Our website is two-fold: 

1. For visitors and shoppers, it showcases the people, places, history, events, and experiences that define Hayes Valley, San Francisco. 

2. For local merchants and sponsors, it provides an outlet to list businesses (retail, bar and restaurants, services), social media support and activations. 

Below are FAQs for visitors and shoppers. To read FAQs for our Merchants, click here.

The Hayes Valley Merchants Council (HVMC) is a collective of local businesses dedicated to strengthening, supporting, and promoting the Hayes Valley commercial district. Our mission is to boost economic vitality, foster community partnerships, and help maintain a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood. HVMC is a 501(c)6.

HVMC board members regularly engage with San Francisco agencies to address topics like safety, streetscape improvements, transit impacts, and permitting concerns. We advocate for business-friendly policies, collaborate with city departments, promote local storefronts, and partner with community groups on initiatives that enhance the neighborhood.

Any business located in or serving Hayes Valley—boutiques, cafés, studios, professional services, nonprofits, and home-based businesses—is welcome to become a member. Hayes Valley’s boundaries are VanNess to Webster and McAllister to Market.(Google Map)

Members receive neighborhood marketing support, promotions on Instagram and ExploreHayesValley.com, event participation opportunities, access to advocacy, and collaboration with other merchants and community partners.

Additionally, all HVMC members receive a profile in our online directory. To request updates, simply email explorehayesvalley@gmail.com.

Select your annual membership level here, add it to cart, and follow the prompts to complete your transaction. Our team will follow up with details and next steps.

HVMC membership is business-focused. Residents are encouraged to participate in community events and volunteer programs through our friends at the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA). https://hayesvalleysf.org

renewal date is based on the date you join. Dues collected from memberships help support programs, neighborhood initiatives, and collaborative community events. Monthly payment plans are another option. 

Both Premium membership $500/year and Standard membership $250/year receive a complimentary photoshoot and website listing. Premium members receive 12 Instagram business-specific posts/stories, and standard member businesses receive 6. When merchants donate and participate in events, they receive even more social mentions! 

Another key difference is that a premium member has priority to participate in a Wine Walk or have a booth at the Summer Carnival at no additional cost.

While the HVMC board meets virtually every Wednesday at 9–10am, all members meet in person annually in Q1. All members are encouraged to attend to share updates, learn about opportunities, and stay engaged.

Many of our hallmark events like the Summer Carnival are co-produced by: HVMC, the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA) and PROXY. Together, we foster neighborhood vibrancy year-round. HVMC also works cooperatively with Hayes Valley Art Works and the Hayes Promenade. 

HVMC Members get early access to vending, sponsorships, and collaborative opportunities. Sign up for announcements in our merchants newsletter emails and on our website.

HVNA leads neighborhood clean-ups, greening projects, and event volunteer coordination. If you live and work in Hayes Valley, we encourage you to also join HVNA and connect with them directly for current volunteer opportunities. https://hayesvalleysf.org/volunteer

Visit the homepage on ExploreHayesValley.com for the latest updates. Sign up for announcements in our special events emails via MailChimp here. Or walk by the Community Board at PROXY.

Yes—see requirements below.

Please email a PDF of the 8.5x11 to PROXY, the manager of the board for HVMC & HVNA. community@PROXYsf.net

Eligible Postings

Eligible postings must promote a specific upcoming event or program that meets all of the following criteria:

• takes place within the Hayes Valley neighborhood

• Is open to the public

• Includes the event name, date, time, and location

• Includes the hosting organization or sponsor

• Identifies a responsible organizer or contact person and includes a method of contact (such as an email address or phone number)

• flyers that do not identify a responsible organizer or contact person may not be posted

Example Postings include:

• neighborhood meetings

• cultural or arts events

• educational programs or workshops

• civic engagement events

• community gatherings hosted by local organizations or businesses

• HVNA and HVMC contact information for membership and general inquires

• PROXY newsletter sign-up (sharing info on free cultural programming at PROXY)

General Content Standards

The board is intended for event information and community programming. Examples of postings generally not permitted include:

• items for sale or personal advertisements

• general commercial advertising unrelated to a specific event

• campaign materials for political candidates or ballot measures

• postings that target individuals or organizations

• materials that are defamatory, discriminatory, inflammatory or untrue

You can contact HVMC anytime through email explorehayesvalley@gmail.com. Or ask a board member to add you to one or both of the WhatsApp groups: “Merchants of HV conversation” or “Hayes Valley Crime/Safety”