The Connective Tissue: Vikrum Aiyer on Connection, Community, and San Francisco's Future

The Connective Tissue: Vikrum Aiyer on Connection, Community, and San Francisco's Future

Welcome to The REAL San Francisco Podcast! In this episode, Alexander Fromm Lurie and Baxter Smith sit down with Vikrum Aiyer for a powerful conversation about connection, community, civic leadership, and the future of San Francisco. From his work in the Obama administration and technology policy to his involvement in San Francisco’s civic and cultural institutions, Vikrum brings a unique perspective on what it takes to build a stronger, more connected city. This episode explores one of the biggest questions facing San Francisco today: How do we move from a boom-and-bust cycle into a more sustained, inclusive, and thriving future? Together, Alexander, Baxter, and Vikrum discuss the importance of building “connective tissue” between tech companies, local businesses, nonprofits, cultural institutions, government leaders, and everyday residents. They also dive into the role of AI, downtown recovery, civic pride, the arts, community investment, and why San Francisco’s next chapter depends on all of us choosing to participate. If you care about the future of San Francisco — whether you live here, work here, invest here, or simply love this city — this episode is a must-watch. Topics we cover: Vikrum Aiyer’s journey through government, tech, policy, and civic leadership Why San Francisco needs more connection across sectors How tech and AI companies can become better stewards of the city The role of arts, culture, and civic institutions in San Francisco’s comeback Why community investment matters for long-term growth How San Francisco can move beyond the boom-and-bust cycle What residents, founders, leaders, and everyday citizens can do to support the city’s future Why San Francisco’s next chapter is about pride, participation, and shared responsibility Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the real San Francisco — from real estate and business to culture, community, technology, and civic life. Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay Real San Francisco. #RealSanFrancisco #SanFranciscoPodcast #VikrumAiyer #SanFrancisco #SFCommunity #SanFranciscoRealEstate #BayAreaPodcast #CivicLeadership #SanFranciscoTech #AIinSanFrancisco #SFArts #SanFranciscoFuture 00:00 Opening Teaser 00:38 Welcome to The Real San Francisco Podcast 00:53 Introducing Vikram Iyer 01:13 Building a More Sustainable San Francisco 01:35 Vikram’s Background in Policy, Tech & Civic Leadership 02:31 Why San Francisco Needs More “Connective Tissue” 04:03 From the East Bay to DC and Back to San Francisco 05:12 Why Local Impact Matters 06:19 How Companies Can Be Better Stewards of San Francisco 08:11 Why Employers Must Invest Locally 09:12 Connecting AI, Climate, Talent & Local Institutions 10:36 The Disconnect Between Tech, Arts & Community 12:26 Are Tech Leaders Thinking About Civic Responsibility? 14:07 Why San Francisco Needs a Coordinating Backbone 15:34 The San Francisco Futures Initiative 17:09 Moving Beyond the Boom-and-Bust Cycle 19:00 How Local Investment Creates a More Stable City 20:41 What San Francisco Needs More of Right Now 21:19 The Challenge of Polarization Within the City 23:14 Safety, Schools, Housing & the Need for Dialogue 24:22 Tech, Labor & Cross-Sector Conversations 25:12 Why Cultural Institutions Matter 26:20 The San Francisco Symphony & the Power of Convening 28:12 The Untold Story of San Francisco’s Institutions 29:19 How Everyday San Franciscans Can Invest in the City 30:55 Three Ways to Support San Francisco’s Future 31:28 Bring People Back Into the City 32:21 Becoming Spokespeople for San Francisco’s Story 33:15 Building an Inclusive City 34:16 San Francisco Five to Ten Years From Now 34:32 Rethinking Space, Parks & Downtown 35:48 AI, Capital & Building a Stronger Civic Foundation 36:48 Pride, Stewardship & Giving Back 39:39 How Giving and Micro-Actions Can Help the City 41:57 Civic Pride and Investing in San Francisco’s Future 43:02 Closing Thoughts with Vikram Iyer 43:24 End

SF Market Reset, The Energy Has Returned

Welcome back to The Real San Francisco Podcast. In this Summer 2026 Market Signals episode, Alexander Fromm Lurie and Baxter Smith explore the forces shaping San Francisco right now—and why the city feels more dynamic than it has in years. From the rise of AI and the return of office culture to tightening inventory, rising rents, and renewed confidence in the city, we unpack what’s driving today’s market and what it means for buyers, sellers, homeowners, and anyone paying attention to San Francisco’s next chapter. Whether you’re actively considering a move or simply trying to understand where the city is headed, this conversation offers an insider perspective on the trends, psychology, and opportunities emerging across the market. In this episode: • Why San Francisco feels different right now • How AI, job growth, and return-to-office policies are influencing housing demand • Why single-family homes remain one of the most competitive segments of the market • Where we still see value and opportunity across the city • What buyers should be doing now to prepare for the second half of the year • The strategies helping successful buyers and sellers navigate today’s market The Real San Francisco Podcast explores the people, neighborhoods, ideas, and market forces shaping one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Subscribe for market insights, conversations with local leaders, and stories from the front lines of life in San Francisco.

Why We’re All In on San Francisco (and Why You Should Be Too) (Ep. 2)

Why We’re All In on San Francisco (and Why You Should Be Too) Welcome to The REAL San Francisco Podcast. In this episode, Alexander Fromm Lurie and Baxter Smith dive deep into why San Francisco is making a major comeback—and why the city’s future looks brighter than it has in years. From record-low crime rates and a surge in tourism to billions pouring into AI and new small businesses reshaping neighborhoods, this conversation goes beyond the headlines to show you what life in San Francisco really looks like in 2025. If you’ve been hearing that “San Francisco is dead,” this episode tells the real story—one filled with growth, energy, and a renewed sense of community. Topics We Cover: The 2025 stats that prove the city’s turnaround is real How AI, tech, and new leadership are fueling the comeback The cultural revival through concerts, parks, and neighborhood life What makes San Francisco’s communities so special How lifestyle and real estate go hand in hand in the city we love Whether you’re a lifelong San Franciscan, a new resident, or someone who’s been watching from the sidelines—this episode will remind you exactly why we’re all in on San Francisco. Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring real conversations, local insights, and expert takes on life, business, and real estate in the city we call home.

REAL San Francisco | Real Estate Market Update. What’s REALLY Happening Right Now (Ep.1)

Welcome to The REAL San Francisco Podcast! In our first episode, we cut through the noise to give you a clear look at what’s really happening in San Francisco real estate right now. From new listings and bidding wars to price cuts and neighborhood trends, Alexander Fromm Lurie and Baxter Smith break down the numbers and share insider insights that matter most for buyers and sellers. If you’ve been confused by the headlines or wondering what’s actually happening on the ground, this episode is your guide. Topics we cover: * The truth behind today’s SF market headlines * Where buyers are competing — and where opportunities lie * What sellers should know heading into fall Subscribe for weekly episodes with market updates, insider conversations, and expert tips on navigating life and real estate in San Francisco.