California Construction News staff writer
Licensed architect Amy Campbell and Carpenter’s Union member Sean McGarry have been nominated by Mayor London Breed to the San Francisco Planning Commission, replacing outgoing Commission President Sue Diamond, and Commissioner Joel Koppel.
The Planning Commission advises the mayor, board of supervisors, and city departments on San Francisco’s long-range goals, policies and programs related to land use, transportation, and current planning.
The seven-member body maintains the San Francisco General Plan and approves all permits and licenses subject to the planning code.
The Commission also oversees and delegates certain approvals to the San Francisco planning department.
“In order to deliver world-class housing, transportation, open spaces, and infrastructure for our residents, we need leaders who, not only bring their expertise, but can also build bridges with the community to get things done,” said Mayor London Breed. “I am proud to nominate Amy Campbell and Sean McGarry who, I know, will help San Francisco build on our collective effort to plan for a better and more resilient San Francisco into the future.”
With 17 years as an architect, Campbell currently serves as senior associate and studio director at Gensler where she focuses on building repositioning, rehabilitation, preservation, and repurposing existing structures for new uses.
Since November, Campbell has served in the planning department’s historic preservation commission and she will step down to assume her new role.
“I am honored to receive this nomination from Mayor Breed and to have the opportunity to serve the city of San Francisco in this capacity,” Campbell said. “My tenure on the Historic Preservation Commission has been immensely rewarding, and I am eager to bring the insights I have gained there as well as my professional architectural experience to help advance and guide the evolution of our extraordinary city.”
A member of the Carpenters Union for over 27 years, McGarry currently holds elected office at local and regional levels of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC). Under the Northern California Carpenters Union (NCCU), McGarry is senior field representative for Carpenters Local 22 in San Francisco. Prior to his current roles, McGarry had many years of experience in various areas of carpentry, including commercial and residential trim, tenant improvement, apartment remodeling, and structural renovation and remodeling.
“I am committed to working to build more housing in all neighborhoods in a way that enhances residents’ quality of life,” he said.