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Board approves mayoral nominees to Building Inspection Commission after split vote on one nominee
Summary
The board approved four mayoral appointments to the Building Inspection Commission. Bianca Newmanwas approved on a 7-3 vote after several tenant and SRO-focused organizations urged rejection; three other nominees were approved unanimously.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved the mayor's nominations to the Building Inspection Commission on July 11, 2023. The board recorded a 7-3 vote to approve Bianca Newman (item 49) after several supervisors and community groups expressed concerns; three additional nominations (items 50, 52, 53 and 54) were approved together by unanimous vote.
Supervisor Dean Preston requested a separate vote on item 49 and announced he would not support Bianca Newman, citing multiple letters from tenant and single-room-occupancy (SRO) advocacy groups. Preston said he had received letters from “SRO Families United Collaborative, including Chinatown Community Development Center, Chinese Progressive Association, Coalition on Homelessness, Dolores Street Community Services, South of Market Community Action Network,” and others urging rejection of the nominee. “I will, sadly not be, supporting, Bianca Newman,” Preston said during introductions.
On the roll call for item 49 the clerk recorded seven ayes and three no votes; supervisors Walton, Chan and Preston voted no. The clerk announced, “There are 7 ayes and 3 nos … The motion is approved.” The resolution to approve the nomination therefore passed.
Items 50, 52, 53 and 54 (other presidential appointments to the Building Inspection Commission) were then considered together and passed unanimously; the clerk recorded 10 ayes on that grouped vote.
Why it matters: Supervisor Preston and other advocates framed their opposition as rooted in concerns about leadership on SRO outreach and funding for certain community programs, while the majority of the board voted to confirm the nominee. The item drew formal roll-call votes and public attention because of the endorsements and objections submitted by advocacy groups working with tenants and SRO residents.
The appointments are mayoral nominations for terms indicated in the agenda; the board's action confirms the nominations as required by the City Charter and the board's appointment procedures.
