City of San Francisco

Transforming Annual Reporting Into Civic Storytelling

MISSION

The City and County of San Francisco engaged Commune to produce a citywide Annual Report showcasing the collective impact of its partnerships with Community Benefit Districts (CBDs). The goal was twofold: celebrate the work of these districts and quantify the value they bring to neighborhoods. The challenge lay in creating a report that would resonate with audiences as varied as government officials, business owners, residents, and the broader public.

METHOD

Commune led a strategic planning process to define the core narratives, balancing City accountability, CBD success stories, and resident-facing impacts. From there, we developed a flexible design system and editorial layout that featured the diversity of the locations while reinforcing the overall City brand.

MAGIC

The final Annual Report went beyond standard government communication. By pairing compelling narratives with a vibrant, flexible design system, it elevated complex economic development data into a celebration of civic pride and community impact. Each Business District’s individuality was honored, while the City’s overarching role was clearly communicated. The result was an accessible, resonant piece that not only engaged stakeholders but also laid the foundation for broader communications about San Francisco’s economic development and neighborhood vitality.