San Francisco Port Commission Meeting (Nov 2025)

The San Francisco Port Commission convened with a roll call, approved prior minutes, held an executive session covering legal/real estate and personnel matters, and returned to open session for reports and actions. Major themes included waterfront economic recovery and activation through arts and events, approval of multiple consent calendar resolutions (including a $5 million litigation settlement), expansion of public art at Pier 24 Annex through a new ICA license, a 24-month extension of the Embarcadero Safe Navigation Center MOU (with extensive neighborhood testimony on safety/drug use concerns), and a new MOU with SFMTA to modernize and unify management of Port public parking. The meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m. in memory of community activist Karen Pierce.

Executive Session

• The Commission entered executive session for three items: conference with legal counsel and real property negotiator, anticipated litigation, and a public employee appointment. (No reportable actions were stated in the transcript.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pier 23 Cafe family (off-agenda comment): Expressed that their current rent structure is “unsustainable” post-pandemic; stated they discovered rent was based largely on mostly-outdoor footprint; requested a revised footprint/lease terms and a 15-year lease extension; emphasized their status as long-term tenants and a multi-generational “legacy business.”
• Director’s Report comment (Alice Rogers): Thanked the Executive Director for recognizing the late Karen Pierce and expressed condolences.

Executive Director’s Report (Elaine Forbes)

• Financial statements (FY ending 2025): Reported a 55% increase in balance sheet position from $624 million to $967.7 million, attributed to accepting infrastructure assets (e.g., parks at China Basin and Bayfront) and issuing bonds for the Waterfront Resilience Program.
• Fleet Week: Reported Oct 5–13 dates; stated the Port “pivoted” due to a federal shutdown and relocated activities to Fisherman’s Wharf; said crowds “matched 2024.”
• Big Art Loop: Announced Port participation in a 10-piece large-scale collection, part of a planned 100-piece installation over 3 years creating a 34-mile art trail.
• Dreamfest at Bayfront Park: Reported Oct 15 event reached full capacity of 5,500 guests.
• Entertainment zone (Fisherman’s Wharf area): Announced plans for a zone allowing to-go alcohol consumption in designated outdoor common areas during events; cited next steps including legislation by Supervisor Danny Sauter, management plan development, and community input.
• Pier 80 concerts: Announced Dec 29–31 shows in Shed A (DJ Swedish House Mafia and “Fortet” as transcribed), approved for 15,000 people per night.
• Accessibility upgrade: Reported installation of an electric human hoist at the South Beach Harbor dinghy dock for the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors.
• Waterfront Resilience Program: Noted partnership with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; expected Chief’s Report next year; highlighted coordination with SFMTA and Planning and training work with Alice Griffith residents; noted SFMTA’s Embarcadero Connectivity Plan kickoff events Dec 7 and Dec 10.
• Fisherman’s Wharf Forward demolitions: Smokehouse demolition nearing completion; Alioto’s hazmat work starting with demolition beginning early Dec; anticipated demolition completion by January and plaza construction starting February.
• Cruise terminal debt refunding: Stated projected savings improved from $2.3 million (as previously discussed) to $3.4 million.
• Recognition: Noted Commissioner Ken McNeely named a 2025 San Franciscan of the Year (San Francisco Examiner), celebration Dec 3.
• In memoriam: Requested closing meeting in memory of Karen Pierce, described as a longtime Southern Waterfront activist and SAC contributor.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (Aye vote, no public comment):
  • Res. 2570: Amend lease L-1662 (California Barrel Company, LLC) to allow construction of interim open space improvements on shoreline property (portions of CWA Lot 349 and Pier 72) tied to the Potrero Power Station project.
  • Res. 2571: Retroactive authorization to modify construction contract 2848 (Roundhouse 2 Roof/Solarium/Windows) to extend substantial completion date.
  • Res. 2572: Authorize DPW to advertise/award/oversee contract 2873 (Pier 96 crane demolition) with not-to-exceed $5,255,218.
  • Res. 2573: Authorize RFP for employment administration/payroll services for Port workforce development programs.
  • Res. 2574: Adopt 2026 Port Commission calendar (regular meetings 2nd Tuesday monthly; 4th Tuesday in Feb and Apr).
  • Res. 2575: Authorize settlement in Pilot Thomas Logistics v. City and County of San Francisco et al. (fuel leak at Hyde Street Harbor): included $5 million payment to the City, mutual releases, and Pilot Thomas performance of remediation required by an Oct 25, 2024 cleanup order (CA Regional Water Quality Control Board).

Discussion Items

Pier 24 Annex License – Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) (Item 11A)

• Staff presentation (Scott Lancette, Real Estate):
  • Described Pier 24 Annex as ~27,000 sq. ft. in strong condition; previously used for 15 years by the Pilara Foundation; Pilara vacated in June (year not specified in transcript).
  • Identified key constraints: occupancy limit of 93 people, and permits/egress and structural upgrades needed for higher permanent occupancy.
  • Proposed a two-year license (target start Jan 1, 2026) with ICA to operate a free public art exhibition space and facilitate public/private events.
  • Financial terms described: $10,000/month license fee (paid semi-annually), plus 50/50 share of net event revenue.
  • ICA committed to be an on-site “steward” (daily presence, operations oversight) and to invest in light demo to open the space.
• Public/supportive testimony:
  • Allie Gass (ICA founding director/chief curator): Expressed excitement and gratitude; described ICA’s “nomadic model” activating vacant/architectural sites; emphasized contemporary art as cultural/economic force.
  • Alice Rogers: Expressed strong support; called it a “brilliant solution” and aligned with waterfront plan aspirations.
  • Enrique Landa (Power Station Project sponsor): Expressed strong support; described ICA as an effective partner.
• Commission discussion:
  • Commissioner McNeely asked about occupancy limits (building code triggers) and early termination if long-term tenant emerges; staff stated mutual termination with 6 months’ notice after allowing at least 1 year for first exhibition.
  • Commissioners expressed support for arts/activation and public benefit.
• Outcome: Approved unanimously (Resolution 2577).

Embarcadero Safe Navigation Center Extension (Item 11B)

• Action requested: Determination that HSH met option conditions and affirmation of a 24-month extension of MOU M-17094 for use of a portion of CWA Lot 330.
• Staff/HSH report highlights (Kimberly Beal; Emily Cohen, HSH):
  • Navigation Center opened Dec 2019; impacts of COVID meant 2023 was described as first year of full intended operation.
  • If extended: operations through Dec 31, 2027, with a 6-month demobilization and final surrender by June 30, 2028.
  • Option conditions summarized: dedicated services (public safety/cleaning), quarterly reporting, and Good Neighbor policy compliance.
  • HSH citywide statistics stated:
    • 2024 Point-in-Time count: “over 8,000” experiencing homelessness; about 4,000 unsheltered.
    • Reported 13% fewer people sleeping on the streets than in 2022, and that 2024 count was “lowest in 10 years.”
    • Shelter system: city “shelters and houses over 15,000 people every day;” “just under 4,000 units” of shelter; 98% occupancy in Sept for navigation centers; about 92% average nightly occupancy systemwide.
  • Public safety measures described:
    • Overtime patrols from Southern Station stated as 7 days/week, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
    • SFPD community ambassadors stated as Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (began April).
    • Five Keys increased exterior cleaning to hourly starting April 2025.
    • Five Keys neighborhood ambassador program described as operating 6 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
• Public testimony (mixed):
  • Dr. Mark Hall (resident near site): Opposed/raised concerns; stated neighborhood “not in a good way;” claimed no outreach to him; described open drug use and alleged guests interact with drug activity; argued dedicated police staffing commitments not consistently met and relied on voluntary overtime; called for “firm conditions” if extended.
  • Alice Rogers (co-chair, advisory committee): Supported extension; acknowledged historical neighborhood harms (drug activity/loitering/blight) and emphasized new MOU responsiveness, critical incident reporting, increased supervision/logging, and Five Keys ambassadors; urged model be extended to other shelters.
  • Shelley (Rincon Hill Dog Park manager): Raised safety concern about open drug use affecting dogs/children; requested signage, exposure guidance, Narcan access and training, and coordination for overdose/poisoning response.
  • Additional commenter (dual citizen Italy/US): Raised concern about cruise ship emissions and asked environmental/health impacts be included as cruise expands.
  • Phone comment (Katie Liddell, co-chair Northern Advisory Committee): Supported extension but emphasized ongoing issues of loitering/drug use/vagrancy; noted bench removal helped; urged continued improvements; expressed surprise at recent personnel changes.
• Operator and SFPD remarks:
  • Steve Good (CEO, Five Keys): Explained site leadership changes as routine cross-training; described relationship-based ambassador approach (not traditional security); stated many loiterers are not shelter residents; argued shelter provides an important tool to address homelessness even if problems persist.
  • Captain Amy Hurwitz (SFPD Southern Station): Noted severe staffing shortages (60–70 officers now vs. 150 about 12 years ago); described reliance on overtime; stated ambassadors and Five Keys efforts help; reported no “major incidents” recently, mostly lower-level issues.
• Commission discussion:
  • Commissioners generally supported extension while recognizing neighborhood concerns and staffing constraints; discussed Narcan training and community engagement.
• Outcome: Approved unanimously (Resolution 2578), affirming the 24-month extension.

Parking Management MOU with SFMTA (Item 11C)

• Proposal: Approve MOU for unified management/operation/enforcement of on-street and off-street public parking on Port property (Resolution 2579).
• Key figures and structure (Jennifer Gee, Port):
  • Port waterfront: 7.5 miles.
  • On-street: about 370 meters and ~1,500 on-street spaces.
  • Port public lots: 11 lots.
  • FY2023 parking & citation operating income: approx. $21.2 million, with revenue mix stated as:
    • 40% collectively from SFMTA-managed sources (27% on-street + 13% citations)
    • 56% from leased parking lots
    • 4% from Port-managed individual stall agreements
  • Existing on-street agreement formally expired 2017 but continued under prior terms.
  • Lease model for lots: operators keep 33% of gross revenues; major lot leases noted as expired (2005 for one operator group and 2022 for another).
  • Under new MOU: Port retains 100% of gross parking and citation revenue; reimburses SFMTA for costs.
  • Implementation includes pay-station/signage investments; noted $200,000 Caltrans grant to offset purchase/installation of 28 multi-space pay stations.
  • Termination: either party can terminate with 1-year notice effective at fiscal year end; Port may remove specific facilities at any time.
• Public comment: None.
• Outcome: Approved unanimously (Resolution 2579).

Port Building Standards Code Amendments (Item 12A)

• Presentation (Matthew Bell, Acting Chief Harbor Engineer):
  • Port acts as its own local building department separate from DBI.
  • Adopted “2025 Port of San Francisco Building Standards Codes” effective Jan 2026 through end of 2028.
  • Key change: clarified that the Port Commission is the appeal authority for code interpretation challenges (replacing unused/obsolete reference to a building code review board); staff exploring process for independent technical review support (potential DBI boards to advise).
  • Fees: no increase now; staff confirmed current fees cover direct staff and software; may study overhead and return later if fee changes needed.
  • Technical update: under-pier plumbing requirements adjusted to allow additional appropriate materials (less restrictive language).
• Public comment: None.
• Outcome: Approved unanimously (Resolution 2580).

New Business

• Vice President Englund: Reported on attendance at the American Association of Port Authorities meeting; encouraged staff to explore a more proactive “blue economy” initiative (marine transportation, ocean tech, coastal resilience) and noted interest in coordination with other ports (including Port of San Diego).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved: October 7, 2025 meeting minutes approved unanimously.
• Executive session held (legal/real estate, anticipated litigation, public employee appointment).
• Consent calendar adopted unanimously: Resolutions 2570–2575, including:
  • $5,255,218 not-to-exceed Pier 96 crane demolition contract authorization (Res. 2572)
  • $5 million settlement payment to the City in Pilot Thomas Logistics fuel leak litigation (Res. 2575)
• Pier 24 Annex ICA license approved unanimously: 2-year term, target Jan 1, 2026 start; $10,000/month plus 50/50 net event revenue share (Res. 2577).
• Embarcadero Safe Navigation Center MOU extension approved unanimously: extension through Dec 31, 2027 with demobilization through June 30, 2028 (Res. 2578).
• SFMTA parking management MOU approved unanimously: modernizes and unifies on-/off-street public parking management; references $21.2M FY2023 parking/citation operating income and $200,000 Caltrans grant for 28 pay stations (Res. 2579).
• Updated Port Building Standards Code approved unanimously: effective Jan 2026–Dec 2028; clarified Commission appeal authority (Res. 2580).
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m. in memory of Karen Pierce.