Robbie Silver

Executive Director

Email: rsilver@downtownsf.org

For over 12 years, Robbie Silver has focused his passions of community building and placemaking to serve nonprofit organizations, city government, and business improvement districts. Robbie is currently the Executive Director for the Downtown SF Partnership, the community benefit district that encompasses the 43-block Financial District and Jackson Square neighborhood, which was formed in 2020 and has a $4.4 operational budget.

Robbie took the helm of the organization during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his time in San Francisco, Robbie led the board of directors through a 3-year strategic planning process and published the award-winning Downtown San Francisco Public Realm Action Plan, a roadmap to reimagine downtown with tactical urbanism strategies and creation of new public spaces. Robbie also spearheaded Let’s Glow SF, the largest holiday projection mapping festival in the U.S., creating a $3M economic impact. Robbie’s placemaking and place management programs have been recognized by Mayor London Breed, the International Downtown Association, and Fast Company. An advocate for recovery of downtown city centers, Robbie has been featured in the NY Times, Washington Post, and Smart Cities.

Robbie has served 3 special improvement districts including downtown San Francisco, nearby Union Square, and downtown Riverside. Robbie previously served as the public information officer for the City of Riverside, including serving as a spokesperson for the 29th largest public utility in the country. Robbie also worked for The Arc of Riverside County and fundraised over $100,000 for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Robbie earned a B.A. in Communications from California Baptist University. A dog lover to the core, he 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