Project Overview: Vision Boulevard
Location: Central Freeway / Octavia Boulevard Corridor, San Francisco, CA
Website: www.visionblvd.org/
Vision Boulevard is a community-led advocacy project dedicated to transforming the northern end of the Central Freeway into a surface-level boulevard. By removing the elevated highway structure that currently divides neighborhoods, the project seeks to reclaim valuable urban land for housing, public parks, and safe, multi-modal transportation.
Project Overview: Vision Boulevard
The Strategy
The initiative proposes a transition from a fossil-fuel-centric infrastructure to a “boulevard-first” model. This approach prioritizes human-scale development and neighborhood connectivity over high-speed vehicle throughput. The project advocates for:
Land Reclamation: Freeing up several city blocks currently occupied by freeway ramps to create space for thousands of new affordable housing units.
Infrastructure Transformation: Replacing the aging elevated structure with a landscaped, surface-level boulevard that accommodates transit, cycling, and walking.
Economic Revitalization: Reconnecting the South of Market (SoMa), Mission, and Hayes Valley neighborhoods to stimulate local business growth and community interaction.
Core Objectives
Climate Resilience: Reducing the urban heat island effect and carbon emissions by replacing concrete highway infrastructure with green space and sustainable transit options.
Equity and Repair: Addressing the historical harm caused by mid-century freeway construction, which displaced communities and created long-standing environmental and social barriers.
Safety and Accessibility: Designing a streetscape that adheres to Vision Zero principles, ensuring a safe environment for the most vulnerable road users.
Public Space: Creating a world-class public realm with wide sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and community gathering spots.
Community Advocacy
Vision Boulevard is a coalition of residents, urban planners, and transit advocates. The project works to build political will and public support through data-driven research, neighborhood outreach, and collaboration with city and state agencies. The goal is to ensure that the future of the Octavia corridor reflects the values of a modern, sustainable, and inclusive San Francisco.
“Working with Greening Projects, and especially Mike Doherty and Jorge Romero Lozano, has been an absolute pleasure. From day one, their financial transparency has been exceptional. Mike provides timely, clear updates, and our donation page has always been public and easy to track. Jorge’s hands-on support has been invaluable, from coordinating community events and securing spaces to handling equipment logistics and offering steady guidance throughout the process. His expertise as a civil engineer and grant writer, paired with Mike’s deep experience in fundraising and financial management, creates a rare and powerful combination. Reimbursements have always been fast and hassle-free, communication is friendly and professional, and their commitment feels driven by genuine joy in community work rather than profit. Beyond their support of Vision Blvd, their impact across projects like Treat Avenue, Bernal Heights Rec Center, Cortland Halloween, and many others speaks volumes. I have nothing but positive things to say, and I wholeheartedly recommend Greening Projects to any community-driven initiative. San Francisco is lucky to have Greening Projects. Bravo!”
Daniel Owen, Vision Boulevard
Fiscal Sponsorship and Partnership
As the fiscal sponsor for the Ogden Avenue Gardens, Greening Projects provides the administrative and financial framework necessary to sustain this grassroots effort. Our partnership allows the project to scale its impact through professional oversight.
Financial Stewardship: We manage donations and grants dedicated to the site, ensuring transparency in how funds are used for seeds, tools, and infrastructure.
Liability and Permitting: Greening Projects coordinates with city agencies to secure the necessary land-use permits and provides insurance coverage for all volunteer workdays.
Technical Support: We provide access to horticultural expertise and specialized equipment, helping volunteer leads execute complex restoration tasks.
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