second to recognize the importance of arts and culture in helping to really sustain the reputation of the city of san francisco as a cultural destination city. the 16 million people from outside of san francisco visited us last year. and what will draw them to the region and the city, is the cultural richness that we have here in the city. we see this in public spaces throughout the city. in all disciplines, to the neighborhood cultural centers, this reputation as a cultural city really helps to bring all those people here, to help us to sustain the largest employment sector of the city, the hospitality industry. the hotel taxes and we capture the benefits, the direct benefits to the city of this interest in the city. and the hotel tax brings in 62% of what, in the current fiscal year, will go to the general fund. and only 20% will go back to the cultural sector. all the different things that we do there. some of this funding also goes to support housing. i think that as the supervisors are now considering all the different challenges that you are faced with in terms of balancing the budget and making decisions, it is important to reme

destination is its reputation as an arts center. and how has this department contributed to that? it contributed to the vibrancy of our city. it reflects our culture diversity. it tells the story of our history of the city. it enables us to create a cultural legacy for generations to come. the public art component is a vital part of the city's art scene. and in addition, it really conveys an important message that providing public art, free accessible public art 24/7 is an essential city service.