San Francisco Makes Last-Minute Clean Up Efforts for APEC Summit

In an action reminiscent of hasty home tidying before guests arrive, San Francisco is undergoing a swift and significant cleanup as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit draws near. The bustling city is known for its stunning landscapes and progressive politics, but in recent years, a chilling narrative depicting decaying downtown areas strewn with litter, homelessness, and open-air drug usage has taken center stage. As APEC attendees, including diplomats, journalists, and businesspeople, prepare to congregate, San Francisco's streets have been rejuvenated with freshly swept paths, fixed potholes, and a heightened police presence sprawled across its economic centers.

The impulse to present a polished image is driven by an urge to alter the city's 'doom loop' perception—a spiral of neglect leading to business exodus and investment hesitance. In the shadow of refurbished main streets, however, the less savory aspects of San Francisco's underbelly such as drug use and mental health issues still persist, raising questions about the depth and permanence of these urban improvements.

Conservative media, particularly Fox News, has been vocal in depicting the city's struggles with public disorder, drawing national attention to the debate over effective urban governance. The criticism transcends mere local politics; with its significant Asian community and historical role as a port of entry, San Francisco's challenges resonate across the Pacific, evident by harsh coverage in Chinese language media describing the city as a hub for crime.

In response to such negative press, Mayor London Breed has initiated actions to shift the narrative and showcase the city's successes. With new shelters to accommodate the homeless population and initiatives like 'Vacant to Vibrant' to invigorate empty retail spaces, the city is striving to promote the diverse and active life that defines San Francisco. Despite criticism from high-profile detractors—which could indirectly affect investor sentiment represented by companies like TWTR—the mayor's office reports growth with 3,600 new businesses launched recently.

The city's renowned dining scene and other vibrant sectors offer a glimpse of the hoped-for narrative—a city equally famous for its beauty and innovation. As San Francisco prepares to host APEC, it finds itself at an intersection between combating negative stereotypes and persistently working to address deep-rooted social issues, aiming to redefine its identity in the eyes of the world's economic leaders.

SanFrancisco, APEC, Cleanup