HONORING GENENTECH ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, the founders of Genentech, Bob Swanson and Herb Boyer chose an industrial warehouse in South San Francisco to establish the world’s original biotechnology company, marking the beginning of South San Francisco’s third great evolution from meatpacking to steel manufacturing, into the global hub known as the “Birthplace of Biotechnology”; and
WHEREAS, for five decades, Genentech has been fueled by an unparalleled passion for science and a pioneering spirit, driving groundbreaking discoveries that have fundamentally changed patients’ lives and reduced the burden of complex health challenges on society; and
WHEREAS, Genentech’s scientific excellence has produced pioneering therapies, including the development of the first targeted antibody for cancer in the U.S. (Rituxan) and the first medicine for relapsing and primary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (Ocrevus); and
WHEREAS, Genentech is now leading the next revolution in human health by pioneering the integration of AI and data science into every facet of drug discovery and patient care, backed by one of the industry's largest pipelines, with 72 new investigational medicines in clinical development, and a commitment to deliver 20 transformative medicines by 2029; and WHEREAS, Genentech has grown from a handful of employees to become the city’s principal employer, maintaining a campus of 63 buildings and over 10,000 workers, while also committing to the next 50 years of healthcare innovation through a major campus transformation, which is expected to create approximately 4,000 jobs; and WHEREAS, Genentech continues to demonstrate corporate leadership through its dedication to environmental sustainability, with recent South San Francisco investments that save millions of gallons of water and significantly reduce Genentech’s global environmental footprint by achieving true zero emissions.
WHEREAS, Genentech is steadfastly focused on leveraging science, evidence, and community partnerships to close care gaps and improve health outcomes across diverse communities by advancing inclusive research, championing health literacy and removing barriers to breakthrough medicines and timely healthcare; and WHEREAS, the company maintains a deep commitment to the community of South San Francisco, pledging millions toward housing, transportation, and local programs such as Genentech Goes to Town and Genentech Gives Back, and actively supports K-12 students through its Futurelab a 10-year partnership with South San Francisco Unified School District that has touched over 8,000 K-12 students; and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City Council of South San Francisco, declared Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as Genentech Day in South San Francisco on the occasion of Genentech’s 50th Anniversary, and does hereby commend Genentech for its enduring commitment to scientific excellence, its pioneering dedication to patients, and its invaluable partnership and investment in the community of South San Francisco and looks forward to continuing this successful partnership for decades to come, as Genentech leads the next era of biotechnology and innovation. ________________________________
Mark Addiego, Mayor
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Mark Nagles, Vice Mayor
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James Coleman, Councilmember
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Eddie Flores, Councilmember
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Dated: April 22, 2026 Buenaflor Nicolas, Councilmember