San Francisco plots Mamdani-style state-backed grocery stores: Zombie chains

San Francisco voters could soon be asked to bankroll government-backed grocery stores and crack down on so-called “zombie” retailers under a pair of proposals that echo New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s controversial food affordability plan.Supervisor Bilal Mahmood is expected to unveil two ballot measures for November that would create a fund to support grocery stores and impose taxes on chain corporations that leave grocery stores and pharmacies vacant, The San Francisco Standard reported.The measures come as San Francisco continues to struggle with grocery store and pharmacy closures, leaving some neighborhoods without easy access to fresh food and essential goods.Grocery prices have also risen amid the city’s broader affordability challenges.One proposal would establish a fund that could receive both city dollars and private philanthropic contributions to help keep grocery prices affordable.Mahmood’s plan goes beyond simply subsidizing stores.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story The fund could also help corner stores convert into full-service grocery markets with fresh food and allow the city to purchase vacant buildings and lease them at below-market rates to grocers willing to keep prices low.The second ballot measure would target “zombie stores” by taxing chain corporations that intentionally leave grocery stores and pharmacies vacant.“Everyone deserves access to fresh food, prescription medications, and everyday essentials close to home,” Mahmood said, according to the outlet.The proposal mirrors elements of a grocery-store plan Mamdani has been promoting in New York.

The effort has drawn criticism from skeptics who question whether a relatively small number of publicly supported stores can make a meaningful dent in food cost...