Committee forwards Union Square Alliance annual report after debate over 'ambassador' programs

The Government Audit & Oversight Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted Feb. 2 to forward the Greater Union Square Business Improvement District annual report for fiscal year 2020–2021 to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

During the presentation, Marissa Rodriguez, chief executive officer of the Union Square Alliance, and OEWD project specialist Mimi Haraki reviewed the BID’s cleaning, safety and marketing activities during the pandemic and recovery. Rodriguez said the BID’s assessed budget for the period was $6,000,020 and highlighted metrics including about 385,000 pounds of trash collected, 18,634 hazardous waste units removed, roughly 43,075 quality-of-life incidents addressed and 8,345 private-security incidents handled.

The presentation prompted extended questions about “ambassador” programs in downtown commercial districts. Chair Supervisor Dean Preston and others pressed presenters to clarify how different ambassador types function. Rodriguez and OEWD described three distinct models: CBD/hospitality ambassadors who focus on cleaning and visitor assistance; tourism ambassadors who support conventions and visitors; and a pilot of SFPD-affiliated ambassadors made up of retired officers who perform community-policing support. Rodriguez said the retired-officer ambassadors are unarmed, work part time under program limits, wear khaki jackets labeled “SFPD ambassador,” carry radios, and were first deployed as a test in Union Square.

Vice Chair Stephanie said she and others want a robust public discussion about the different models and their trade-offs. Supervisor Connie Chan commended the Union Square Alliance’s rebranding and said she looks forward to activity returning with the Central Subway completion. Committee members asked OEWD and the Alliance to provide more information on staffing levels, costs and whether the SFPD-affiliated ambassadors replace or supplement non-police ambassadors; presenters said the SFPD ambassadors are additive and do not replace the BID’s contracted clean-and-safe staff.

Chair Preston moved to forward the report with a positive recommendation; the clerk recorded three ayes (Vice Chair Stephanie; Member Chan; Chair Preston) and the motion passed. The clerk noted items acted on by the committee are expected to appear on the full Board agenda on Feb. 14 unless otherwise stated.

The presentation and committee discussion clarified the Alliance’s pandemic-era activations—outdoor concerts, mural projects and a holiday lighting program—and the Alliance’s role in advocacy for economic recovery and returning tourism services such as the cable car.

The committee did not receive in-person public comment on this item before voting. The report and the committee’s recommendation now move to the full Board for consideration.