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Entertainment Commission
Commissioner - Neighborhood Representative
Jim Meko was born and raised inSt. Paul, Minnesota and came to San Francisco by way of Philadelphia. He has lived in the South of Market since 1977. At that time, there was an influx of gays into SoMa and with all the entertainment venues cropping up; Folsom Street became known as the "Miracle Mile."
Tensions between the resident community and the entertainment industry grew as the area was transformed into more of a destination for drinking and dancing and they spilled over in the late 1990s. After several contentious years, he was among a group of long-time residents who sought out friends in the entertainment industry to make peace and, in cooperation with The San Francisco Late Night Coalition, a better sense of community gradually emerged.
With his partner of 30 years, he owns a two-story wood frame building that dates back to 1909, operating a small business on the ground floor and living in the flat upstairs.
As chair of the SoMa Leadership Council, he has sought to keep all interests, including entertainment, at the table and has been active in promoting a community-based planning process that seeks to enhance the vibrant mixed-use qualities of the neighborhood, to the benefit of everyone who lives, works and plays in South of Market.
He was involved in drafting the legislation that created the Entertainment Commission and currently serves as a commissioner who represents the interests of the neighborhoods.
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