Entertainment Commission: $2.5M of $3M distributed from venue recovery fund; Feb. 2022 conversion to relocation fund is scheduled

Executive Director Wyland told the San Francisco Entertainment Commission on a remote meeting that staff has distributed roughly $2.5 million of the $3 million Music and Entertainment Venue Recovery Fund to 70 venues, with each receiving about $35,720.

Wyland said the Office of Small Business will manage distribution of the remaining roughly $500,000 and that the application portal for a second round will open no later than January 2022. Venues that received first-round grants will be included automatically in the second-round distribution; other venues may apply.

Wyland also warned the commission that, under the current legislation, the recovery fund is scheduled by its language to transition to a venue-relocation fund in February 2022. "That means any monies in the fund can only be used if a venue in San Francisco has been forced to move to a different location in the city due to the pandemic or significant rent increase tied to gentrification," Wyland said, adding the commission could seek legislative amendments if it wanted broader uses for remaining funds.

Wyland described staff outreach for the upcoming holiday season, including an e-blast and social media reminders about one-time event permitting and jam permits. He said the 'Give to SF' donation page is being tested to accept public donations and that additional public contributions could increase the fund available for distribution by the end of the year.

No formal action was taken on the fund at the meeting; Wyland said staff will bring updates back to the commission as the timeline for a second application round and any legislative amendments become clearer.