Health Service Board orders 2024 election for two seats; nominations open Jan. 12

The San Francisco Health Service Board adopted a resolution ordering the 2024 Health Service Board election for two seats whose terms are expiring, and authorized staff to initiate the election process.

Holly (board secretary) told the board the nomination period begins Jan. 12 and closes Feb. 16; candidates may attend an orientation on March 1 hosted at City Hall by the registrar and the city attorney; the election will run May 17'May 31 using mailed paper ballots for eligible active and retired members and qualifying surviving spouses or domestic partners; vote tabulation will be overseen by the registrar and reported in early June with the newly elected members seated at the June 14 meeting.

The resolution specifically identified the two seats as those currently held by Commissioners Karen Breslin and Christopher Canning. Commissioner Follansby asked staff to research historical voter response rates for prior elections; staff agreed to return with information and suggested distribution of candidate fact sheets included in the packet.

The board moved and seconded the resolution and approved it by unanimous roll call.

Why it matters: The election sets the timeline for member representation on a board responsible for administering health benefits to city employees and retirees. Clear nomination and orientation dates give potential candidates time to prepare materials and make an informed decision.

Next steps: Staff will publish the nomination and orientation materials and report back on historical turnout and possible improved outreach methods.