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San Francisco Port Commissioners, staff and officials honor Kimberly Brandon at final meeting after 28 years
Summary
The San Francisco Port Commission marked the final meeting of President Kimberly Brandon with speeches, a proclamation and public remarks praising her 28 years of leadership and work on waterfront revitalization, equity and resilience.
Port Commission President Kimberly Brandon presided over her final San Francisco Port Commission meeting, where commissioners, port staff, state officials and community members praised her 28 years of service and leadership on waterfront planning, equity and resilience.
The port's executive director, Elaine Forbes, opened the commemorations, calling the day “a monumental day in the history of the port” and noting Brandon’s role in creating community advisory structures and securing long-term federal engagement on waterfront repairs. “She was pioneering in calling for community advisory groups throughout the waterfront,” Forbes said, adding that Brandon had pushed the port to view contractors “not just as vendors, but as partners.”
Brandon’s tenure, speakers said, included oversight of major projects such as the James R. Herman Cruise Ship Terminal, the Brannan Street Wharf, improvements along Jefferson Street, Bayview Gateway and work on Pier 70 and Seawall Lot 337. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis joined by recorded message to call Brandon “a steadfast champion for San Francisco's waterfront and a trailblazer in public service.”
Deputy Director of Planning and Environment David Billprey and other port staff highlighted Brandon’s work to create the Southern Waterfront Advisory Committee and programs to drive local small-business participation and community benefit requirements. Mike Martin, assistant port director, described Brandon’s insistence on returning to “first principles” during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several community members offered public remarks. Diane Oshima, calling Brandon the author of the port’s “before and after” story, credited Brandon with pushing for a waterfrontwide approach that led to projects across the port’s 7½-mile shoreline. A proclamation from District Supervisor Shamann Walton honoring Brandon’s service was read at the dais.
Brandon reflected on the tributes, saying she was comforted to hear commissioners and staff pledge to carry her priorities forward. The commission took photographs and then returned to business.
No formal policy changes were enacted as part of the commemoration; the event consisted of remarks, a proclamation and public comments.
