The words of Salesforce CEO and co-founder Marc Benioff regarding downtown San Francisco’s future are truly astonishing. Even someone as politically progressive as Benioff can recognize the grim reality facing the city. The evidence of countless business closures, predominantly attributed to escalating crime rates, rampant drug problems, and the ever-expanding homeless crisis, cannot be ignored.
San Francisco's downtown 'never going back to the way it was,' Salesforce's Marc Benioff sayshttps://t.co/i0R7abCzS0
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) July 17, 2023
It is worth noting that Marc Benioff is by no means a conservative figure. As a wealthy tech billionaire in San Francisco, he is known for his staunchly progressive views. Yet, even he acknowledges the dire situation unfolding before us.
FOX Business Network reported on San Francisco’s downtown decline with headlines proclaiming, “San Francisco’s downtown ‘never going back to the way it was,’ Salesforce’s Marc Benioff says.” This three-year decline has left the city center riddled with empty storefronts, marked by disheartening “going out of business” signs hanging from windows. Prominent establishments such as Uniqlo, Nordstrom Rack, and Anthropologie have all shuttered their doors. Even basic toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste are now kept under lock and key at pharmacies, a testament to the worsening conditions. Shockingly, even luxury brands like Gucci fall prey to armed robbers in broad daylight.
In an attempt to revive the once-thriving area, Mayor London Breed has announced a $6 million plan to upgrade a three-block zone near a popular cable car turnaround, with the aim of attracting businesses back and improving walkability. However, Salesforce CEO Benioff proposes an alternative strategy. He believes that downtown San Francisco will never revert to its former state of bustling office workers commuting daily. Instead, he suggests converting office spaces into housing and bolstering law enforcement presence to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors.
While the notion of hiring more police officers is a commendable one, it is hard to fathom that the city’s far-left leadership would embrace such a proposal. The state of San Francisco, along with numerous other American cities, is a disgrace. The sad truth is that these deteriorating conditions have been allowed to persist, with little accountability or effective action taken to rectify the situation.
In conclusion, the observations made by Marc Benioff regarding downtown San Francisco’s bleak future resonate deeply, even considering his progressive stance. The undeniable evidence of business closures due to rising crime rates, drug problems, and homelessness demands attention. It remains to be seen if the city’s leadership will implement the necessary measures to address these pressing issues and restore San Francisco to its former glory.
