San Francisco LAFCO votes to reduce supervisor seats and add a public seat to increase independence

The San Francisco Local Agency Formation Commission unanimously approved a resolution to amend its composition and policies to consider the city and county as a county with no separate cities under state LAFCO code. The change reduces the number of board of supervisor seats on LAFCO from four to three and increases appointed public member seats from one to two.

Executive Officer Jeremy Pollack explained staff recommends aligning the commission under the statutory option for counties without cities (citing relevant California Government Code provisions), which better reflects San Francisco’s consolidated city–county structure. Pollack said the change aims to increase independent public representation on LAFCO and reduce the dominance of appointed officials on the panel.

Chair Supervisor Connie Chan said she supported the motion, describing the shift as a step toward greater independence and inclusivity for the commission. With no public commenters, commissioners moved, seconded and approved the resolution by roll call (three ayes). The commission directed staff to advertise for a second public seat and return with an appointment process and timeline.