UPDATE: Mayor Daniel Lurie has just appointed Alan Wong as the new Supervisor for District 4, following the abrupt resignation of his previous choice. This swift decision comes amid heightened scrutiny and expectations from local residents as the city faces critical housing planning votes.
Wong, a seasoned policy veteran and former City Hall aide, will be officially sworn in on Monday, just in time for a pivotal Board of Supervisors vote on Tuesday regarding a controversial zoning plan aimed at increasing housing density across northern and western San Francisco neighborhoods.
The Mayor’s office emphasized that Wong was selected after “careful vetting and extensive community engagement.” This comes less than two weeks after Lurie’s last appointee, Beya Alcaraz, resigned following revelations about her former pet store’s poor conditions and possible wage violations. Lurie took responsibility for that oversight and assured a more rigorous vetting process moving forward.
Wong brings a wealth of local experience, having served as an elected City College trustee and currently as the policy director at the Children’s Council of San Francisco. “I’m ready to invest everything back into this community,” Wong stated, highlighting his commitment to restoring trust in local government and addressing critical issues such as safety, housing opportunities, and access to vital services.
At just 38 years old, Wong has lived in the Sunset district his entire life. He recently moved back into District 4 after living just outside the area. His extensive background includes leadership roles in community organizations and military service as a first lieutenant in the Army National Guard.
The timing of Wong’s appointment is crucial, as the upcoming Board vote on housing zoning could significantly impact the community’s future. Lurie remarked, “This district needs a supervisor who can be a strong, steady voice on the issues that matter most.” Wong’s experience as a legislative aide to former Supervisor Gordon Mar further solidifies his readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
With the election for the remainder of the previous supervisor’s term scheduled for June 2024, Wong’s electability is already in the spotlight. His strong performance in past elections, including receiving more votes as a City College candidate than the recall vote for former Supervisor Joel Engardio, positions him favorably among emerging candidates like Natalie Gee, chief of staff to District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton.
As Wong prepares to take office, community members are hopeful for a leader who prioritizes their needs and can navigate the complexities of city governance. “No one is more qualified than Alan,” said Frank Noto, co-founder of Stop Crime SF, reinforcing the urgency for effective leadership in the district.
Stay tuned for more updates as Wong steps into this pivotal role and the Board of Supervisors prepares for a potentially game-changing vote on housing policy.
