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Board approves Janet Tarlov for SFMTA board after split over transit experience
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved Janet Tarlov to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency board by a 10-1 vote, with Supervisor Dean Preston opposing on grounds of insufficient transit expertise. Supporters said her small-business perspective would help the agency's community outreach.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Jan. 23 voted 10-1 to approve Mayor's nomination of Janet Tarlov to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) board of directors for a term ending March 1, 2024. Supervisor Dean Preston was the lone dissenting vote, saying the nominee lacked demonstrated public-transit expertise and that the agency needs directors who can lead from day one.
Why it matters: The SFMTA board oversees Muni operations, budgets and policy at a moment when the agency is coping with long-standing structural deficits, service restoration and Vision Zero and transit-equity priorities. Several supervisors said the board benefits from multiple perspectives, including small-business owners who engage daily with transit impacts on commercial corridors.
Debate in the chamber: Preston said the SFMTA needs board members who are regular transit riders and have demonstrated professional experience in public transportation. "I will be unable to support Janet Tarlov today," Preston said during floor remarks, repeating concerns he expressed in committee that the nominee did not demonstrate the transit experience the charter anticipates for at least two directors. He characterized the current moment as requiring experienced, transit-focused leadership rather than on-the-job training.
Supporters, including Supervisor Ronan and Supervisor Ahsha Safai, said that Tarlov's background as a longtime small-business owner in Glen Park and engagement with merchants citywide would strengthen SFMTA's outreach and improve responses to business corridor impacts from Muni projects. Safai said Tarlov had told the rules committee her top priority would be better community outreach and communication with businesses.
Vote and next steps: The roll call recorded 10 ayes and 1 no; Supervisor Preston voted no. The appointment is effective immediately and Tarlov would serve until March 1, 2024; she would need reappointment for a full term. Several supervisors said they expect to evaluate her performance should she be re-nominated for a full term.
Clarifying details: The city charter specifies that at least two SFMTA directors must possess significant knowledge of or professional experience in the field of public transportation and that at least four directors should be regular riders; Preston argued Tarlov did not clearly meet those expectations based on her committee appearance. Supporters noted Tarlov's small-business experience and ties to merchants and said she would bring a perspective on workers and businesses affected by SFMTA decisions.
Ending: The confirmation concludes the board's consideration of the nomination; board members said they will continue to scrutinize future SFMTA nominations and watch how the agency and its board balance rider-facing expertise with community and business perspectives.
