Rules Committee sends Dominica Henderson’s SFMTA nomination to full Board with positive recommendation

Dominica Henderson, a lifelong San Francisco resident and Bayview community leader, urged the Rules Committee on Monday to support her nomination to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors, telling supervisors she draws on years of neighborhood and housing work and regular transit ridership.

"I am a lifelong San Francisco resident," Henderson said, noting her experience on the Bayview Community Advisory Committee, work on HOPE SF and as chief social impact officer for Oakland's housing authority. "I ride the 29 and [Muni]; I know that the transit system at its best can really create stable neighborhoods as well as stable employment opportunities."

Chair Supervisor Matt Dorsey praised Henderson's experience, saying he was "very impressed" and that he welcomed her expertise in both transit and public service. Vice Chair Shimon Walton and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí also expressed support for Henderson’s nomination and her perspective from a transit‑challenged neighborhood.

Members of the public who spoke in person and by phone described Henderson as community‑focused and urged her appointment. Marlena Cannon, a former member of an SFMTA citizens advisory council, said she has known Henderson for more than 20 years and that Henderson understands the needs of riders with mobility challenges.

Chair Dorsey moved to remove the word "reject" from the motion and send Henderson’s nomination to the full Board as a committee report with a positive recommendation. A roll call recorded Vice Chair Walton, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and Chair Dorsey voting "aye," and the motion passed unanimously.

Henderson’s nomination will next appear on the Board of Supervisors agenda as a committee report for final consideration.