COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD
The Honorable Connie Chan
Supervisor, District 1, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
Born in Hong Kong, Connie immigrated to San Francisco at age 13 with her mother and younger brother. While learning a new language and culture, her family secured a rent-controlled apartment in Chinatown. Connie’s mother later built a new career as a claims processor at Chinese Hospital, supported by classes at City College of San Francisco—an experience that shaped Connie’s lifelong commitment to access, opportunity, and community.
After graduating from Galileo High School, Connie earned her degree from the University of California, Davis, and returned to serve the community that had done so much for her family. She began her career as a volunteer Chinese interpreter working with pro bono attorneys through the San Francisco Bar Association’s Volunteer Legal Outreach, and as a community organizer with SF SAFE and the Community Youth Center.
In 2006, Connie served as legislative aide to then-Supervisor Sophie Maxwell, helping lead the successful effort to shut down the Potrero Power Plant, which was leaching harmful chemicals into the Bayview neighborhood. She later served as a public safety and communications aide and liaison to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community for then-District Attorney Kamala Harris. Connie also served as a legislative aide to then-Supervisor Aaron Peskin and as a representative for then-Assemblymember Kevin Mullin.
Connie has also served the City through roles at the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, promoting and protecting public spaces, and at City College of San Francisco, advancing higher education access.
First elected in 2020, Connie represents District 1 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. She has served as Chair of the Budget Committee since February 2023 and is a member of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, the Local Agency Formation Commission, and the Free City College Oversight Committee.
As Supervisor, Connie led the creation of a $400 million revenue risk reserve in the 2025–2026 budget to protect essential services and introduced a supplemental budget to expand immigration legal defense. In 2022, Connie successfully established the City’s first Asian Pacific Islanders (API) Equity Fund to help stabilize AAPI-serving organizations through capital investments.
Connie has served our City at every level, fighting tirelessly for affordable housing, protections for small businesses, workers’ and union rights, and increased support for families who are struggling during these difficult times.