San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Agenda for Jobs 2012

Jobs are the cornerstone to economic prosperity and a high quality of life in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Jobs are not created by any single public policy. They are the result of a vibrant business climate, sustained economic development, good government and a commitment to the future.

The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is working collaboratively with our members and partners to improve the city’s economic vitality, which will in turn create jobs and lasting prosperity for all those who live, work and play in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Improve the Business Climate
Jobs are created when business grows. The Chamber is working to create a favorable business and regulatory environment in which all businesses can grow and prosper. Priorities include:

• Business Tax Reform – Reassess San Francisco’s payroll tax and explore alternatives that are more equitable and do not hinder job creation.
• Tourism & Hospitality – Develop solutions to reduce panhandling and improve the visitor experience to help reclaim S.F.’s #1 tourist destination ranking.
• Collaboration & Consensus – Continue to engage in collaborative policy-making working with our members and partners in government and labor to develop and advance consensus solutions that create jobs.

Spur 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. Priorities include:

• Infrastructure Investment - Continue to support vital infrastructure projects which will catalyze growth and create jobs including California Pacific Medical Center, Central Subway, Transbay Transit Center, James R. Herman Cruise Terminal and others.
• Downtown Community Benefits District (CBD) – Convene property owners to develop a new CBD to improve safety, cleanliness and commerce in the city’s downtown core.
• Long-Range Planning - Encourage the city to update its three year Economic Development plan, adopt Transbay rezoning and move forward with Piers 50 and 70 development plans.
• Redevelopment - Work with the city and stakeholders to create a local alternative to the former redevelopment agency.
• CEQA Reform – Join statewide efforts to reform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to ensure that vital projects do not fall victim to NIMBYist (Not In My Backyard) strategies.
• Attract and Retain Business - Collaborate with the San Francisco Center for Economic Development (SFCED) to support local economic development efforts and help attract and retain business in San Francisco.
• America’s Cup - Continue to champion the America’s Cup and other high-visibility business and sporting events that bring boost to the local economy. The Chamber will also help connect local companies with business opportunities through the America's Cup.

Ensure Good Government
Government must act effectively and efficiently to preserve vital city resources. The Chamber supports policies that bring more transparency, efficiency and accountability to all levels of government. Priorities Include:

• Municipal Elections – Support initiatives to reform San Francisco’s campaign finance and Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) systems to ensure more cost-efficient and democratic elections.
• Accountability – Join statewide efforts supporting the Government Performance and Accountability Act, which will bring performance-based budgeting and greater transparency to state and local government.

Secure the Future
Sustained prosperity depends on the investments we make in our future. The Chamber supports strengthened and continued investment in the city’s infrastructure, environment and workforce. Priorities include:

• Resilient City – Join SPUR and other organizations in plans to strengthen San Francisco’s structural and economic resilience following an earthquake or other disaster.
• Long Range Investment – Defend major local, regional and state infrastructure projects from NIMBY and partisan attack, such as High-Speed Rail, the Central Subway and State Water systems and upgrades.
• Clean Economy – Continue to support AB 32 (the Global Warming Solutions Act) and other initiatives that develop and grow the state’s clean economy and protect the environment.
• Workforce Development – Support policies and initiatives that improve student outcomes and funding for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and encourage partnerships that connect the private-sector with the city’s public education system.