San Francisco Port Commission Meeting - March 10, 2026: Reports, Policy Updates, and Project Feasibility

The San Francisco Port Commission held its regular meeting on March 10, 2026, at 10:15 AM. The meeting began with approval of the previous meeting minutes, followed by a closed session. Upon return to open session, the commission heard the Acting Executive Director’s report covering multiple waterfront initiatives, including the Fisherman’s Wharf Entertainment Zone approval, capital projects, and a legislative summit. The commission then took up a consent calendar, an informational presentation on leasing efficiency policies and rate schedules (which were adopted), an update on the feasibility of redeveloping Piers 30‑32, and a presentation on draft guidelines for naming port facilities. Commissioners also raised new business items regarding a blue economy strategy, deferred maintenance bundling, and potential film studio space.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Previous Minutes (Item 2): The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the February 24, 2026 port commission meeting. (Motion and second; all in favor, none opposed.)
• Consent Calendar Items (Item 10): The commission adopted three resolutions unanimously:
  • Resolution 2611: Retroactive authorization to modify construction contract for Crane Cove Park Playgrounds and Dog Park to extend the substantial completion date.
  • Resolution 2612: Approval of a memorandum of understanding with the San Francisco Police Department for periodic use of Pier 94 for emergency vehicle operations course training.
  • Resolution 2613: Authorization to accept and expend a grant of $4,973,000 from the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, including $4,500,000 for the Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project and $473,000 for ferry gate B improvements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alice Rogers (President, South Beach Rincon Mission Bay Neighborhood Association) spoke twice:
  • On the consent calendar, she expressed appreciation for the staff's work in securing the ferry grant, noting the challenging environment.
  • On the Piers 30‑32 update, she applauded the ongoing conversation to make the pier viable and expressed understanding of the separation of properties while hoping for future progress.
• No other public comments were made; the public comment periods for other items were closed with no speakers.

Discussion Items

Acting Executive Director’s Report (Item 9A)

• Michael Martin, Acting Executive Director, reported on the following:
  • Women’s History Month – The port will celebrate with a Bay Area BIPOC Women Makers event on March 28 at the Ferry Terminal Plaza.
  • Fisherman’s Wharf Entertainment Zone – Approved by the Board of Supervisors, allowing to‑go alcohol sales during special events to boost foot traffic.
  • Crab Crawl – Second annual event on March 8 sold out, with 200 registered participants and strong walk‑up attendance.
  • Downtown SF Partnership – The port is working to join the 43‑block Community Benefit District when it expands in 2027, to provide ambassador and event services.
  • Waterfront Restaurant offering – A new lease opportunity at the waterfront restaurant (Pier 7 area) is being marketed by Maven Retail.
  • Crane Cove Park – San Francisco Opera will perform “La Bohème” on April 11‑12 as part of a free outdoor series.
  • Bay Lights return – The Bay Bridge lights will relight on March 20, honoring former Mayor Willie Brown’s 92nd birthday.
  • Capital Projects:
    • Pier 29½ bulkheads rehabilitation nearly complete; marketing for new tenant starts this summer.
    • Demolition of steel structures and timber wharf at Pier 90 grain silos is almost complete, removing trespassing hazards and creating leasable space.
    • Procurement of a new crane barge (grant‑funded) will allow in‑house waterfront repairs and disaster response.
    • Terry Francois Boulevard Bike‑Pedestrian Safety Project began construction on February 28, with completion expected by end of March, including new paving, barriers, and accessibility features.
  • AAPA Legislative Summit – The port delegation met with congressional members to advocate for port infrastructure funding and water resources legislation.
• Commissioners commented positively on the report, highlighting partnerships, the blue economy workshop hosted by Vice President English, and the value of federal advocacy.

Leasing Efficiency Policies and Rental Rates (Item 11A)

• Rebecca Benissini, Strategic Portfolio Manager, presented proposed parameter rates for port property and six policy changes to streamline leasing. Key proposals:
  • Allow broker commissions for office, shed, land, and food/beverage locations.
  • Align port commission approval thresholds with the Board of Supervisors (leases ≥10 years or $1M).
  • Revise retail leasing policy to clarify steps for tenant proposals.
  • Authorize staff to waive de minimis late charges (up to $300, up to twice a year) for tenants in good standing.
  • Expand tenant improvement rent credits beyond current limits.
  • Increase staff authority to execute mutual termination agreements (monthly rent up to $30,000) and allow termination fees.
• The commission took public comment (none) and then voted to adopt resolutions 2614‑2618.

Piers 30‑32 Redevelopment Feasibility (Item 11B)

• Christine Maher and representatives from Strata Investment Group (Jesse Blout) provided a six‑month update on the project, which is paused for 18 months to explore feasibility improvements. The project faces a $125 million infrastructure gap, challenged by office market vacancies and the complexity of the seawall project.
• Six strategies were identified for evaluation: (1) alternative construction to fit three floors within 40‑foot height limit; (2) reducing/altered scope; (3) phasing community benefits; (4) identifying additional local funding sources; (5) streamlining regulatory framework; (6) monitoring office market improvements.
• The next update at 12 months will present analysis results; at 18 months a new schedule may be brought for approval.
• Public comment from Alice Rogers supported continued dialogue. Commissioners asked about partnerships and market conditions; Strata expressed optimism.

Naming Guidelines for Port Facilities (Item 12A)

• David Beaupre presented draft guidelines for recognizing individuals, places, and events through naming, monuments, or commemorative plaques. Key criteria: nominee must be deceased or retired for at least two years (commission can waive), with significant contributions to the port. A 90‑day waiting period is proposed.
• Commissioners discussed honoring living individuals (Commissioner Adams advocated for giving "flowers while alive"), integrating sponsorship opportunities (Vice President English), and using interpretive signage versus naming. The commission asked staff to explore broader options and return with a finalized policy in spring.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions Adopted:
  • The consent calendar (Resolutions 2611, 2612, 2613) was adopted unanimously.
  • The leasing efficiency policies and parameter rates (Resolutions 2614, 2615, 2616, 2617, 2618) were adopted unanimously.
• Directives: Staff will continue evaluating Piers 30‑32 feasibility and report back at the 12‑month mark. The naming guidelines will be refined and brought back for final approval in spring. Staff will prepare informational items on blue economy strategy, deferred maintenance bundling, and potential film studio space on port property.
• Next Steps: The commission scheduled future presentations on the AAPA legislative summit, the Blue Economy Incubator consultant survey, and a follow‑up on Pier 30‑32 evaluation.