Report by the City Economist finds that in 2014, 3.3 million people attended outdoor events in San Francisco – including festivals, parades, and street fairs – generating $1.1 billion in economic activity and supporting 9,300 private sector jobs
WHEN: Wednesday, May 20th, 10:00 AM
WHERE: Budget and Finance Committee
San Francisco Board of Supervisors
City Hall Room 250
WHAT: Today, Supervisors Scott Wiener will hold a hearing on a study conducted by the City Economist reporting that outdoor events – such as festivals, parades, and street fairs – are a significant economic driver for San Francisco. In 2014, these events generated $1.1 billion in economic impact and drew 3.3 million attendees, whose spending supported 9,300 private sector jobs in industries like retail, food services, hospitality, and transportation. The report was based on various data points, including an extensive survey of 3,644 people who attended outdoor events in 2014. The 79 events included in the study include street fairs, outdoor concerts, fund-raising runs and walks, and many cultural festivals. Events range in size from massive events like San Francisco Pride and the Chinese New Year Parade to large concerts like Outsidelands and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass to smaller neighborhood events like the Union Street Festival and the Fillmore Jazz Festival. A full list of events can be viewed in the report here. At the hearing, the City Economist will present the report’s findings, and the representatives from the Entertainment Commission and event organizers will present on issues and challenges related to putting on outdoor events.
CONTACT: Supervisor Scott Wiener, (415) 554-6968, scott.wiener@sfgov.org