District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney's office announced March 18 that $3 million will be set aside for the Music and Entertainment Venue Recovery Fund — double the initial commitment of $1.5 million. "As chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, I am proud to be allocating $3 million of our city's surplus to the venue fund," Haney stated in a news release. "Our nightlife and entertainment venues are an important cornerstone of our city's economy, and a vital part of our history and culture.
Our venues need this money, they need it now, and we need our venues." As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, Haney authored legislation establishing the fund, which was approved by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors February 23.