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Millbrae City Council interviews two candidates for planning commission seats
Summary
At a June 9 special meeting, the Millbrae City Council interviewed applicants Ken Leland and Nathan Chan for two open planning commission seats; a third candidate submitted a written statement and did not attend. Topics included growth, the 2040 General Plan, climate vulnerabilities, ADUs and permitting clarity.
Millbrae — The Millbrae City Council held a special meeting on June 9 to interview two applicants for two open planning commission seats for full terms ending June 30, 2030. The council heard in-person interviews from Ken Leland and Nathan Chan; a third applicant, Morin Davis, submitted a written statement and did not attend.
Each applicant was allotted 20 minutes to answer two questions from each council member. Council members pressed candidates on the city’s vision for the next five to 10 years, the role of the planning commission in implementing policy documents and design standards, and operational issues such as accessory dwelling unit (ADU) permit turnaround times.
Applicant Ken Leland told the council he expects continued development around transit and growth near station areas but said decision-making should be grounded in "flexibility" and "common sense." Leland said he wants to preserve Millbrae’s small-town character even as the city grows and described himself as a recent retiree active in community activities.
"I see Millbrae is going up. I think ... we're going to have more places for people to live," Leland said, adding that he would approach the role as a learner who listens to residents.
Applicant Nathan Chan, a current planning commissioner seeking reappointment, framed his goals around completing work begun during his tenure, including implementation of the city’s 2040 General Plan and objective design standards. Chan said realizing the general plan’s vision for a more vibrant downtown and station-area development remains a priority.
"If we successfully realize the vision in that plan, things will be amazing," Chan said, noting that recent downtown and station-area work positions the city to pursue that outcome.
Chan also raised concerns about climate vulnerability, citing updated Cal Fire fire-hazard maps and the need to update planning and code tools to reduce risks from fire and flooding. "A significant amount of Millbrae is affected," he said, urging code and planning updates that prioritize safety.
On ADUs and permit processing, Chan said state law constrains some local options but that clearer, objective code provisions and consistent staff implementation could shorten turnaround times. "One of the roles the commission can play is to create clarity in terms of the codes," he said.
Council members also asked about balancing housing affordability with the city’s fiscal needs. Chan suggested pursuing economic development that brings sales tax revenue (he referenced recent approvals intended to draw customers from outside the city) while prioritizing public safety and targeted local investments.
The council did not vote on appointments during the special meeting. The interviews concluded and Mayor Raldi adjourned the meeting at 6:37 p.m. Materials submitted by the absent applicant Morin Davis were included in the council packet and posted online.
