Rules committee backs Mike Chen’s planning nomination after broad public support

The Rules Committee voted to forward Mike Chen’s nomination for the Planning Commission to the full Board of Supervisors on July 28, citing his experience on the SFMTA board and a focus on housing affordability and supply.

Chen told the committee he is ‘‘here because I love San Francisco’’ and said the housing affordability crisis ‘‘is something that really weighs on all of us,’’ arguing for policies and incentives to increase housing supply. Supporters in the public comment period—representatives of SFMB, the Sierra Club, neighborhood groups and residents—testified to Chen’s leadership on housing and transit issues.

Committee members expressed appreciation for Chen’s background and the breadth of community support. President Mandelmann moved to remove ‘‘rejecting’’ from the motion and forward the nomination with a committee recommendation; Vice Chair Sherrill and Member Mandelmann voted aye and the motion passed. The nomination will advance to the full Board of Supervisors.