Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting – April 6, 2026
Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting – April 6, 2026
This regular meeting of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' Land Use and Transportation Committee, chaired by Supervisor Mirna Melgar, included three main agenda items: a commemorative street naming, a package of 14 landmark designations, and an ordinance updating the city's climate action goals. All items were unanimously recommended to the full Board.
Consent Calendar
- Agenda items 2 through 15 – 14 ordinances designating landmarks under Article 10 – were handled as a single block. They were presented by a legislative aide for Supervisor Mandelman and by Planning Department staff. All properties received positive recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission. No objections were raised, and the committee voted unanimously to send them to the full Board.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 1 (street naming): No public speakers.
- Items 2–15 (landmarks): Woody LeBounty from San Francisco Heritage spoke in strong support, emphasizing that streamlining housing production required also streamlining protections for historically and architecturally significant places, and noted the diversity of histories represented (LGBTQ, American Indian, German, Russian Orthodox).
- Item 16 (climate action): Twelve speakers commented, nearly all expressing support for the updated Climate Action Plan and urging adequate funding for the Department of the Environment and retention of the Commission on the Environment. Speakers included representatives from the San Francisco Climate Emergency Coalition, Food and Water Watch, Sierra Club, 1000 Grandmothers, Climate Reality Project, IFPTE Local 21, and community members. Specific concerns raised: need for binding geographic equity in tree canopy, risk of budget cuts (proposed 80% general fund reduction), and importance of the Commission's oversight role. One speaker criticized the transportation section as sparse. Another urged action on consumption-based emissions at multiple governance levels.
Discussion Items
- Item 1: Commemorative Street Name – Officer Lewin Tankel Way
- Supervisor Mahmood (co-sponsor) spoke about honoring Officer Elia Lewin Tankle's courage and sacrifice after a life-changing injury sustained in the line of duty. Supervisor Chen also added co-sponsorship. SFPD Commander presented details of the incident and urged support.
- Items 2–15: Landmark Designations
- Committee members had no questions. Chair Melgar thanked staff for the extensive work.
- Item 16: Climate Action Plan Update (Environment Code Chapter 9)
- Director Ju and Climate Program Manager Cindy Comerford presented. Key changes: updated sector targets (61% reduction by 2030, net zero by 2040), removal of the 2030 consumption-based emissions target (due to measurement challenges), new emphasis on biodiversity over carbon sequestration, and strengthened governance with semi-annual mayoral reviews and public dashboards.
- Supervisor Mahmood asked about the shift away from carbon sequestration (explained as minimal potential in dense urban areas), accountability mechanisms, and what the Board can do to help. Staff responded that stronger governance, dashboard tracking, and potential future legislation would support implementation.
- Supervisor Chen asked about budget cuts and governance authority. Director Ju noted ongoing budget conversations and that the plan reflects shared accountability across departments.
- Chair Melgar asked about consumption-based emissions, externalities, and funding. Staff acknowledged the complexity and committed to developing a circular economy roadmap and exploring mechanisms like utility user tax restructuring.
Key Outcomes
- Item 1: Motion to recommend to the full Board (positive recommendation). Vote: 3-0 (Chen, Mahmood, Melgar all aye). Passed.
- Items 2–15: Motion to recommend all 14 landmark ordinances to the full Board. Vote: 3-0. Passed.
- Item 16: Motion to send the ordinance as a committee report to the full Board (agenda of April 7, 2026). Vote: 3-0. Passed. Chair Melgar noted the need to preserve department capacity during upcoming budget discussions.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon, everyone. This meeting will come to order. Uh welcome to the April 6, 2026 regular meeting of the Land Use and Transportation Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. I'm Supervisor Mirna Melgar, Chair of this committee, joined by Vice Chair, Supervisor Cheyenne Chen, and Supervisor Bilal Mahmut. The committee clerk is John Carroll. And I would also like to acknowledge Eugene Libatia from SFCup TV for staffing us during this meeting. Mr. Clerk, do you have any announcements? Yes, Madam Chair. Thank you. Please ensure that you silence your cell phones and other electronic devices. Your documents to be included as part of any of today's files can be submitted directly to me. Public comment will be taken on each item on today's agenda. When your item of interest comes up and public comment is called, please line up to speak along your right hand side of this room. Alternatively, you may submit public comment in writing in either of the following ways. First, you may email your comments to me at J O H N period C A R R O L L at SFGOV.org. Or you may send your written public comment via U.S. Postal Service to our office in City Hall. The address is one Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco, California, 94102. If you submit public comment in writing, I will forward your comments to the members of this committee and also include your comments as part of the official file on which you are commenting. Items acted upon today are expected to appear on the Board of Supervisors' agenda of April 14th, 2026, unless otherwise stated. Okay. Thank you very much. Mr. Clerk, please call item number one. Agenda item number one is a resolution adding the commemorative street name Officer Lewin Tankel Way to the 300 block of Eddie in recognition of San Francisco Police Officer Elia Lewin Tankle's courage and dedication to the people of the city and county. Thank you. But before uh we have uh the commander present, I'd like to turn it over to uh the co-sponsor of this legislation, uh Supervisor Mahmood. Thank you, Chair Malgar. Uh I'm proud to support the mayor's request to add Officer Lewin Tankle Way on the 300 block of Eddy Street in the tender line. This commemorative renaming reflects our commitment to honoring individuals who have given back to this community and to recognizing the courage and strength of Officer Lewin Tankle demonstrated in service to tenderline residents. It also acknowledges the life-changing injury he has sustained in the line of duty. A profound sacrifice that underscores the risks first responders take every day to support and protect our neighborhood. Designating this block creates a simple, lasting tribute to his service, his resilience, and the enduring impact of his commitment to the tenderline community. And I want to acknowledge again, I know the officers and the community have been asking for this commemorative renaming for years. And really appreciate the resilience and the advocacy uh for your fellow officers. And it's an honor to serve you in the tender line and be supportive and uh really excited to get this finally up. Okay, I spoke too soon. Uh Supervisor Chen also wants to say a few words. Oh, it would be great. Thank you, Chairman. I was very saddened to hear that Office Lewing Tankel was injury in that line of duty during a routine bicycle patrol. Uh this was truly a heartbreaking event, and I want to recognize the courage and the strength of Officer Lou Win Tankel. And Claire, would you please add me as a co-sponsor? Thank you. Thank you. Now, Commander, go ahead. Thank you.
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