District 4 Supervisor Alan Wong has announced support for a proposed measure to reopen the Great Highway. This proposal will be presented to San Francisco voters in the June 2026 special election. Wong’s decision comes after he engaged with numerous residents from the Sunset area, many of whom favor allowing cars on the Great Highway during weekdays.
Details of the Proposal
Wong’s proposal aims to strike a balance. The plan would aim to allow vehicle access during the week while maintaining a car-free environment on weekends. He believes this compromise could help address local concerns.
Background on the Great Highway
- The Great Highway’s closure led to the formation of Sunset Dunes, an oceanfront park.
- Proposition K, which enabled this conversion, was passed in November 2024 with a narrow margin (55% in favor).
- Despite the overall success of the proposition, District 4 voters largely opposed it, leading to a recall of former Supervisor Joel Engardio.
Political Implications
Wong’s support for the reopening initiative may influence other political campaigns. Notably, District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, who initially proposed the measure, was unaware of Wong’s backing before the announcement. Chan is currently running for a Congressional seat in 2026 and hopes this initiative may engage Westside Chinese voters.
Conversely, labor groups supporting Chan have concerns. They fear the reopening could mobilize voters against labor-friendly measures, such as the CEO tax. Wong’s prior commitments to host forums for community input have raised questions, particularly from local activists like Lucas Lux, president of Friends of Sunset Dunes.
Community Response
Community reactions have been mixed. Friends of Sunset Dunes plans a town hall on January 7 to discuss the future of the park, expecting over 200 attendees. In a statement, Lux expressed disappointment in Wong’s decision, feeling it represents a betrayal of trust after previous divisions in the community.
Wong has cited discussions with diverse community members, including those involved in ongoing legal challenges regarding the highway’s closure. The pending lawsuit is set for a hearing in January, which may further affect local public sentiment and the proposed measure’s future.
The initiative to reopen the Great Highway presents significant implications for both local governance and community engagement. As discussions continue, the interests of various stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this valuable public space.
