Outline of Achievements of the Alliance for a Better District 6
The Alliance for a Better District 6 (AB6), founded in 1999 as a non-partisan, volunteer-driven civic organization in San Francisco's District 6 (encompassing downtown areas like the Tenderloin, SoMa, and Civic Center), has focused on empowering low- and very low-income residents through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Over 25 years, it has amplified marginalized voices in policy decisions, hosted stakeholder events, and fostered coalitions for equitable development. Below is a structured outline of its key achievements, grouped thematically.I. Founding and Organizational Milestones
- Establishment and Longevity (1999–Present): Formed by District 6 residents to address overlooked low-income needs; evolved into a sustained voice for downtown San Francisco, reaching 20+ years of operation with a 2019 "A Night with the Stars" gala celebrating community leadership, honorees, and fundraising.
- Non-Profit Status and Recognition: Achieved not-for-profit designation; earned 5-star community ratings (e.g., Yelp reviews highlighting 10+ years of educational and charitable impact); positioned as a key civic engagement partner with elected officials and organizations.
- Voter Education Initiatives (Early 2000s–Ongoing): Organized forums and workshops to build political confidence among low-income residents, increasing participation in elections and government processes.
- Representation on Policy Boards: Successfully advocated for District 6 residents' appointments to city government boards, ensuring direct input on social, public, and land-use policies.
- Membership and Activation Programs: Built a network of engaged members through opportunities like civil grand jury recruitment and community announcements, fostering ongoing involvement in local governance.
- Stakeholder Meetings and Forums (2000s–Present): Hosted regular events, such as the July 2014 District 6 Stakeholder Meeting (co-sponsored with North of Market Business Association and Tenant Associations Coalition), covering topics like historic district housing, waterfront parks/jobs initiatives, public safety updates, and development projects (e.g., 101 Hyde Street housing).
- Advocacy Campaigns: Led efforts on issues like Recology rate increases, conditional use permits (e.g., Camerich Furniture), and business relocations/alcohol licenses (e.g., Ono Sushi); promoted options like market/food halls and community kitchens to enhance local amenities.
- Social Justice Stands: Publicly opposed discrimination (e.g., 2017 statements against executive orders targeting LGBT, women, Muslims, and immigrants), reinforcing AB6's role as a defender of vulnerable communities.
- Community Benefit Districts (CBDs) Creation (2010s–2020s): Key advocate for new CBDs in District 6, including the successful establishment of the SoMa West CBD (signed into law by Mayor London Breed in 2020), which unites stakeholders for neighborhood needs like maintenance and services; celebrated with events in Victoria Manalo Draves Park.
- Environmental and Infrastructure Efforts: Joined coalitions to protect and expand San Francisco's street trees, focusing on saving, replacing, and maintaining urban greenery for better quality of life.
- Land-Use and Development Wins: Influenced projects like Union Iron Works Historic District preservation, Cadillac Bar and Grill ABC license, and updates on sites like 854 Geary Street (The Tender) and Larkin Street Youth services, balancing growth with resident priorities.
- Partnerships and Coalitions: Co-sponsored events with groups like Central City Democrats, Daldas Grocer, Tip Top Market, and the Swig Bar; awarded honors like the North of Market Business Association's 2015 Businesses of the Year to recognize collaborative successes.
- Overall Neighborhood Transformation: Contributed to safer, more inclusive downtown spaces through advocacy for public safety, housing, and economic opportunities; described as having "profoundly shaped the neighborhood's landscape and the lives of its residents" over two decades.
