San Francisco, buffeted by homeless encampments, rampant drug use and an office real estate crisis that has largely emptied out its once-thriving downtown, is attempting a makeover ahead of the giant Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit it will host next week. This week it’s been aggressively clearing out homeless camps that have been major eyesores, driving away tourists and infuriating local businesses. But is it too little, too late? 

Though San Francisco’s problems may not be unique to the city, its image has certainly been damaged by questions concerning safety and doubts about its economy. That’s why local officials are using the upcoming APEC summit as a chance to put the city’s best foot forward for the world to see.