Daly City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Daly City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Top of the Hill Festival RFP Process and Transparency
The City is promoting this year's festival with ads on TV, YouTube, bus stops, and airports, aiming well beyond last year's ~20,000 attendees. The festival now extends to the newly opened Grocery Outlet, and the car show raises money for Jefferson High School robotics.
Small Business Engagement Day and commission vacancy
The third annual engagement day, now set for Thursday, November 12, invites all 7,000+ registered businesses to raise concerns directly with commissioners — last year it helped save nearly a dozen tenants from eviction. The five-member commission also has one vacancy the City Council will fill, requiring a licensed Daly City business owner.
Employee ownership as business succession strategy
With over half of small business owners 55 or older and few finding buyers, Project Equity proposes converting businesses to worker co-ops, employee ownership trusts, or ESOPs to save local jobs and keep wealth in the community. The commission may bring a fuller workshop to Daly City businesses if email outreach shows interest.
Mission Street Corridor Improvement District Strategy
The city is pivoting from a property-based district to a BID where Mission Street businesses would assess themselves to pay for cleanups, events, marketing, and beautification. A council vote could happen by December, and a business-led board would decide how funds are spent.
Small Business Entrepreneurship Resources
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center offers free classes — from choosing an LLC vs. sole proprietorship to marketing and branding, some in Spanish — plus a Capital Summit at the Cow Palace on July 28 connecting businesses with funders.
Legacy Business Recognition Program
The third annual celebration honored five long-standing businesses like Classic Bowl and Hilltop Beauty School, and commissioners want to broaden next year's honorees — possibly including the city's DJ companies.
Library Assistant III hiring
The board received the employment list for a Library Assistant III opening — part of the process of staffing your local library branch.
Entertainment zones designation
Four entertainment zones were designated where future special events could allow patrons to carry alcoholic drinks in designated public areas — no permanent open-container zones were created.
Legacy Business celebration
The commission is planning a May celebration honoring Daly City's legacy businesses, with past winners showcased, local catering, and entertainment.
2026 Federal Tax Law Impacts on Local Business and Real Estate
New federal law makes the 20% business income deduction permanent, boosts equipment write-offs, and adds childcare tax credits for employers. But small contractors should watch the 1099 threshold — it dropped from $60,000 to $600 per client per year.