What is the Hayes Valley Public Life Study?
The Hayes Valley Public Life Study looks at how people use the Hayes Street Shared Space, also known as the “Hayes Promenade.” We will study how people use the space, its costs and benefits, how people travel through the area, and how the shared space affects local small businesses.
Why is the City doing this study?
We will use the study to help make decisions about the future of the Hayes Street Shared Space. This includes future permits and possible improvements to make the area safer and easier to walk around.
When will the study be completed?
We expect to share early findings before the permit renewal hearing in November 2026.
Based on what we learn, we may also explore other ideas in early 2027 for using the space and improving pedestrian safety.
We Want to Hear From You
We want to hear from local small businesses about how the Hayes Street Shared Space affects them.
If you own or operate a business in Hayes Valley, tell us what is working, what is not, and what you would like to see in the future.
Take the Business Survey. Survey closes Friday, September 25, 2026.
Partner agencies
Contact information
Casey Hildreth, Senior Planner at SFMTA
Casey.Hildreth@sfmta.comJeremy Shaw, Principal Planner at SF Planning
jeremy.shaw@sfgov.orgTolu Atoyebi, Planner at SF Planning
sydney.atoyebi@sfgov.org