SF Parks Alliance’s Slow Streets, Fast Friends project is a community-driven initiative funded through the Community Challenge Grant (CCG) that aims to install up to 10 ground murals on 9 San Francisco Slow Streets in 2024.

Contact

feedback@sfparksalliance.org

Community Survey

As part of the community engagement process, SF Parks Alliance invited neighbors to take a survey providing input on the mural artists, locations, and more. Over 500 people took the survey, you can read through some of our key takeaways here!

Community Leaders

Installing 10 street murals in a few months is a tall task. Luckily, Slow Streets, Fast Friends is a group project. While SF Parks Alliance is leading the big picture planning of the project, the nitty gritty is being led by the communities that surround the Slow Streets. In particular, Slow Street stewards (folks who have taken on leadership roles with their streets) are making things happen. From gathering feedback to putting paint on the ground, meet the stewards leading each street.

Community Outreach Timeline

Since SFMTA launched San Francisco’s first Slow Streets in 2020, SF Parks Alliance has been working with city agencies and slow streets neighbors to make these spaces safe, community oriented hubs that residents feel ownership of. Currently, we’re working on installing these 10 ground murals on Slow Streets, but over the last four years we’ve also secured funding for these Streets, envisioned a citywide network of Slow Streets, and so much more! Learn more.

Slow streets community outreach

What is the SFMTA Slow Streets Mural Pilot Program?

The Slow Streets Mural Pilot Program is an SFMTA program designed to invite community-oriented public art onto Slow Streets in San Francisco, underscoring Slow Streets as community resources and spaces. Learn more about the Pilot Program at SFMTA.com/streemurals.

Is the mural temporary art?

Yes, the murals are temporary, meant to last about one year, and their durability may vary based on weather, UV exposure, materials, traffic, types of traffic, etc. Communities can elect to retouch or repaint murals.

What is the approval process for these street murals?

The street mural approval pilot process consists of three steps: 

  • SFMTA approval to ensure traffic safety, e.g. that the mural isn’t going to conflict with traffic markings.
  • SF Arts Commission approval of the artwork.
  • SFMTA permitting for the street closure permit for the painting of the mural. 
    • The street closure application will be scheduled to go before the Interdepartmental Staff Committee on Traffic and Transportation (ISCOTT) for review by City departments that manage event related activities and permits. Notices for this public hearing will be posted one week in advance of the hearing.

What outreach has been done to local residents? How was the mural designed?

  • Slow Street stewards (neighbors who have taken on leadership roles with their streets) are gathering feedback from residents, leading the organization of community paint days, and more. 
  • In February 2024, the SF Parks Alliance asked San Franciscans who live and/or work on Slow Streets to provide feedback on the potential temporary street murals via a community survey. We wanted to hear neighbor’s input on where they want to see street murals and what they should look like. We received over 500 responses. You can learn more about community outreach efforts around this project here.

Will I have access to my driveway during the street closure?

Access to off-street driveways may be limited during certain days and times of the street closure. The closure will be staffed at all times with folks helping to direct local traffic and access needs. We would like to coordinate with neighbors so that the mural can be painted with minimal disruptions. 

What support is provided to community leaders?

The SF Parks Alliance, San Francisco’s only citywide parks and public spaces nonprofit, is providing project management and technical support to assist community leaders in navigating the three approval processes. 

How is the project funded?

The project is funded by the Community Challenge Grant, a City of San Francisco grants program that provides financial assistance for community-led, neighborhood improvement projects. 

How can I provide feedback on the program?

Feedback is helpful, as this is a pilot program. Any feedback or questions about the program can be sent to StreetMurals@SFMTA.com.

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