San Francisco Port Commission Regular Meeting - February 24, 2026

The Port of San Francisco Commission met on February 24, 2026, to receive the Acting Executive Director's report, approve the consent calendar, amend the harbor traffic code for Pier 70 parking, and receive an informational update on Fisherman's Wharf Forward leasing and activation efforts. The meeting also included new business items and adjourned in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 2607 (approval for commission president to travel to AAPA legislative summit, March 4–6, 2026) adopted.
• Resolution 2608 (confirmation of port commission and department head contracting authority) adopted.
• Resolution 2609 (FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 biennial operating and capital budget) adopted.
• All consent items were approved unanimously with no public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Acting Executive Director’s Report: A member of the public (L. Jennison) asked why Pier 68 is not designated a Superfund site and pushed for federal funds. The director noted staff would follow up.
• No public comment was received on the consent calendar, Item 11A, or Item 12A.

Discussion Items

Acting Executive Director’s Report (Item 9A)

Michael Martin, Acting Executive Director, presented a wide-ranging report including:

• Acknowledgment of the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson and his historic ties to San Francisco.
• Announcement of Club Dark, a new music activation at Mission Rock (select weekends Feb 27–May 16) in partnership with the Giants and Golden Voice.
• General Catalyst signed a 12-year lease for Building 12 at Pier 70 (occupancy 2027).
• Port continued support for Foodwise pop-ups on the Embarcadero Plaza in 2026–27, including Juneteenth and Black Holiday Market dates.
• Legislative advocacy updates: trip to Washington D.C. for waterfront flood study (targeting congressional action late 2026), and California Ports Day in Sacramento.
• Big Art Loop installation at Building 180 (golden frame) drew 320 free portrait participants on Feb 13–14.
• Hyde Street Harbor cleanup completed (underground pipeline removal, soil remediation); long-term groundwater monitoring underway; port will work to re-establish a fuel dock.
• Dry Dock 2 emergency stabilization contract ahead of schedule; temporary patches installed, pump usage reduced; stabilization to complete Q3 2026; supplemental appropriation on Board of Supervisors agenda.
• Pop-up fish market at Wharf J9 served over 450 customers since Jan 17; crab cooking/cleaning added.
• Wharf J9 project received a city partnering award for innovation and collaboration.

Commissioner comments:

• Commissioner Lee expressed support for the fish market, urged larger signage, and asked about the Hyde Street fuel dock tenant negotiations (prior tenant has right of first refusal).
• Commissioner McNeely noted dry dock work is ahead of schedule (not under budget) and welcomed the Giants’ entertainment expansion.
• Commissioner Adams offered historical reflections on the port’s evolution and encouraged continued collaborative advocacy.
• Vice President Englum praised the Sacramento trip, called for raising awareness of ports’ economic impact, and highlighted the upcoming Blue Economy workforce workshop (March 6).
• President Gilman emphasized the importance of local residents’ engagement and affordability at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Harbor Traffic Code Amendment – Pier 70 Parking (Item 11A)

Paul Chasen presented a code amendment to:

1. Reduce overnight parking ban hours at Pier 70 from 12am–5am to 12am–4am to accommodate early bakery staff.
2. Convert a commercial loading zone on 19th Street to metered on-street parking to increase public access. The amendment was approved unanimously.

Fisherman’s Wharf Forward – Leasing & Activation Update (Item 12A)

Scott Lansettle (Deputy Director of Real Estate) provided an informational update:

• After the demolition of Alioto’s, the port is focusing on a 2,000–3,000 sq ft cafe space on the ground floor of Fisherman’s Grotto, adjacent to the new plaza.
• Approximately $600,000 in improvements (demising walls, ADA work, storefront) will be completed by summer 2026.
• Four responses received for a short-term (2–3 year) lease with percentage rent only; tenant selection underway with goal to open by summer 2026.
• The port is also exploring small, light-use activations at Tarantino’s and Nick’s Lighthouse (e.g., coffee, ice cream, soft goods).
• Plaza activation will be supported by the Fisherman’s Wharf CBD through 2026; longer-term funding strategy to be developed.

Commissioner comments:

• Commissioner McNeely asked about timeline confidence and suggested a fallback of food trucks or kiosks if cafe tenant is delayed.
• Commissioner Lee praised the smaller-space strategy to reduce tenant costs, recommended holding some TI funds for tenant customization, and urged focusing on ground-floor first.
• Commissioner Adams asked about relationships with the fishing community; Martin noted waterside operational improvements will be presented in April.
• Vice President Englum suggested exploring revenue opportunities from upper levels (e.g., signage, simulcast events), though some commissioners cautioned against electronic billboards in favor of historic neon signs.
• President Gilman stressed the need for affordable options for locals and free cultural programming.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Resolutions 2607, 2608, and 2609 adopted unanimously.
• Item 11A (Harbor Traffic Code amendment): Approved unanimously.
• Item 12A: Informational; no vote. Staff will return with a lease approval action item in April.
• New Business recorded: Signage improvements at Wharf J9, quarterly updates on available spaces, discussion on signage/screens, port’s economic importance report, study on bundling pier improvements (including potential concession approach and hotels), commissioner retreat feasibility, and report on Pier 94 trailer site closure.
• Meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m. in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson.