Richard Hillis, AM 1993
Revitalizing a City
Driving through San Francisco, Richard Hillis, AM'93, sees the impact of his work every day. Deputy director of the Mayor's Office of Economic Development, Hillis works on a wide array of large-scale projects-from establishing business improvement districts and revitalizing commercial corridors to rebuilding athletic stadiums and reusing the city's old industrial land.
"I like working in local government, particularly in San Francisco, because I love the city," he said. "It's great to actually see the things you do and how they make a difference."
The creation of Octavia Boulevard-just one example of a project Hillis manages-grew out of the collapse of part of the elevated Central Freeway during the 1989 earthquake. Many residents did not want the highway rebuilt, sparking a grassroots effort around and debate about use of the land. About five years later and after votes on a series of competing ballot initiatives, the highway was demolished. Hillis noted, "There aren't many cities that are tearing down freeways and replacing them with street level roadways."
Over the last 15 years the area has been transformed. A new thoroughfare was constructed, 1,000 units of both market-rate and affordable housing are in the process of being built, and parks have been landscaped. Hillis oversaw the construction of the actual boulevard, sold land to housing developers, and coordinated the numerous city departments involved. One frustrating aspect of his job: many of these projects take years to complete. In fact, Octavia Boulevard is still in the works.
"The goal of these types of projects is to make San Francisco an even more livable place," he explained. "A primary focus is to provide new housing opportunities-both affordable and market rate-because there is an endless demand here with limited supply."
A city dweller for all of his adult life, Hillis has always been active in neighborhood groups and interested in urban development-even prior to entering local government when he was working in the finance world. "As I got more involved, I thought it would just be a fun thing to do for work."
Hillis noted that his master's degree helped build a foundation for his work by giving him an understanding of economic principles and political institutions. While that knowledge has been helpful, he stressed, "Nothing can really prepare you for this type of work, but actually doing it."
He summarized much of what does as working with various interest groups-from unions to neighborhood groups to housing developers-to find an option that balances everyone's wishes and concerns. "That's the main thing you need to understand to be successful."
