Here’s the latest in our “Meet the Candidates” series for District 5, where we ask each candidate to answer one question per week leading up to the election. Three candidates are challenging incumbent Supervisor Dean Preston to represent District 5, which spans from the east end of Golden Gate Park through Haight-Ashbury, Japantown and the Western Addition, the Lower Haight and Hayes Valley, and most of the Tenderloin.
This week, we’re talking business, as District 5 is home to several vibrant commercial corridors. And it’s also Small Business Week in the city.
We asked the candidates: What is the state of business in District 5, and how do you plan to support businesses — big and small — as supervisor?
Note: I will be at Alamo Square Cafe, at 711 Fillmore St., on Thursday, May 9 at noon. Come say hi.
Dean Preston
- Job: Incumbent, tenant attorney
- Age: 54
- Residency: Homeowner, in D5 since 1996
- Transportation: Public transit
- Education: Bowdoin College and J.D. from UC Hastings
- Languages: English
As the only former small business owner on the Board, I know how hard it is to run a business in San Francisco. I was an early advocate for shared spaces, championed ordinances to stop eviction of businesses during the pandemic and waive back rent, secured grants for Fillmore entrepreneurs, launched a victim assistance program for vandalized businesses, funded sidewalk power washing, and more.
Our small business recovery in District 5 has been strong, but there is much more to do, especially for businesses in the Tenderloin.
I’m proud to be endorsed by Small Business Forward, business owners and workers across District 5.
Endorsed by: Bernie Sanders, United Educators of San Francisco, San Francisco Labor Council, San Francisco Tenants Union, National Union of Healthcare Workers
Allen Jones
- Job: Activist
- Age: 67
- Residency: Tenant, living in D5 since Nov. 2021
- Transportation: Wheelchair
- Education: Teaching Bible studies at juvenile hall.
- Languages: English
I’m unsure of the state of business in District 5. I read reports, but they do not match what I witness. Nevertheless, as a resident, I am committed to initially spending at least $100 on any NEW business. For instance, Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement that just opened on Fillmore Street. Check out Holy Stitch on Market Street, a denim factory-plus that opens soon. The entire concept is needed here.
Based on negative experiences I’ve encountered with past and present supervisors, I, as a supervisor, will have my ears and heart open to creativity.
Autumn Looijen
- Job: School board recall co-founder
- Age: 46
- Residency: Tenant, landowner, living in D5 since Dec. 2020
- Transportation: Public transit
- Education: B.S. from CalTech
- Languages: English
No response submitted.
Bilal Mahmood
- Job: Founder of private and philanthropic organizations
- Age: 37
- Residency: Tenant, living in D5 since May 2023
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: B.S. from Stanford, M.Phil from University of Cambridge
- Languages: English, Urdu
Businesses in District 5 have struggled to rebound since the pandemic and, in turn, our neighborhoods have suffered devastating losses to their vibrancy. For example, Haight and Hayes have, combined, lost more than 1,000 businesses, a net 5 percent reduction since 2020.
I’ll prioritize revitalizing our business community by streamlining our permitting process and cutting bureaucratic red tape to foster a supportive business environment.
Our economic resilience also depends on supporting diversity and inclusivity in our businesses. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with local business owners around the district who echo the same concerns.
Endorsed by: State Senator Scott Wiener and DCCC Chair Honey Mahogany
Money raised and spent in the District 5 supervisor race
Source: San Francisco Ethics Commission, as of April 3, 2024. Chart by Junyao Yang.
The order of candidates is rotated each week. Answers are capped at 100 words, and may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at eleni@missionlocal.com.
Read the rest of the District 5 questions here, and the entire “Meet the Candidates” series here. Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
