Mayors of Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, and Richmond Assert that the Arts are Good for Business
The Mayors of Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, and Richmond convened a news conference and series of public events October 2, 2009, to announce the launch of an unprecedented partnership that shines a spotlight on arts and culture as proven catalysts for urban development, economic vitality, quality of life, and community sustainability. Read more about 510ARTS.com and the newly formed East Bay Cultural Corridor.
Join “Your SF Public Schools” to Build a Brighter Future for our Students
The San Francisco Foundation Education Program Officer Lisa Villarreal has joined with a collective of 17 public and private partners to create a permanent campaign to promote San Francisco public schools. On September 1st, yoursfpublicschools.org launched the first interactive wave of this campaign. Yoursfpublicschools.org aims to inspire each of us to play a role in helping build and ensure a world-class public education system that embodies the same spirit of equity, innovation, and community commitment that makes San Francisco so vibrant. Read more to learn how you can take action and get involved in this campaign.
Environment Program Officer Arlene Rodriguez Travels to DC for Talks with Key Environmental Leaders
Environment Program Officer Arlene Rodriguez traveled to Washington, D.C., last week with a delegation of funding partners to present case studies from the Bay Area, Baltimore, and Minneapolis. In addition to an audience with key staff from the newly formed partnership between Department of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency, the delegation met with Congressional leaders to promote the importance of a holistic approach to issues of transportation, climate, housing, and energy in developing truly sustainable regions. This conversation with White House officials is the first in a process of ongoing engagement between regional leaders and White House staff, coordinated by the Funder’s Network for Smart Growth.
Report Released Outlining the Reform of San Francisco’s Nonprofit System
Mayor Gavin Newsom, Sandra R. Hernández, M.D., and City Attorney Dennis Herrera released the Mayor’s Community-Based Organizations Task Force report, “Partnering with Nonprofits in Tough Times.” Comprised of key city, nonprofit, and philanthropic leaders, the Task Force report presents six key recommendations for the city and the nonprofit sector, including: consolidation of nonprofit administration, supporting nonprofit mergers and closures, aggressively pursuing funds to maximize revenue, improving management and oversight, promoting financial sustainability measures, and developing a strategic plan for delivery of the most vital community-based services.
