Having spent a significant portion of my life transitioning between San Francisco and Los Angeles, these cities have greatly impacted my worldview. San Francisco stands as my hometown, while Los Angeles has played host to various chapters of my life. Both cities evoke deep affection, symbolizing California’s influence worldwide. Presently, however, their trajectories appear distinct.
The city seizing attention today is not Los Angeles, but San Francisco. Merely four years ago, San Francisco epitomized urban decline nationally. News headlines fixated on crime rates, open-air drug markets, deserted downtown streets, business exoduses, and prevailing sentiments of decline. This pessimism eventually morphed into a self-fulfilling prophecy. When residents’ confidence wanes, businesses hesitate to invest. As businesses withdraw, public hope diminishes. Civic pride loses momentum, hastening decline.
These conversations were omnipresent in my daily interactions. Upon returning to San Francisco from Los Angeles in 2022, my LA acquaintances doubted my choice. Their misgivings proved unfounded. At present, San Francisco is fundamentally transformed. Beyond cleaner streets, fresh investments, and improving economic data, the city has regained self-assurance. A growing belief exists that local challenges are solvable—that government functions effectively, businesses cooperate rather than conflict, and progress emerges from collaboration.
Achieving this mindset shift necessitated concerted effort. San Francisco’s resurgence was shepherded by leaders recognizing that recovery demands substantive actions. Mayor Daniel Lurie prioritized economic revival and public safety. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Police Chief Derrick Lew, and U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian illustrated that collaborative efforts can eclipse siloed approaches. Increasingly, business leaders, labor organizations, neighborhood groups, and civic entities collaborate toward shared objectives.
The Democratic establishment within San Francisco has evolved as well. The Democratic County Central Committee has endorsed a pragmatic governance approach. A practical chair, Nancy Tung, appreciates that progressive ideals and economic growth need not conflict. Upholding public safety, welcoming businesses, and demanding government accountability now constitute essentials for an equitable city.
This cooperative spirit is San Francisco’s strategic edge. The city now attracts investments instead of repelling them, giving entrepreneurs confidence to establish roots. Employers find encouragement to expand locally rather than relocate. Most crucially, it rekindles faith among residents that their city holds promise.
I now detect echoes of past conversations in Los Angeles. Conversations swathed in resignation. Doubts regarding bureaucratic adaptability. Concerns over employers and investors diverting interests elsewhere. Reduced expectations can inadvertently pave the path to realization.
When San Francisco previously languished, expectations could amplify stagnation. Presently, the reverse is being illustrated, underscoring a pivotal concept: cities need not forsake core values to progress. Compassion can coexist with accountability, innovation with business openness, vulnerable populace protection with public safety enforcement, and ambitious goals with measurable achievements.
Los Angeles retains global eminence. Its artistic prowess, entertainment sector, academic institutions, ports, cultural diversity, and entrepreneurial vigor constitute undeniable strengths. Yet, numerous institutions appear disjointed. Resultantly, dialogues often commence with constraints instead of solutions.
Similar tribulations once beset San Francisco. The optimistic message, applicable to Los Angeles and other American urban centers, is that these trajectories are malleable. Cities can adapt. Political climates can evolve. Public expectations can transform.
San Francisco’s metamorphosis stemmed from an altered attitude. We pivoted from wondering whether recovery was plausible to exploring mechanisms to attain it. Prioritization of results, harmony, and civic pride over rhetoric, discord, and cynicism emerged. City interests were placed at the forefront.
This may be San Francisco’s quintessential teaching—for Los Angeles and other progressive cities across America. When communities embrace tangible progress over stagnation, exhilarating outcomes are attainable.
Alex Bastian is president and CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco.