At Signal House Research, we’re deeply passionate about giving back.

James has partnered with a variety of charities and nonprofits to identify constituent pain points, improve user feedback loops, bolster fundraising efforts, and drive branding efforts. We’ve partnered with a number of admirable organizations including Tenderloin Community Benefit District, Vacant to Vibrant, and San Francisco New Deal.

James is personally passionate about the arts, downtown renewal, nature conservation, and DEI. Let us know what you’re passionate about, and discuss our pro bono offerings for charities and nonprofits.

Neighborhood Banner Project: a case study

The Tenderloin Community Benefit District works to improve the quality of life within San Francisco’s downtown Tenderloin neighborhood by positively impacting the physical environment, driving neighborhood pride, and creating economic momentum.

An opportunity arose to fund banners throughout the neighborhood aimed at:

  • highlighting positive neighborhood attributes

  • fostering neighborhood pride

  • driving awareness of the TLCBD

Project Intro

Working with TLCBD staff, James led workshops with a variety of neighborhood audiences (residents, property owners, business owners, local employees.) He guided 45 individuals in an exploration of neighborhood sentiment, strengths, opportunities, and sources of Tenderloin pride.

Project Insights

By analyzing the resulting qualitative data, James identified a number of relevant themes in neighborhood pride. After an iterative process with TLCBD staff to ensure mission alignment, he partnered with the design agency Mucho to bring the themes to life.

Two resulting themes were the historic nature of the district (with over 400 landmarked buildings) and the large senior population.

Project Impact

Banners installed throughout the 44 blocks of the Tenderloin beautified the district with community-driven messaging, celebrating the landmarked neighborhood and highlighting the rich history of pride, diversity and hope within the Tenderloin. This project also delivered a broad range of unique and memorable brand assets.