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Union Square Business Improvement District Awards Civic Leaders

Wes Tyler, Supervisor Aaron Peskin and Mayor Gavin Newsom cited for their leadership

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21 October 2005 -- SAN FRANCISCO: Applauded for their service, leadership and vision, businessman Wes Tyler, Supervisor Aaron Peskin and Mayor Gavin Newsom have been honored by the Union Square Business Improvement District ( www.unionsquarebid.com ) for their contributions to the City at large, and for their support of the BID's mission of keeping the downtown district “clean and safe.”

“These three individuals exemplify the very best of what a public-private partnership can be,” said Leigh Ann Baughman, Union Square BID Executive Director. “Our mission is to keep the Union Square area clean and safe. This year, that mission has begun to be replicated by other neighborhoods in the City. These three leaders have helped us not only fulfill our mission, but helped to promote the idea Citywide.”

Complete copy of the awards follows:

Wes Tyler

The Union Square BID Service Award

For his ceaseless commitment to strengthening communities; for his professional and courteous demeanor in all business dealings; and for his record-breaking attendance at every meeting of Project Homeless Connect we salute Wes Tyler for his service, dedication and modest ability to “walk the walk” of keeping the Union Square BID “clean & safe.”

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Aaron Peskin, President, San Francisco Board of Supervisors

The Union Square BID Leadership Award

For his enthusiastic representation of San Francisco and its citizens; for his tireless attention to political detail; and for his forward-looking sponsorship of the “Community Benefit District” legislation to make more San Francisco neighborhoods“clean & safe” we salute Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin for his leadership.

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Gavin Newsom, Mayor of the City & County of San Francisco

The Union Square BID Vision Award

For his fearless and consistent leadership; for his pioneering efforts to assist the City's most needy citizens while also encouraging all residents toward a more civil society; and for his unwavering support of the Union Square BID's mission of keeping the area “clean & safe” we salute Mayor Gavin Newsom for his vision of a better San Francisco for everyone.

The Union Square Business Improvement District (BID) is a 10-block area where property owners assess themselves to make their community cleaner, safer and more vibrant. The BID assessment is used to purchase services that supplement those provided by the City. The Union Square BID contains 97 properties and is roughly bounded by Sutter Street to the North, Stockton and Grant Streets to the East, Market Street to the South and Cyril Magnin to the West. In 1994, California joined most states in the country and passed enabling legislation for property based business improvement districts (PBIDS). There are currently over 1,000 BIDS in the United States and Canada. Also part of the Union Square BID’s success are the “TAGGers.” “TAGGers” (an acronym for Take Away Graffiti and Grime ) are the primary caretakers for Union Square and the whole BID district. Seven days a week, throughout the day, they sweep the sidewalks, pick-up and dispose of trash and debris, and remove graffiti from storefronts, buildings, area light poles and street furniture. Sidewalks are steam cleaned twice a month. BID “Ambassadors” are a visible presence for safety and maintenance in the BID’s ten-square-block borders. Easily identifiable by their red and blue uniforms, the Ambassadors provide visitors and tourists with a variety of services including directions, transportation information, emergency response, and even help elderly shoppers with their bags as they cross San Francisco’s busy streets.

For more information on the Union Square Business Improvement District, access their website at www.unionsquarebid.com, or call (415) 421-3135.