As we head into 2025, Kultivate Labs faces a significant challenge that threatens to derail our efforts in revitalizing the SOMA Pilipinas commercial corridor. Due to the city’s ongoing budget deficits, exacerbated by the “Doom Loop” effects, many of our crucial grants have been cut or reduced. This fiscal strain forced us to make difficult decisions this year, including reducing the number of UNDISCOVERED Creative Markets from three to just one, freezing all pay increases, and even laying off a team member. These setbacks pose a serious risk to the momentum we have built in economic development and cultural programming in SOMA Pilipinas.

If we fail to address this funding crisis, the economic and cultural development of SOMA Pilipinas might stall. This would not only hinder our ability to support local businesses and artists but could also lead to the loss of cultural vibrancy and community engagement that we have worked so hard to foster. It is imperative that we act now to prevent these setbacks and ensure the continued growth and success of our mission.

We call on our community, stakeholders, and new supporters to join us in this critical moment. Your support through donations, attending our fundraising events, or spreading the word will provide the lifeline we need to continue our work. Help us preserve and enrich the cultural heart of SOMA Pilipinas. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for our community.

The 5M Brookfield Development in San Francisco’s SoMa district is poised to become a beacon of cultural and economic revitalization. This ambitious project, encompassing residential, commercial, and cultural spaces like The George apartments and The Parks at 5M, is transforming the urban landscape. However, the development has sparked concerns about gentrification within the community. To address these fears and ensure inclusive growth, we are committed to filling the commercial spaces, currently 100% empty, with vibrant Filipino businesses.