Lequia Montano appointed new cochair of CASE Board as strategic planning progresses

The City of San Francisco's recent government meeting marked a significant leadership transition as Lequia Montano was appointed as the new co-chair of the board, succeeding Judith, who left earlier this year. Montano's official start is set for September, and she is expected to take a more prominent role in future meetings.

During the meeting, updates were provided on various initiatives, including a substantial progress report on the meta fund grant. The board has engaged a strategic planner, Amy Gueskin, to enhance internal capacity, particularly for arts organizations. Additionally, Stephen Miner, a former board member, has been brought on as a senior project manager to assist with outreach and stakeholder engagement.

A key focus of the meeting was the ongoing needs assessment and strategic planning processes. The board is conducting a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, with plans for focus groups and interviews with external stakeholders in the coming months. This effort aims to strengthen the board's infrastructure and better serve the community.

Looking ahead, the board is set to host an expert on artificial intelligence at the next meeting, emphasizing the importance of safely integrating AI while protecting client data. This discussion reflects the board's commitment to staying current with technological advancements and their implications for service delivery.

Public comments highlighted the need for community participation in ongoing processes, particularly regarding the Dignity Fund Coalition's efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in city governance. The coalition expressed concerns about potential changes in oversight and advisory committee structures, urging stakeholders to remain engaged as decisions unfold.

As the board navigates these transitions and initiatives, the focus remains on enhancing service delivery and community engagement, ensuring that the voices of those impacted by policy changes are heard and considered.