Overview
Streets move people, ideas, and energy. When a city’s parks, plazas, and sidewalks harmonize, it is, as Jane Jacobs called it, a “sidewalk ballet.” We want downtown San Francisco to have this rhythm.
Our public spaces work transforms critical yet underinvested areas into vibrant community streets, plazas, and parks. In 2025, we started by supporting The East Cut Crossing, a beloved park serving as the neighborhood’s “organic living room.” In 2026, we’re focused on advancing three signature capital projects: the Powell Street Improvement Project, the new 5-acre Embarcadero Plaza & Sue Bierman Park, and the Moscone Center Pedestrian Corridor.
Our long-term vision is simple: a downtown that functions as a true neighborhood with parks, streets, and gathering places for everyone.
Criteria
The DDC prioritizes public spaces investments that:
- Are located in high-traffic, high-impact downtown corridors
- Are public-private partnerships with the City and key downtown partners
- Serve multigenerational visitors, from kids and families to workers and tourists
Impact
Powell Street Improvement Project
Underway in one of downtown’s busiest retail corridors
Embarcadero Park
A new signature 5-acre park for downtown’s iconic waterfront
East Cut Cross
A new park, playground and community space that hosted more than 300 events in 2025
Partners
Invest in downtown’s
public realm
Every dollar invested in downtown’s public spaces generates returns — in foot traffic, economic activity, and a higher quality of life.
Partner with us to transform downtown’s public spaces.
