Mayor Edwin M. Lee announced the launch of the San Francisco Enterprise Zone Web App, a web-based tool that allows San Francisco businesses to apply online for the City’s popular Enterprise Zone hiring tax credit program. The Enterprise Zone Web App will replace a completely paper-based process with a web based tool which increases government efficiency and makes it easier for businesses to utilize the program.  

“I am committed to making it easier for local businesses to operate and grow jobs in San Francisco,” said Mayor Lee. “The Enterprise Zone Web App takes a powerful tax incentive program and brings it online so small businesses, manufacturers and other firms can save time while they save money.” Read more.

Today Mayor Lee and Board of Supervisors President David Chiu announced introduction of new Open Data legislation to strengthen San Francisco's landmark Open Data initiatives, including the creation of a Chief Data Officer and encouraging the use of information for more efficient government services. The legislation is a major milestone in San Francisco's Open Data initiative. 

"Making City data available to every day citizens will help government explore new solutions to old challenges," said Mayor Lee. "Changing Open Data policies can unleash the creativity of the private sector so they can help us improve City services that impact our lives, from transportation, to how we access our parks, to how we request City services, making San Francisco the leader in Gov 2.0." Read more.

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced during his remarks at TechCrunch Disrupt SF that October 2012 is Innovation Month in San Francisco. This declaration is both a celebration and a call to action to highlight the City’s need to further embrace technology and catalyze greater job creation, community engagement and government efficiency through innovation.

"Innovation can drive solutions to social and civic challenges, it can help build our economy and it can help generate jobs," said Mayor Lee. "As the Innovation Capital of the World, San Francisco is home to the top technology and creative talent in the world, and we continue to attract companies such as Pinterest and Twitter because we have created an environment that embraces and celebrates innovation. The month will highlight and promote innovation in both the civic and private sectors to create a better San Francisco." Read more.

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) awarded San Francisco with an additional $3 million in Workforce Innovation grants to train and reskill San Francisco residents for the City’s growing number of technology and IT jobs. The City’s TechSF Initiative received $5 million from DOL in March.

“Making sure that San Franciscans receive the skills and training they need to compete in the 21stcentury job market is a cornerstone of my economic strategy and critical to our City’s economic recovery,” said Mayor Lee. “I thank the Obama Administration for investing in public-private partnerships that strengthen workforce training and bridge the skills gap between our residents and the good paying jobs that many of our tech companies are creating right here in San Francisco.” Read more.

Today Mayor Edwin M. Lee, as Chair of the first U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Technology and Innovation Task Force, announced the Open Government Innovation Partnership – a call to action to help cities advance and prioritize innovation to drive job growth, economic development, improved efficiency and collaboration. The USCM Technology and Innovation Task Force will be asking Mayors to join the partnership as active and committed partners to help build an ecosystem that will help cities advance and prioritize innovation to improve government.  “This is a time for cities to confront challenges by taking risks and embracing innovation,” said Mayor Lee. “In San Francisco, we are using technology and innovation to improve city services that impact our everyday lives, from transportation to education to civic engagement.” Read more.