Council interviews Measure P oversight candidates; liaison says commission has met frequently to vet urgent proposals

The council conducted interviews with candidates for the Measure P Oversight Commission. Applicants described prior experience with fiscal oversight, audit reviews and community boards; several said transparency and adherence to the Measure P authorizing language should drive funding recommendations.

Council liaison Alex Matias told candidates that the statute establishing the oversight commission requires “at a minimum” two meetings per year but that the panel has convened more often because of urgent funding items and complex proposals requiring follow‑up. Matias said commissioners have repeatedly requested additional documents and extra meetings to vet proposals such as the Broadway/I Heart funding item and other Measure P requests.

Candidates with public‑finance backgrounds said they would use a three‑part framework to prioritize funds: (1) alignment with Measure P’s authorized uses; (2) urgency and potential for sustained impact rather than one‑time expenditures; and (3) a plan for continued operations or matching funding if required. Several applicants described prior oversight roles and said they would emphasize clear reporting and public access to audit materials.

Councilmembers said they expect to act on appointments at an upcoming regular meeting. The oversight commission’s recent cadence — monthly meetings and frequent follow‑ups — reflects council and staff requests for careful vetting of projects that would draw on Measure P revenue.