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

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)

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.