About Us
Our Mission
The San Francisco Downtown Development Corporation (DDC) mobilizes private capital and civic expertise to fund and implement high-impact initiatives that jumpstart long-term economic development in downtown San Francisco. The DDC works in close coordination with the City of San Francisco and business, labor, and civic leaders to transform downtown into a thriving destination that drives economic growth and strengthens San Francisco’s cultural fabric.
About the San Francisco
Downtown Development Corporation
The DDC serves as a central organizing hub for coordination, speed, and execution. We work to identify, fund, and implement high-priority initiatives that make downtown safer, cleaner, and more welcoming for residents, workers, businesses, and visitors. In parallel, we are identifying long-term public financing tools to support downtown San Francisco’s health and evolution for generations to come.
Why Downtown Matters
Downtown San Francisco is unique in its architectural beauty, high density, transit connectivity, and economic significance:
- Economic Engine: Although it covers just 4% of San Francisco's land area, downtown contains over 82 million square feet of office space and generates a disproportionate share of the city’s tax revenue.
- Employment Hub: Downtown is home to thousands of businesses—from small businesses and startups to major employers. Before the pandemic, nearly 70% of the city’s jobs were located downtown.
- Cultural Center: Downtown is the heart of San Francisco's arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and commerce.
Given its outsized role in our economy and civic life, downtown's health is essential to a vibrant San Francisco.
Current Challenges & Opportunities
In recent years, downtown San Francisco has faced significant challenges—from public safety and street cleanliness to increased vacancies and shifting work patterns. Office vacancies and reduced foot traffic have decreased tax revenue, contributing to the city's financial challenges.
Reinvention in the face of adversity is core to San Francisco’s identity. Now is the time to accelerate our recovery—and reimagine a downtown that is more inclusive, vibrant, and resilient.
How We Work
The DDC is structured as a nonprofit public benefit corporation.
1. Collaborate Across Sectors
We work closely with the City, business leaders, labor organizations, and community stakeholders to identify high-impact downtown initiatives.
2. Deploy Private Capital for Priority Near-Term Projects
We raise and deploy private capital and expertise to quickly and efficiently launch immediate and medium-term projects that make downtown more vibrant and welcoming for locals, visitors, and businesses.
3. Explore Sustainable Public Financing Tools
We research and advance public financing vehicles in partnership with city leadership to support San Francisco’s long-term health and vibrancy.
Founding Board of Directors
-
David Stiepleman (Board Chair)
Co-President & Co-Founder, Sixth Street -
Sam Cobbs
CEO, Tipping Point Community -
Bob Fisher
Chair, SFMOMA Board of Trustees -
Rebecca Foster
CEO, San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund -
Chris Larsen
Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Ripple -
Olga Miranda
President, SEIU Local 87 -
Meg Whitman
Former US Ambassador