A 21st century San Francisco economy is within our grasp – one that boasts a vibrant business climate, jobs of the future and city services meeting the needs of all those who live, work and play in the City and County of San Francisco.

Building a 21st century economy requires attention and action from business, government and voters.  We must put jobs and business growth first to accelerate economic recovery.  We must rightsize city and county government to live within our means.  And we must plan for San Francisco's long-term economic prosperity.

The Chamber is actively working to improve the city's business vitality and help San Francisco rise into a 21st century economy.

JOBS FIRST

• Prioritize job creation – Economic recovery begins with jobs.  Lawmakers must prioritize and fast track opportunities that will create jobs immediately.  Efforts to stall building projects only delay our ability to reduce the city's highest-ever unemployment rate and move towards true economic recovery.

• Stimulate business growth – Jobs are created when business grows.  The city must find ways to streamline cumbersome permitting and planning processes, reduce business costs and provide incentives for employers to retain and create jobs in San Francisco.  The city must also resist actions that add government-imposed mandates on small businesses already struggling to make payroll and stay afloat.

• Encourage economic development - San Francisco cannot afford to rest on it laurels as cities across the globe compete for jobs. The city must continue efforts to attract new businesses to San Francisco, particularly those from industry-sectors poised for sustained growth such as biotech and clean technology.

RIGHTSIZE GOVERNMENT

• Eliminate wasteful spending – San Francisco spends more money per capita than almost any city in America. Yet, we are often left wondering whether or not our investments are working.  All levels of city and county government should adopt performance-based budgeting practices and evaluation to ensure we continue with programs that are working and eliminate those that are not effective.

• Reduce overhead costs – Despite the economic hardship of our time, San Francisco public sector employees continue to receive wages and benefits that far outpace the private sector and other government employers.  Just as businesses and municipalities statewide have delayed raises, instituted furloughs and increased employee benefit contributions, the city – and its employees – must find solutions to they city's ongoing structural budget deficit.

• Contain pension growth – San Francisco can't afford to pay the pensions of the employees it already has.  The city must address its unfunded pension liability, which is expected to approach $500 million by 2013-14.  Anything short of drastic reform will put San Francisco on a Vallejo-style path to pension-led bankruptcy.

ENVISION 2020

• Create a long-range economic development plan – Now is the time to plan for the future.  The city should adopt a long-range economic plan to retain, expand and attract businesses and jobs to San Francisco.  Together with the San Francisco Center for Economic Development (SFCED), the Chamber encourages the city to envision San Francisco in 2020 and take proactive steps to ensure our long-term economic prosperity.

• Invest in S.F.'s economic assets – San Francisco's airport, port, bridges, transit system and attractions draw residents, business and visitors to our city.  Government must continue to support seismic retrofitting, high-speed rail and other investments in the economic assets which are powering our local and state economies. 

• Preserve safety and natural resources – Public safety and clean, reliable natural resources are vital to the long-term prosperity and quality of life in San Francisco.  Lawmakers must continue to prioritize public safety in all San Francisco communities.  Government must also take steps to improve the city's air quality, water supply and open space enjoyed by all those who live, work and play in San Francisco.