Rooted in Community, Driven by Action
Since 2002, the Excelsior Action Group has been the catalyst for economic, social and civic strength in the Excelsior, Outer Mission, and broader District 11 neighborhoods of San Francisco.
The Corridors We Serve
EAG's work spans the Excelsior, Outer Mission, and Lakeview/OMI commercial corridors.
Background & History of Excelsior Action Group
Since 2002, building community strength through economic development.
Historically rooted in the Excelsior district in San Francisco, the mission of Excelsior Action Group Community Benefit District is to develop and sustain underserved commercial corridors in District 11 through small-business capacity building, public and private space activation, community engagement, attracting new small businesses, cleaning, providing assistance negotiating leases, and city liaison services.
Since 2002, EAG's work as a 501(c)3 non-profit focuses on attracting new business and investment from both the public and private sector, retaining locally-serving business and minimizing displacement by providing business support. We do this by promoting businesses, hosting corridor activation community events, and collaborating with local organizations, businesses, and city leadership to improve safety, cleanliness, and economic vitality for all who shop, dine, attend school, conduct business, and ride transit through the Outer Mission, Excelsior and Broad/Randolph commercial districts.
Why We Formed
In August 2002, residents, merchants, and community organizations of the Excelsior Neighborhood came together to voice concerns about preserving small, family-owned businesses and the eclectic character of the neighborhood; they also wanted more residents to feel comfortable and excited about shopping in the Excelsior. At that time there were a number of large, long-term and blighted vacancies, the business tax revenue had decreased leading to decades of disinvestment. A number of long term businesses had closed due to retirement and loss of revenue because of the decline in commercial activity. The businesses that opened in their stead—check cashing, liquor stores—were no longer serving the community's broader needs for goods and services.
Expansion to Outer Mission
In 2017, EAG was awarded funding to expand its services to the Outer Mission and the Broad and Randolph Commercial Corridors. Even though the surrounding neighborhoods are filled with long-time residents, 69% owner occupied housing is the highest percent in the city, there has historically been a lack of private investment in this working class, union household area. With the unexpected outbreak of COVID-19 shutting down businesses, EAG has pivoted to providing small business funding, from mini to micro-grants, from shared spaces support to PPE and storefront beautification funding.
Community Benefit District Established
In 2024, property owners voted to establish a community benefit district, that runs along Mission Street, between the new Islais Place community living (south of Russia Avenue) to Silver Avenue and the Campus for Jewish Living, operating out of the same location for over 100 years.
Our Programs & Services
Six key areas where we make an impact in the community.
Economic Development
EAG continues to provide support for small businesses with program engagement, financial coaching, assistance with grant programs and safety check-ins. Now during COVID-19, we are supporting small businesses with mini and micro grants or stipends, and offer ongoing support to businesses, especially those facing displacement.
Community Engagement
EAG creates exciting events and networking opportunities; festivals, arts and crafts, promotional programs and pub crawls, to engage small businesses and community members. EAG's engagement services to businesses along the District 11 commercial Corridors cover a wide range of program engagement, financial coaching, and safety issues.
Public and Pedestrian Safety
EAG spearheads multiple safety initiatives, such as traffic 'hot spots,' better lighting and street striping. EAG has worked with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency on the Mission-Geneva Street Safety Improvement Project, and recently participated on the Expenditure Plan Advisory Committee (EPAC) for the San Francisco County Transportation Agency.
Arts and Cultural Advocacy
EAG works with community partners, artists and volunteers to produce and execute key arts and cultural projects and events. Art projects include: The Corridor Banner Project; Waterfall, the Kenny Alley Stairs Mosaic; Ever Upward Sculpture and Plaza; Excelsior Library Gallery Wall; and a variety of multicultural community events and performances we produce throughout the year.
Small Business Support and Promotion
EAG promotes existing small businesses with events and fundraisers. EAG focuses on business attraction and welcomes new businesses with 'Grand Opening' support, including funding and publicity. EAG assists businesses with their SF Shines Grants for storefront facade improvement and compliance. We also arrange clean-up days, merchant walks and check-ins to support the merchants.
Public and Community Advocacy
EAG meets regularly with City agencies, funders and the District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safai. EAG has also worked with The Planning Department, the Mayor's Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the Supervisor and the community Working Group to develop the Excelsior Outer Mission Neighborhood Strategy visioning project.
Developing & Sustaining Underserved Corridors
"Historically rooted in the Excelsior District of San Francisco, the Excelsior Action Group seeks to develop and sustain commercial corridors that have been underserved in District 11, utilizing small-business capacity building, public and private space activation, community real estate and City liaison services."
Our Vision
The Excelsior Outer Mission Street shopping district will be an inviting, inclusive urban village. Eclectic shops, specialty stores, services and restaurants along attractive, tree-lined sidewalks will be well-served by public transportation and provide for daily needs of residents while attracting visitors from around the city. Arts and cultural institutions will offer evening entertainment in our safe, friendly neighborhood.
What Guides Us
Six core values that drive everything we do for the community.
Diversity
Acknowledging and celebrating the diversity of the community and merchants as one of the Excelsior's greatest assets.
Volunteerism
Activating the strong spirit of volunteerism to meet the needs of the community.
Integrity
Acting with integrity in all we do, holding ourselves to the highest standards of honesty and respect.
Community Engagement
Maximizing community engagement and partnerships in prioritizing, planning, and implementing EAG's vision.
Leadership
Providing leadership to revitalize, unify, strengthen, beautify, and green the commercial corridor.
Fiscal Agency
Providing fiscal sponsorship to groups seeking funding that aligns with our mission under our 501c3 status.
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