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Myrna Melgar elected chair of San Francisco County Transportation Authority; Commissioner Sautter named vice chair
Summary
The Transportation Authority unanimously elected Supervisor Myrna Melgar as chair and Commissioner Sautter as vice chair on Jan. 28. The nominations drew several public comments opposing Melgar's selection over spending and fiscal-priority concerns.
Myrna Melgar was elected chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority Board on Jan. 28, winning an 11-0 roll-call vote after being nominated by outgoing Chair Rafael Mandelmann and seconded by Commissioner Cheryl.
Melgar's nomination drew several public comments before the vote from remote callers who urged the board to prioritize Muni operations and to pause spending on non-Muni streetscape and study projects. One remote commenter said, “anyone who thinks that spending a $100,000 on a study facing the fiscal cliff that the SFMTA is facing ... should not be in charge of a budget,” and urged the board to focus on direct support for Muni rather than other projects.
After the chair vote, the board nominated and elected Commissioner Sautter as vice chair by roll call (11 ayes). The board conducted the elections as part of the annual organization of officers for 2025.
The leadership change comes as the authority and its regional partners face persistent operating shortfalls at Muni and BART, and as the board moves into a year of funding decisions that county and city officials have warned could require difficult budget choices. Members emphasized the need for steady leadership while continuing board oversight of projects and revenue streams.
The new chair will preside over upcoming budget discussions and implementation of projects highlighted in the authority's 2024 annual report. The board did not hold further substantive debate as part of the election item; votes were unanimous.
