The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) provides programs and services that are focused on strengthening San Francisco’s different commercial corridors, creating a business climate where companies can grow and prosper, and ensuring a high quality of life for all San Franciscans. Civic Edge has worked with OEWD on different marketing and outreach campaigns since 2014.
In partnership with graphic design firm lowercase productions, Civic Edge has developed marketing materials and collateral for OEWD’s Shop and Dine in the 49 initiative and Open for Business campaign. Both projects focused on stimulating hyperlocal neighborhood economies, with material and collateral crafted to celebrate the unique and vibrant characteristics of a particular shopping network.
Open for Business started as a pilot in 2016 for construction mitigation by promoting local businesses to residents and visitors during major city infrastructure projects. Since then, it has developed into a full-fledge program with campaigns developed for Upper/Middle and Lower Polk Street, Van Ness Avenue, West Portal, Castro, Taraval, and Haight Ashbury. Materials have included everything from braided seed packets, tote bags, bookmarks, and posters to A-frame signage, retail directories, street banners, and social media campaigns. Success for each campaign begins with directly engaging merchants to identify and build out tailor-made ideas that support immediate and long-term corridor needs.
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