Launch Local!
Vacant Retail Activation Pilot Program
Katie Donner
Management Analyst I
Economic & Community Development Department
March 26, 2025
Recommendation
Program Background
Introduced February 12, 2025
Responds to vacant storefront challenges
Supports first-time brick-and-mortar businesses
Structure: short-terms leases, up to a $10k tenant improvement allowance, targeted outreach
Council Direction & Feedback
Support for activation goals
Interest in barbershop tenant
Priority for SSF residents
Concerns about one-year lease limit
Encourage to create a model for private property owners to duplicate
Why “Launch Local”?
Chosen via survey of key stakeholders
Reflects local focus and business launch opportunity
Memorable, energetic, place-based
Program Objectives
Activate underutilized retail spaces
Support emerging businesses
Encourage unique, experiential services
Prioritize local and Renaissance trained entrepreneurs
Launch Local! Program Overview
Request for Interest (RFI) Process
Who Can Apply?
For-profit businesses seeking first SSF location
Retail or experiential service concept
Demonstrated readiness & capacity
Renaissance program graduates prioritized
Lease Structure
Initial 12-month lease
Monthly sales reporting
Triple Net lease terms
Rent credit for tenant improvements
Ongoing evaluation for lease extensions
Tenant Commitments
Security deposit: $2/sq. ft.
Minimum operating hours (7 hours/day, 5 days/week)
Maintain common areas, insurance, utilities
South San Francisco Business License required
Proposal Evaluation
RFI Timeline
Fiscal Considerations
Program Impact & Next Steps
Launch Local! fosters local entrepreneurship
Enhances streetscape vitality
Encourages broader retail investment
Staff seeks approval to proceed with program launch