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Rules Committee forwards Steve Hemminger nomination to SFMTA board amid mixed public reaction
Summary
Steve Hemminger, nominee to San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency board, outlined priorities including hiring a new director, advancing Vision Zero and improving Muni speed and reliability. Public comment split between advocacy groups praising his experience and neighborhood organizations citing past controversies; the committee recommended approval and will report to the full Board.
The Rules Committee on June 3 heard remarks from Steve Hemminger, the mayor’s nominee to the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) board, and voted to forward his nomination to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation to approve.
Hemminger, who said he served for 18 years as executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and retired March 1, described three priorities if confirmed: find a new MTA director, push Vision Zero efforts to reduce traffic deaths, and pursue measures to make Muni faster and more reliable. “I think the first one…we need to find a new director for the department,” Hemminger told supervisors. He also said, “30 deaths a year is 30 too many,” when discussing Vision Zero’s safety goals.
Supervisors questioned Hemminger about workforce and equity issues, congestion and potential tools such as congestion pricing, and the role of labor in resolving driver shortages. Hemminger advocated for exploring regional and legislative strategies and for candid community engagement about trade‑offs in reallocating street space.
Public comment included both opposition and endorsement. A representative of the Coalition of San Francisco Neighborhoods urged the committee to oppose Hemminger and referenced news articles and legislative changes tied to Hemminger’s past role at MTC; SPEAK (a Sunset/Parkside neighborhood group) also submitted opposition. Supporters—including Walk San Francisco and a coalition working on transportation revenue—told the committee Hemminger’s experience with major projects and regional relationships would be valuable for achieving Vision Zero and securing funding.
After questions and public comment the committee amended the item and moved it forward as a committee report recommending approval; the motion passed without objection. The nomination will be considered by the full Board of Supervisors.
