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Rules Committee advances William L. Lee’s reappointment to full Board after broad public support
Summary
The Rules Committee moved Item 1, forwarding the mayor’s reappointment of William L. Lee to the Planning Commission to the full Board without a committee recommendation, after extensive public comment praising his accessibility, experience and role in faster permitting and housing approvals.
William L. Lee appeared before the Board of Supervisors’ Rules Committee to support the mayor’s reappointment of him to the Planning Commission and outlined accomplishments and priorities if reappointed.
Lee told the committee he had worked to “bring transparency and fairness to the Planning Commission,” said he helped secure additional resources that reduced permit processing time, and noted the commission approved about 5,200 housing units after three years of hearings. He said his short-term goals include finding a permanent planning director and completing three area plans: Eastern Neighborhoods, Market-Octavia and Mid-Market.
The public comment period produced extensive support from neighborhood groups, labor organizations and community leaders. Albert Chen, speaking for Supervisor-elect Ed Yu and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, said Lee “is one of the bridge between City Hall and Chinatown,” urging supervisors to forward his nomination. Planning Department senior planner Lois Scott said Lee “has always respected and supported the rank-and-file staff,” and labor representatives from Carpenters Local 22 and other unions described him as a consensus builder who helps projects move forward.
Supporters repeatedly cited Lee’s accessibility, outreach to neighborhoods and ability to coordinate across city departments. Advocates also pointed to development projects Lee helped shepherd, saying he balances community safety and economic opportunity. Several speakers urged faster permit processing and better resourcing for the Planning Department as reasons to retain Lee.
After public comment closed, Supervisor Sean Ellsburn said he was comfortable with Lee but proposed moving Item 1 forward without a committee recommendation so the full Board could take action; the committee seconded and approved that motion. The companion Item 2, a motion rejecting the reappointment, was tabled. No roll-call vote tally was recorded in the committee transcript.
The matter will be considered by the full Board of Supervisors at its next meeting.
