Since mid-September 2025, our ongoing Hayes Street survey has been gathering input from Hayes Valley residents, small businesses, and frequent visitors. As of November 2025, the results remain remarkably consistent:
Awareness
- 77% knew the Hayes Street closure was originally approved as a temporary COVID emergency measure.
- 57% were aware that the 20+ block Hayes Valley Entertainment Zone (EZ) was passed into law without meaningful public notice.
Reopening vs. Permanent Closure
- 91% support restoring Hayes Street to normal operations (ending / reopening the closure).
- 95% oppose making the closure permanent (24/7, 365 days a year).
Inclusion in Decision-Making
- 82% do not feel meaningfully informed or included in the decision-making process around the closure or the EZ.
- The remainder are split between feeling included and wanting to be more involved.
Entertainment Zone Alignment
- 84% say the Entertainment Zone does not align with the needs of the neighborhood.
- Only a small minority feel that it does, with a few respondents unsure.
Business Impacts
Among respondents who operate or work at local businesses:
- 93% report that the closure has hurt their ability to operate.
- 100% report decreased foot traffic under the current closure.
- 0% report that the closure has helped their business.
Key Perspectives From Survey Respondents
“The sidewalks never stopped working as walkways. With the sidewalks now filled with tables and chairs, people edge along the street near the curb, away from the shops, unable to see store windows. The middle of the street is almost entirely filled with skateboarders, so dangerous for walking. Aside from the noise and the garbage, the street closure means buses are rerouted, no one can park, and the surrounding streets are perpetually clogged. Stop this stupidity!”
~ respondent works in Hayes Valley
“Foot traffic has dropped significantly. Deliveries are harder, pickups take longer, and customers avoid the area during the closure hours. It has made normal operations much more difficult.”
~ respondent operates a business in Hayes Valley
“Don’t fix what isn’t broken! The closure creates traffic congestion in the surrounding neighborhood. Chestnut Street provides a public off-street parking lot. Build one for Hayes Street and then propose your permanent closure.”
~respondent lives in Hayes Valley
This summary will continue to be updated as additional responses are received.
Respondent anonymity is fully protected. No identifying information is shared publicly, and any names or emails submitted voluntarily are kept confidential.