Diana Ponce de Leon, special project manager for the Invest in Neighborhoods Lower 24th Street commercial corridor, held a community meeting at the Brava Theater to introduce herself, and the project to the neighborhood.
At the meeting, Ponce de Leon explained her role as a special project manager—working as a liaison between the Mission district and the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD).
The Invest in Neighborhoods Initiative is part of Mayor Lee’s 17-point plan for economic growth in San Francisco. Point 10 of the plan outlines the Invest in Neighborhoods Initiative, which focuses on preserving the unique commercial corridors in San Francisco’s neighborhoods.
“Talking to residents and stakeholders, we’ve gathered that preserving the character of the neighborhood is extremely important,” said Ponce De Leon.
The OEWD has completed its initial assessment of the “Lower 24th Street corridor,” which runs between Mission and Potrero streets, and is slated to receive special assistance from the Mayor’s office, with Ponce de Leon serving as the special project manager.
“Ten businesses will be chosen for assessment in our program,” said Ponce de Leon. “Two of those will receive special assistance from the City to revitalize their business in a variety of ways.” Assistance will be provided in the form of consultants, grants for facade renovation, and more.
“We are looking into ways to preserve the character of the neighborhood while achieving the economic development that the Mayor has outlined in his 17-point plan,” added Ponce de Leon.
Ponce de Leon said that she welcomes feedback, ideas, and suggestions from the community and hopes to make the economic development of the 24th Street corridor a lively neighborhood conversation.
For more information contact Diana Ponce de Leon at diana.poncedeleon@sfgov.org.