Committee recommends Steven Lee for Port Commission after supporters testify

The Rules Committee heard Item 2, the mayor’s nomination of Steven Lee to the Port Commission, and voted to forward the nomination to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

Chair Aaron Peskin framed the port as a statutory entity (Burton Act) and noted the seat has been held by Doreen Wu Ho for more than a decade. Steven Lee introduced himself, citing decades of small‑business experience, service on the Entertainment Commission, and a desire to support port recovery, equitable access to the waterfront and small business tenants at the port. He emphasized a track record of community service and long tenure on the Entertainment Commission.

Public comment included endorsements from labor and neighborhood stakeholders: Rudy Gonzales of the San Francisco Building & Construction Trades Council, Vanita Louie and other community members praised Mr. Lee’s experience and civic ties. The committee first amended the draft motion to remove language that would allow rejection (cleaning up procedural language) and then passed a motion to recommend the nomination to the full Board with a positive recommendation for the next Tuesday hearing. Roll call recorded unanimous committee support.

Why it matters: Port Commission members influence leases, waterfront economic policy and long‑term infrastructure priorities including seawall, maritime businesses and waterfront recovery from the pandemic. A nomination supported by both labor and community leaders clears a procedural hurdle on the way to full Board confirmation.

What’s next: The Board of Supervisors will consider the nomination at the next full meeting as the committee recommended moving it forward with a positive motion.