Creating Jobs and Growing our Economy

By Michela Alioto-Pier

As Supervisor, Michela: Established the Office of Economic Analysis to ensure that a qualified economist reviews legislation prior to passage. Sometimes, legislation with the best of intentions has unintended consequences, costing the city jobs. The OEA, which is housed in the Controller's Office, advises the Mayor and supervisors on how to best craft laws that encourage job growth, and sounds the warning bell when legislation may undercut opportunity for San Franciscans.

Created the City's First Economic Plan. When Michela joined the Board of Supervisors, San Francisco was operating without a long-term economic plan. Michela introduced Proposition I, which created the first-ever long-term economic plan for the city. The plan gives city leaders goals and a framework for economic development.

Created the Film and Television Production Tax Rebate. California will always be synonymous with movie magic, but Michela's leadership was instrumental in bringing millions of those production dollars to San Francisco. Film production doesn't just benefit the crews + filming in San Francisco means business for caterers, artists, florists and dozens of other small businesses throughout the city.

Introduced and Fought for the Biotechnology Payroll Tax Exemption. San Francisco's workforce is one of the most highly-educated in the world. Michela understood early on that our City should be a leader in the new economy, and she crafted legislation to draw growing biotechnology companies into the city. When the Biotech Payroll Tax Exemption passed, there were two biotech companies in San Francisco. Today, there are more than 70. Michela's plan was so successful, it is the model the city is using today to bring reinvestment to Mid-Market.

Fought for the passage of Proposition 71, the Stem Cell research measure. Based on her personal experiences, Michela knows that stem cell research offers hope and cures. She rallied City government to support Prop. 71 to fund stem cell research and led the effort to bring the stem cell headquarters to San Francisco.

Won formal recognition for small businesses and local restaurants to show the City's commitment to aiding these businesses and educate policymakers on their impact. Many business owners reported that the only times they heard from City Hall were when taxes were collected or something went wrong. Michela established annual public ceremonies to recognize local small businesses that go above and beyond in our community. She also supported our City's culinary industry with a similar program honoring responsible restaurants.

Helped Bring the America's Cup to San Francisco. As a Supervisor, Michela worked with all stakeholders to help bring the America's Cup--and the millions it will pump into our economy--to San Francisco.

As Mayor, Michela will: Work with the Maritime Industry to make San Francisco a Thriving Cruise Ship Port. Tourism is a vital part of the City's economy, and cruise ships bring thousands of visitors ready to shop, eat and sleep in San Francisco. Michela believes that our port is a key part of the City's history and identity as well, and will work to improve our cruise ship terminal.

Appoint small business leaders to the City's top boards and commissions. Gaining the perspective of small business is important not only at the Small Business Commission, but at every level of government. Michela will appoint qualified business leaders to help oversee planning and zoning matters, regulate utility rates, and improve our transportation system.

Streamline zoning laws to reinvigorate commercial corridors. Michela wrote legislation to bring additional restaurants to Union Street, and the Wall Street Journal said it led to a restaurant "renaissance." After huge success, her colleagues pushed similar measures for the Castro, Noe Valley and Upper Fillmore neighborhoods. Michela knows that only a comprehensive review of neighborhood commercial districts will create jobs in our local communities, putting San Franciscans to work.

Use her experience bringing business to San Francisco to create more and better jobs. Whether its keeping established businesses headquartered here or laying the ground-work for innovative start-ups, Michela will put her experience to work putting San Franciscans to work.