Rules committee questions nominee's redevelopment expertise, continues Kojo Menta appointment

The Rules Committee on Nov. 15 continued the nomination of Timothy Kojo Menta to the Redevelopment Successor Agency Oversight Board after members expressed concern about his readiness for a board with a long redevelopment history.

When asked for his familiarity with the successor agency's history and responsibilities, Menta said, "I didn't do a ton of in-depth research on the prior activities of redevelopment agency... Apologies. I didn't come prepared with that." He described himself as a 16-year San Francisco resident who works in data analytics at Adobe and said he would bring quantitative skills and a willingness to learn.

Supervisor Connie Chan said she routinely asks nominees about priorities and fit and pressed Menta on what his immediate priorities would be if appointed. Vice Chair Rafael Mandelmann, citing his background as a redevelopment lawyer, said "knowing about the history of redevelopment in San Francisco probably ought to be a prerequisite for anybody serving in almost any commission," and stressed the importance of understanding tax increment and the wind-down responsibilities the successor agency still manages.

With no public commenters on the item, Chair Aaron Peskin moved to continue the nomination "to the call of the chair" so the committee or administration can address the preparation and fit concerns. The motion passed by roll call without objection. The nomination's term as read by the clerk is set to end 01/24/2024. The committee did not make a final recommendation; the item will be scheduled again at the chair's discretion.