https://www.siliconvalley.com/2022/09/23/scott-knies-sv-chat-economy-san-jose-downtown-covid-real-estate-google/

Scott Knies has been involved in San Jose’s business and economic scene for decades, stints that have been marked by multiple firsts. In 1982, Knies became the first executive director of The Fencing Center, opening the sports club’s first two locations in downtown San Jose. Knies then served as the Alum Rock Business Association Manager in 1986-87, and in 1988 he became the first executive director of the San Jose Downtown Association. Knies produced many events to raise downtown San Jose’s profile over the years, including Sharkbyte Art, San Jose America Festival, Music in the Park and Downtown Ice. The last two and a half years of COVID have ravaged city centers around the world, including San Jose’s downtown. But hope is on the horizon with the upcoming launch of Google’s new transit-oriented neighborhood near the Diridon train station. With the downtown at a crossroads of both optimism and uncertainty, this news organization conducted a question and answer exchange with Knies, ahead of his retirement in November after 34 years at the helm of the San Jose Downtown Association.

Q: How badly was downtown San Jose harmed by the pandemic and the business shutdowns?