In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, significant discussions highlighted the urgent need for a small business relief fund and paid tribute to a respected public servant.

The meeting opened with a resolution urging the city to establish a relief fund for small businesses affected by the upcoming Islayas Creek Bridal replacement project along the Third Street Bayview Corridor. Scheduled to begin in January 2027 and lasting approximately three years, the construction will close Third Street between Moran Street and Cargo Way, severely impacting local businesses. Many of these establishments are legacy immigrant-owned and black and brown-owned, already facing systemic barriers to growth and recovery.

The resolution emphasized the city's responsibility to protect these businesses from potential economic harm. It proposed that the relief fund include grants, rent support, marketing assistance, and targeted outreach to ensure that local economies and working-class neighborhoods are not left behind during this critical infrastructure project. The speaker stressed that if the city can fund climate-resilient infrastructure, it should also invest in the resilience of its local economies.

Additionally, the meeting included an in memoriam for Byron Rhett, a dedicated public servant whose contributions significantly shaped San Francisco. Rhett's leadership spanned decades, including pivotal roles at the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency and the Port of San Francisco. His work on projects like the revitalization of Pier 1 and Crane Cove Park left a lasting impact on the community. Colleagues remembered him not only as a leader but also as a mentor and advocate for equity, particularly in the Bayview area. The speaker extended condolences to Rhett's family, emphasizing the enduring legacy of his commitment to building a more inclusive San Francisco.

In another notable discussion, Supervisor Chan introduced a resolution supporting the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians, Local 51, in their efforts to advocate for KQED union workers. The resolution called for KQED leadership to reinvest in local television programming, halt the outsourcing of production work, and ensure that public media outlets reflect the needs of Bay Area communities. The elimination of local news programming and the outsourcing of production work were highlighted as threats not only to KQED employees but also to the integrity of union labor and community representation.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to supporting small businesses during infrastructure changes and honoring the legacy of public servants while addressing the challenges facing local media and labor.