Agenda

AEI is proud to partner with Neighbors for a Better San Francisco to convene the San Francisco Solutions Summit, bringing together leaders and subject-matter experts from across sectors who are committed to strengthening the city’s economic and civic health. Throughout the day, we will engage in focused, solution-driven conversations aimed at making a measurable difference in addressing some of the key issues that matter most to San Franciscans.

Join us for a brief welcome as we begin a day centered on collaboration and forward-looking action for the city.

• • Jay Cheng, President, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco
  • Rebecca Good, Managing Director, Outreach, American Enterprise Institute

San Francisco’s economic model is under pressure. Downtown vacancy rates remain high and return-to-office levels lag behind much of the country—even as AI and other emerging technologies, driven by Bay Area–founded companies, reshape the global economy. At the same time, the city faces a growing budget deficit projected to exceed $1 billion by 2030.

What economic and structural dynamics are shaping this moment? This session will explore practical strategies to help translate the region’s technological leadership and historically strong tourism base into renewed vitality for San Francisco’s urban core.

• • Robert Doar, President, American Enterprise Institute (Moderator)
  • Rafael Mandelman, Board President, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
  • Shola Olatoye, CEO, San Francisco Downtown Development Corporation 
  • Peter Scher, Vice Chairman, JPMorgan Chase (Presenter)

The city’s severe housing shortage reflects decades of limited production, leaving affordability out of reach for many individuals and families who want to live, work, and build a future here. Recent reforms mark meaningful progress toward addressing this challenge, but meeting the state-mandated goal of permitting 82,000 housing units by 2031 will require sustained commitment and additional action.

This session will outline a practical path forward—one that aligns thoughtful planning, community priorities, and housing growth at the scale necessary to restore opportunity and affordability in San Francisco.

• • Rodney Fong, CEO and President, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce 
  • Tobias Peter, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute (Presenter)
  • Matt Regan, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Bay Area Council (Moderator)

Additional speakers to be announced.

A break for lunch to continue conversations with fellow participants before the afternoon sessions begin.

Real progress has been made to reduce visible street homelessness, yet too many people remain unhoused—and too many neighborhoods continue to feel the strain. Untreated mental illness and substance use are significant drivers of chronic homelessness, compounded by capacity constraints across public safety, housing, and behavioral health systems.

This session will explore which approaches are delivering durable results and what system improvements are needed to sustain progress—so that policies reflect compassion for our most vulnerable neighbors and a clear commitment to safety and dignity across the city.

• • Steve Adami, Executive Director, The Salvation Army’s Way Out Initiative
  • Kevin Corinth, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute (Presenter and Moderator)
  • Matt Dorsey, Supervisor, San Francisco Board of Supervisors

Additional speakers to be announced.

San Francisco’s public schools are at an important moment of opportunity. While the district has faced real challenges in recent years—including academic recovery, enrollment shifts, and rebuilding public trust—there is growing momentum around strengthening leadership, supporting educators, and ensuring students have access to a rigorous and engaging curriculum.

This session will explore how San Francisco can build on that momentum to advance academic excellence, deepen community trust, and ensure every student is prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

• • Nat Malkus, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute (Presenter and Moderator)

Additional speakers to be announced.

Location: The Merchant Exchange Building (1st Floor)

• • Jay Cheng, President, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco
  • Robert Doar, President, American Enterprise Institute