November 2020: Vote Yes on Prop C and Vote for SF Commissions for All

Prop C, SF Commissions for All, would open City commissions, committees, and boards to all residents of San Francisco that are of "legal voting age." Current requirements limit members of these public bodies to registered SF voters, i.e., citizens.

The San Francisco League of Conservation Voters wholeheartedly endorses Yes on Prop C. 

The city charter amendment enjoys unanimous support from the Board of Supervisors, and follows a state law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last year, SB 225, that allowed noncitizens to serve on state boards and commissions, but did not extend to local boards.

If Prop C passes by a simple majority, San Francisco would be among the first local jurisdictions to allow noncitizens to serve on its policy advisory committees. As a community that often touts its inclusivity, convening City commissions, committees, and boards that include and represent everyone, regardless of their citizenship, is a policy the League can readily support to advance our good governance mission.

The reasons to pass Prop C go past good governance, however. Opening local advisory bodies to all San Franciscans will bring people of a broader range of experience and perspective to these regulatory bodies. According to the Yes on C campaign, people of color comprise 62% of San Francisco’s population, but just 50% of appointees identify as a race other than white. 

In particular, we’re optimistic that Prop C can improve the health of at-risk communities in San Francisco. Communities of color in the City are disproportionately impacted by pollution and experience greater exposure to toxics (the persistent contamination of the Hunter’s Point neighborhood is just one example.) Prop C would empower the addition of new voices on numerous public bodies that impact environmental justice in the City such as (but not limited to):

• Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee

• Bicycle Advisory Committee

• Commission on the Environment

• Municipal Green Building Task Force

• Planning Commission

• Recreation and Park Commission

• Park, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Committee

• Urban Forestry Council

Opponents to Prop C make the specious argument that the change to the charter should be limited to “citizens and legal residents.” The League is not persuaded. Diversity of perspectives and experience is an invaluable asset to improved decision making no matter the individual’s immigration status. The Yes on Prop C campaign put it best: “As we face one of the most challenging times for immigrants and people of color, it will be our most vulnerable voices that can best improve the​ capability of our City government to provide strategic, innovative policy advice. Full participation ensures full delivery of services.” 

Vote Yes on Prop C and put SF on the path to more inclusive, representative local commissions, committees, and boards! 

Regarding Prop G: The addition of new voices could also include 16 and 17 year old residents, if Prop G passes. As the League’s endorsement of Yes on G explains, young people care deeply about meeting the challenges of the climate crisis and are regular users of public transit as well as other non-car transportation, making them important environmental advocates. Thus Prop C and Prop G together are complementary and we encourage voters to support both.