For Release: July 28, 2009

Expansion of Union Square Business Improvement District

Approved by San Francisco Board of Supervisors and District Property Owners

Mayor Newsom and Supervisor Chiu Applaud Property Owner’s Support for Services that Contribute to a Clean, Safe and Welcoming Environment in “Gateway to San Francisco”

San Francisco, Calif., July 28, 2009 – The San Francisco Board of Supervisors and property owners in the Union Square area, the premier shopping, cultural and tourist destination in the region, today voted in favor of expanding the Union Square Business Improvement District (BID) and its services that promote a clean, safe and welcoming environment.

“I applaud the successful efforts of the property owners, business owners and residents who have come together to expand the size and services of the Union Square Business Improvement District. I know the services of the expanded and renewed BID will benefit the district tremendously over the next decade, increasing its magnificence as the central retail, entertainment and visitor destination, while supporting a fabulous downtown experience for all who visit the area,” said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.

By approving the expanded district from a 10- to 27-block area, property owners in the BID agreed to assess themselves to purchase services that supplement those provided by the City. BID programs strive to improve the environment, expand and attract businesses and investment, and to help retain the established reputation of the Union Square area. The expanded BID will be called the Greater Union Square Business Improvement District and has a ten year term.

“I am proud to be the sponsor of this effort, and I want to congratulate the private businesses that are stepping up to help increase the quantity and quality of the services in the Greater Union Square Business District,” said David Chiu, president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. “The original Union Square BID has been a wonderful example of what the public and private sectors can do when working closely together and I can only expect that success to continue with the expanded 27 block Greater Union Square BID approved today.”

The original Union Square BID began in 1999 and was the first in the City.

“This is an investment in a cleaner, safer and more successful district. Over the years, I’ve seen a tremendous difference in the neighborhood as a result of BID services. It has been an effective strategy to support all businesses in an area and improve the quality of life,” said Wes Tyler, general manager of the Chancellor Hotel and president of the Union Square Association.

BID services address a range of needs in a cost effective fashion by using the collective support of area property owners to benefit everyone in the neighborhood. They include sidewalk sweeping and steam cleaning, graffiti removal, and landscaping. Trained “Ambassadors” provide a reassuring presence in the district and assist tourists, address aggressive panhandling, and report graffiti to be cleaned. Additional San Francisco Police Department officer patrols are funded. As part of the expansion, new marketing and advocacy services also will be implemented.

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Greater Union Square BID Approved

Tyler said that two-thirds of tourists visiting San Francisco go to Union Square and nearby areas and form their impressions of the city based on that experience. “The neighborhood is a major economic engine for the City and underscores the importance of BID services to maintain that ranking,” he added.

Nine BIDs exist in San Francisco, which are also known as community benefit districts, using the Union Square BID as a model. The Greater Union Square BID expands services to an area of 27 whole or partial blocks surrounding Union Square and roughly bounded by Bush, Mason, Taylor, Eddy, Market and Kearny Streets. MJM Management Group oversees the implementation of BID services.

There are about 1,500 BIDs across the United States and Canada. New York City alone has 40.

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Media Contact: Peter Bartelme, 415-664-1503, pb@prstrategies.com