In a unanimous decision, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors confirmed Mike Chen to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board of Directors, an appointment made by Mayor London Breed. As reported by the City and County of San Francisco news outlet, Chen has replaced former board member Lydia So, who is now part of the Planning Commission. An experienced data engineer, Chen brings his expertise in the tech sphere into the realm of public transit.
Chen's appointment came after some delay when Board President Aaron Peskin called for further engagement with Chinatown leaders. The supervisors' Rules Committee, where Peskin serves with colleagues Shamann Walton and Ahsha Safaí, had voted favor Chen's confirmation 2-0 since Walton was absent on Monday. This paved the way for the full Board's confirmation yesterday, according to coverage by the Bay Area Reporter.
With a clear stake in the city's transit ecology, being a regular rider on several Muni lines and an e-bike aficionado, Mike Chen is also recognized for his advocacy in housing, transportation, and urbanist efforts as a volunteer lead for YIMBY Action. "Mike is committed to a vision of a safe, efficient, and sustainable transit that works for all and creates a stronger, more vibrant San Francisco,” Mayor Breed stated via the City and County of San Francisco, emphasizing the alignment of interests between the appointee and the city's transit goals.
Chen, who is not new to the SFMTA framework and has chaired its Citizens' Advisory Council, is poised to handle immediate contentious issues, including a vote on Mayor Breed's proposed ban on RV overnight parking on city streets. "I am excited to get to work and tackle some of the big challenges for the MTA," Chen told the Bay Area Reporter, indicating his readiness to address the complex balance of city transportation needs with policy. Aside from transit advocacy groups, District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani expressed her support for Chen, citing his thoughtful, well-researched solutions and passion for public service.
