Rules Committee forwards Gilbert Williams's Planning Commission nomination to full Board
March 11, 2024 | San Francisco County, California
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The Rules Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on March 11 unanimously voted to forward Gilbert Williams's nomination to the full Board for confirmation to Planning Commission seat 3, a term ending July 1, 2026.
Williams, nominated by Board President Aaron Peskin, told the committee he was born and raised in San Francisco, trained as a union carpenter and has worked for two decades as a small building contractor and, for the past four years, as a carpenter with the city's Department of Public Works. He also said he lost his home to foreclosure in February 2010 and has since worked on housing and anti-displacement advocacy. "It would be an honor to continue her work," he said of outgoing Commissioner Gabriela Ruiz, and spoke repeatedly about centering marginalized voices in planning.
The nomination drew broad public support. Community organizers, representatives from Chinatown CDC and the Council of Community Housing Organizations, labor (Carpenters Local 22) and neighborhood advocates lauded Williams's track record in community engagement and his construction experience. "He's a powerhouse of community spirit, planning and advocacy," said Charlie Shamus of the Council of Community Housing Organizations. Timothy Ryfield of Carpenters Local 22 said Williams "knows how to build these things" and endorsed his appointment.
On the dais, Supervisor Preston praised Williams's volunteer and organizing background and expressed support. Supervisor Safaie pressed Williams on the city's housing element targets and on protecting small businesses from displacement; Williams said the city needs stable state and federal funding and that he would review projects individually to guard against adverse neighborhood impacts. "I think the community should have a say," Williams said, urging engagement and listening on large-scale zoning changes.
Acting Chair Walton moved to "strike 'reject' throughout and replace with 'approve'" and to send the appointment as a committee report to the full Board. The committee recorded 'aye' votes from Supervisors Preston, Safaie and Walton; the motion passed without objection.
The full Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the nomination at its March 19 meeting.
Williams, nominated by Board President Aaron Peskin, told the committee he was born and raised in San Francisco, trained as a union carpenter and has worked for two decades as a small building contractor and, for the past four years, as a carpenter with the city's Department of Public Works. He also said he lost his home to foreclosure in February 2010 and has since worked on housing and anti-displacement advocacy. "It would be an honor to continue her work," he said of outgoing Commissioner Gabriela Ruiz, and spoke repeatedly about centering marginalized voices in planning.
The nomination drew broad public support. Community organizers, representatives from Chinatown CDC and the Council of Community Housing Organizations, labor (Carpenters Local 22) and neighborhood advocates lauded Williams's track record in community engagement and his construction experience. "He's a powerhouse of community spirit, planning and advocacy," said Charlie Shamus of the Council of Community Housing Organizations. Timothy Ryfield of Carpenters Local 22 said Williams "knows how to build these things" and endorsed his appointment.
On the dais, Supervisor Preston praised Williams's volunteer and organizing background and expressed support. Supervisor Safaie pressed Williams on the city's housing element targets and on protecting small businesses from displacement; Williams said the city needs stable state and federal funding and that he would review projects individually to guard against adverse neighborhood impacts. "I think the community should have a say," Williams said, urging engagement and listening on large-scale zoning changes.
Acting Chair Walton moved to "strike 'reject' throughout and replace with 'approve'" and to send the appointment as a committee report to the full Board. The committee recorded 'aye' votes from Supervisors Preston, Safaie and Walton; the motion passed without objection.
The full Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the nomination at its March 19 meeting.
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