San Francisco Board of Supervisors Inaugural Meeting - January 8, 2025

The Board of Supervisors held its inaugural meeting on January 8, 2025, at 10:15 AM, to swear in elected members, elect a new Board President, and hear remarks from members, the Mayor, and the public. All 11 supervisors were present, and the meeting concluded with the unanimous election of Supervisor Raphael Mandelman as Board President.

Roll Call, Credentials, and Oath of Office

• The meeting began with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk reported receipt of election certificates for the newly elected and re‑elected members: Connie Chan (District 1), Stephen Sherrill (District 2), Danny Sauter (District 3), Bilal Mahmoud (District 5), Myrna Melgar (District 7), and Chyanne Chen (District 11). The Controller certified that surety bond requirements were met.
• Presiding Judge Rochelle C. East of the Superior Court administered the ceremonial oath of office to the newly elected and re‑elected supervisors.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A total of eight members of the public addressed the board. Several speakers congratulated the supervisors and expressed confidence in the new board, with one speaker stating they were “thrilled” by the nomination of Supervisor Mandelman and another calling him a “real bridge builder.” One speaker opposed Mandelman’s election, claiming he “does not intend to end homelessness for trans people” based on a prior vote. Other speakers focused on general policy concerns, including the need to preserve arts funding, address downtown safety, and not overlook the Black community.

Discussion Items

• Nomination and Election of Board President: Supervisor Matt Dorsey placed Supervisor Raphael Mandelman’s name into nomination, praising his experience, temperament, and ability to work across ideological lines. The nomination was seconded by Supervisor Chyanne Chen, who noted Mandelman’s respectful treatment of colleagues. No other nominations were made. Following public comment, the board proceeded to vote. All 11 supervisors voted for Mandelman, resulting in a unanimous 11‑0 election.
• Remarks by Members and the Mayor:
  • Mayor Daniel Lurie addressed the board, commending the supervisors for their unanimous vote and pledging “honest, open, transparent conversations” with the board. He highlighted the need for results and expressed optimism for San Francisco’s future.
  • Each of the newly elected or returning supervisors made brief remarks: Connie Chan thanked District 1 voters and spoke of the importance of love and perseverance; Stephen Sherrill emphasized public safety, housing, and small‑business support; Danny Sauter pledged to address homelessness, public safety, and economic vitality; Bilal Mahmoud committed to “humane, just and fair” governance; Myrna Melgar focused on housing, transit, and child care; Jackie Fielder highlighted public safety, sanctuary city protections, and tenant rights; Chyanne Chen stressed unity and support for working families and small businesses.
  • Returning supervisors Rafael Mandelman (now President), Matt Dorsey, and Shamann Walton offered brief congratulations and advice, with Walton urging the board to work together despite disagreements.

Key Outcomes

• Raphael Mandelman elected President of the Board of Supervisors by a vote of 11–0 for a two‑year term.
• Supervisor Danny Sauter announced that his first official action would be to call a hearing on the “First Year Free” program to waive fees for new small businesses.
• The board adjourned after the President’s closing remarks, with members proceeding to a community celebration in Chinatown.

Remarks by the President

• President Mandelman thanked his colleagues and District 8 voters, acknowledged the city’s challenges (including a nearly $1 billion budget deficit), and called for collaboration, good faith, and hope. He noted the importance of balancing social justice with efficient public service delivery.