Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on the passing of H. Welton Flynn:

“On behalf of our City, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Welton Flynn whose leadership and dedication represented the best in public service.

Much of our City’s infrastructure and transportation legacy would not have been possible without Welton Flynn. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, appointed by Mayor Willie Brown in 1994. Welton was the first African American appointed to the Public Utilities Commission, and been one of the longest serving commissioners in the City, having served under five mayors and been elected to President or Chairman more than ten times. Welton created the Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, one of the first in the nation. He touched the lives of so many San Franciscans during his service to our diverse neighborhoods and our City. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this time of sorrow and mourning.”

As a mark of respect for Welton Flynn, Mayor Lee has ordered the flags at City Hall and all SFMTA facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday.