Robbie Silver
President & CEO
Email: rsilver@downtownsf.org
For over 15 years, Robbie Silver has dedicated his career to community building in service of nonprofit organizations, city government, and downtown improvement districts. He currently serves as President & CEO of the Downtown SF Partnership, an urban placemaking and district management organization representing the Financial District, Jackson Square, and the Embarcadero.
Robbie assumed leadership of the organization at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding the board through a comprehensive strategic planning process and leading the development of the award-winning Downtown San Francisco Public Realm Action Plan—a roadmap to reimagine downtown through tactical urbanism and the creation of new public spaces. Under his leadership, the Partnership has launched several high-impact initiatives, including Let’s Glow SF, now the largest projection light festival in the United States, generating $26 million in economic impact over five years, and California’s first Entertainment Zone on Front Street. He is currently leading the $35 million Embarcadero Park renovation project.
A leading advocate for the recovery of downtown city centers, Robbie has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, The Washington Post, and Smart Cities, and has received multiple placemaking awards from the International Downtown Association. He has been recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as an OUTstanding Voice, a 40 Under 40 honoree, and a Person to Watch for 2026.
Robbie has served three special improvement districts, including Downtown San Francisco, Union Square, and Downtown Riverside. A Southern California native, he previously worked as a public information officer for the City of Riverside and The Arc of Riverside County, supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
He holds a B.A. in Communications from California Baptist University. A devoted dog lover, Robbie enjoys spending his free time outdoors with his Weimaraner, Toby.
Speaking Engagements:
International Downtown Association Conferences in San Antonio, Baltimore, Chicago, Reno, and San Jose
San Francisco downtown revitalization panels held by the Commonwealth Club, SPUR, ULI
Awards:
Pandemic Innovation Award for the Public Realm Action Plan by Fast Company, 2023
Public Space Excellence for Let’s Glow SF by the International Downtown Association, 2022
Public Space Excellence for Winter Walk by the International Downtown Association, 2019
Partnership Award by SF Beautiful, 2019