Board confirms two SFMTA appointments after debate over Latinx representation and transit experience

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors confirmed two mayoral nominees to the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors on Jan. 5, 2021 after a debate among members over whether the city’s transit oversight body reflects the city’s racial and community makeup and whether nominees have transit-specific experience.

Emmanuel Yucateel, known to colleagues as “Manny,” was approved 9–2 for a term ending March 1, 2024. Supervisor Feuer cast one of two recorded no votes; Supervisor Preston recorded the other. Supervisor Ronan said he supported Yucateel as “an excellent choice to represent small businesses.” Supervisor Haney, while supporting the nomination, and others urged the mayor to name a Latinx commissioner for a future vacancy.

The board also confirmed Fiona Hinze for a term ending March 1, 2024, by an 11–0 vote. Multiple supervisors praised Hinze’s experience working with seniors and people with disabilities and said they expected her to be an active participant on the commission.

Why it matters: Supervisors framed the confirmations as consequential because SFMTA decisions shape transit service, safety projects and how the city spends federal and local transit funding. Several supervisors said the board must also better reflect the city’s demographic mix — particularly Latinx riders, who supervisors said make up a larger share of transit users than of the general population.

Discussion highlights: The nomination of Yucateel drew the most debate. In a lengthy statement, Supervisor Feuer said she had heard “loud and clear” calls from the Latinx community about lacking representation on the SFMTA board and withheld her vote to send a signal to the mayor about future appointments: “Today, I am voting no on this appointment,” she said on the record. Supervisor Ronan and others said they would support Yucateel, noting his ties to small-business groups and community stakeholders.

The board sought factual context during the discussion. Joel Ramos, a representative from SFMTA, told the board, “For the SFMTA board of directors, there are 7 seats available on that board,” and said five were then filled with two vacancies. Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson quoted the charter’s requirement that at least two directors have “significant knowledge of, or professional experience in the field of public transportation.” Mayor’s office staff said the nominees were selected for community and commission experience; the mayor’s representative offered to provide additional documentation about how the full seven-seat board would meet charter qualifications.

What happens next: Both confirmed commissioners will assume the duties of SFMTA board members and participate in future SFMTA votes and oversight. Supervisors urged the mayor to prioritize a Latinx nominee for the agency’s next opening.

Votes and outcome: The Yucateel appointment (item 10) passed 9–2; recorded no votes were Supervisor Feuer and Supervisor Preston. The Hinze appointment (item 11) passed unanimously, 11–0.

Speakers quoted in this article were identified in the meeting transcript as Supervisor Feuer; Supervisor Ronan; Supervisor Haney; Joel Ramos (SFMTA representative); Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson.

Ending: Supervisors told the mayor’s office they expected a Latinx nominee for the next opening, and several members said they would continue to press SFMTA leadership and the mayor on diversifying both the agency’s executive staff and its governing board.