👀 You Saw the Sticker — Thanks for Checking In.
Hayes Street has been closed since 2020, and you deserve to know what’s going on.

đź“Ť Hayes Street between Gough & Octavia

What’s Going On?

The 400 block of Hayes Street has been closed to traffic since 2020. What began as a temporary emergency measure is now being pushed as a permanent closure — without inclusive input from the full neighborhood.

đź“‹ Closure Permit Status Update
November 20, 2025
We’ve issued a statement summarizing what occurred at the SFMTA Board hearing this week and our takeaways.
—> Read our full statement on the outcome

more updates to come

Why It Matters

  • Many small businesses say the closure has harmed foot traffic and sales.
  • Families and residents have raised concerns about access, noise, and equity.
  • City policy is being shaped by one group — while others are shut out.

What You Can Do

Why We’re Posting This

You’ve probably seen flyers around the neighborhood promoting the “Hayes Promenade” and a permanently car-free street. That’s one vision. This is another. We’re inviting the rest of the neighborhood into the conversation.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Hayes Street closed?
The 400 block was closed in 2020 as a temporary emergency response to COVID. But the closure has continued for over 5 years — and now, Supervisor Bilal Mahmood is pushing for it to become permanent.

Who decided this?
The closure runs on a temporary permit issued by SFMTA. But the drive for permanence has come from the Supervisor, the HVNA, and a few select event organizers — not from inclusive neighborhood input.

Isn’t this just a pedestrian plaza?
That’s the image being promoted — but in reality, it’s a closed block with unclear management, frequent private events, and little oversight. Most small businesses nearby have not benefited and many have reported major losses in foot traffic.

What’s the concern?
Many small businesses report major drops in foot traffic and sales. Residents raise concerns about access, fairness, and who really gets to shape public space.

What do you want to happen?
We believe the street should be reopened to restore balance — and any long-term changes should come through an open, inclusive, and accountable process.

(Last updated: November 3, 2025)