatives focus on making small yet impactful changes that can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively (and that are also movable), such as introducing music, food and beverage options, seating, and public art to enhance public spaces and make them more sociable” explains Claude.
A key part of this strategy involves rethinking how streets are used, with certain areas being opened to pedestrians for extended hours to encourage more foot traffic and community engagement. This approach has not only required innovation in urban planning but also in navigating the city’s permitting processes, with the project team pushing the boundaries of what is traditionally allowed in public spaces.
Signature Events
In addition to its regular programming, Downtown SF Partnership organizes a series of larger-scale signature events throughout the year such as “Drag me Downtown”, “Bastille on Belden” and “Let’s Glow SF” which have already demonstrated success in drawing crowds and generating economic impact, which is crucial for gaining continued support from stakeholders and funders.
There is some French influence in some of these signature events.
In July, Belden Lane turns into a street festival in celebration of Bastille Day with live music and entertainment bringing French fun and festive spirit to FiDi’s historic French alley.
In December, Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event (featuring French artists), illuminates downtown by showcasing large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of four iconic SF buildings, including the top of Salesforce Tower.
Entertainment Zones: Raising Glasses in the Streets of SF!
Another exciting chapter is about to open for downtown SF with the introduction of Entertainment Zones. In a recent initiative spearheaded by State Senator Scott Weiner, San Francisco has become the first city in California to allow brick and mortar businesses to sell alcoholic beverages, and the consumption of these beverages, during permitted events within special designated areas.
The new law allows for more flexibility, enabling the creation of designated entertainment zones where attendees can move freely with alcohol, without the need for restrictive fencing as previously required by Alcoholic Beverage Control regulations.
The city has embraced this idea, and San Francisco’s mayor has expressed strong support. It is now the first city to implement this concept in California. The first implementation is set to take place in downtown San Francisco, with the idea to replicate the model for events such as St. Patrick’s Day.
This new approach has garnered the backing of local businesses, stakeholders, and designers, with Gensler, a well-known design firm, contributing to the project. The initiative is seen as a way to contribute to a reimagined downtown, making it more vibrant and appealing for both locals and visitors.
The first event under this new legislation, led by Downtown SF Partnership, is the return of the beloved annual Oktoberfest scheduled to take place on September 20th as an expanded block party, marking the beginning of what could be a new era for public events in San Francisco and ending the doom loop narrative. Cheers to this!
Merci Claude
