A member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in February requested the city’s chief economist produce an economic report on the gig economy and workforce in San Francisco.

“With the rise of the gig economy and workforce — we should be having discussions about whether our 20th century work standards and definitions work in a 21st century economy,” said Farrell. “Once we better understand the size and scope of this workforce — we can begin drilling down on appropriate policy solutions, or regulations, to ensure workers are earning, or qualifying for the benefits they deserve.”

Supervisor Farrell asked that the report examine the following:

• The size and scope of the gig economy and workforce in San Francisco?
• How much gig workers are earning in San Francisco?
• The different type of employee classifications gig workers may fall under?
• What worker benefits may, or may not be available to gig workers?
• And, anything else substantive about the gig economy and workforce that the chief economist deems necessary to report on.

“I firmly believe that all workers, regardless of their employee classification, deserve access to traditional worker benefits,” said Farrell. “Any policy proposals aimed at the gig economy and workforce must take into account the innovation, flexibility and jobs these platforms and services were able to create, so that we continue to support further growth in this area and do not stunt it.”

The report is expected to be completed in early spring. Once the report is released, Farrell will host a hearing on the report and a discussion around pursuing traditional workers benefits for gig workers in the growing gig economy in San Francisco.