San Mateo makes new commission appointments: New members of Planning Commission and others generate community interest 

The council also decided not to reappoint Planning Commission Chair Seema Patel, instead selecting James Horsman, a decision that generated robust community feedback. Patel is running for City Council in District 3.

The majority of written public comments, about 57, were supportive of Patel’s reappointment, citing her “analytical rigor and deep subject matter expertise” and that she was “the best prepared and most accomplished planning commissioner,” some letters read. 

About 35 public comments were written in opposition. Out of those against her reappointment, most were concerned with her housing stance, particularly “ideologically driven growth advocacy” and “support for aggressive upzoning and increased density,” some emails stated. 

Horsman moved to San Mateo from the East Coast in 2023 and has previously served on the Potomac Yard Design Committee in Alexandria, Virginia, according to his application. 

Planning commissioners make decisions over whether a proposal meets objective design standards and can make recommendations on long-term development agreements, for instance. But outright approving or denying new residential developments is largely out of the city’s hands now, as local jurisdictions’ ability to make such determinations has been severely restricted over the last few years given the state’s requirement to build more housing.  

Other appointments include Charles Hansen on the Community Relations Commission and Mark Lee on the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission. Commissioner Sigalle Michael was also reappointed to the latter. Peter Wicher was reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and Mike Etheridge will join as a new member. Alison Joly was reappointed to the Library Board.