SoMa Nonprofit Faced 156 Percent Rent Hike in September
Dev/Mission, which trains local youth for tech careers, hopes to secure a new office space by November.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Remote Work
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A South of Market nonprofit that provides free coding training to youth faces a 156% rent increase, threatening its local operations. The organization received the notice from its landlord on September 10, 2026.
Why it matters
The organization's struggle reflects the shifting dynamics of San Francisco's commercial real estate market, where AI-driven demand for office space is pushing up costs for long-term community tenants. The nonprofit currently aims to find a new location by November to continue its work.
The proposed monthly rent is $20,000, a 156% increase from the prior agreement. In its 10-year history, the nonprofit has trained 500 students and distributed over 5,000 computers to families.
The players
Dev/Mission
A South of Market nonprofit that provides free IT and coding training to students aged 16 to 24.
The details
Dev/Mission, which has served the South of Market neighborhood for a decade, must now vacate or negotiate new terms following the September rent increase notification. The firm joins a growing list of entities navigating a tight commercial market fueled by artificial intelligence companies. The nonprofit is currently focusing its efforts on securing a new workspace by November.
Timeline
2017: The nonprofit began its computer distribution program.
September 10, 2026: The landlord issued the rent increase notice.
November 2026: The target deadline to secure a new office.
Across the Bay
This rent hike follows a documented citywide trend where AI-driven demand is tightening the market for commercial real estate. It marks a significant reversal from the high vacancy rates observed in SoMa during the years following the pandemic.
Families in SoMa relying on the nonprofit for computer access and tech training face potential disruption to these free services as the organization relocates. Residents should monitor local community boards for updates on the nonprofit's search for a new facility before November.
The takeaway
Nonprofits in the city are increasingly vulnerable to the rapid shifts in office pricing caused by tech industry expansion. Keep an eye on local commercial real estate listings or community alerts if you are involved with organizations seeking new spaces this winter.
Further reading
Learn more about the shifting nature of Remote Work and office demand across our neighborhoods.
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Do you worry that rising office rents are forcing vital local nonprofits out of your community?
