City Administrator Carmen Chu announces the retirement of Treasure Island Director Robert Beck after over 30 years of public service

SAN FRANCISCO, CA---Today, City Administrator Carmen Chu announced the retirement of Robert Beck, Director of the Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA). Since 2013, Beck has led the transformation of Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island, overseeing the delivery of major infrastructure, new housing, transit connections, parks, and public spaces that are reshaping the islands into a growing, mixed-use community. 

“We are seeing a generational investment in Treasure Island—one that seeks to improve the services for existing residents and makes way for amazing parks and open space, public transportation and homes. At the helm of that daily effort is Bob Beck, the Director of Treasure Island,” said City Administrator Carmen Chu. “I want to thank Bob as he retires for his incredible dedication. Whether navigating complex infrastructure planning or incorporating the needs of the community, Bob has brought an engineer’s mind and attention to detail to every decision. His patience, ability to see complex technical issues through to resolution, and humble leadership will be missed. I wish him the best in retirement.”  

Under Beck’s leadership, the City gained ownership of two-thirds of Treasure Island through agreements with the US Navy and the State Land Commission. As Director of TIDA, Beck fostered partnerships with private development partners at Treasure Island Community Development and community-based organizers, including One Treasure Island, to collaboratively produce resident-oriented infrastructure. 

“Working directly with residents, development partners, and local community-based organizations on Treasure Island has been endlessly rewarding,” said Robert Beck. “Our work went beyond constructing new housing and new infrastructure; we were building community while implementing a visionary model for urban design and sustainable development. My role with the Treasure Island Development Authority allowed me to integrate the learning I accrued over the years to be responsible for a neighborhood development project impacting thousands of San Franciscans. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in my career. It is truly an honor to serve this City.” 

Over Beck's 12-year tenure leading Treasure Island, he oversaw the construction of 974 new residential housing units, including 297 affordable units. Through partnerships with Public Works and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Beck worked to deliver key infrastructure projects, including new water storage reservoirs, a new electrical switchyard, a new ferry terminal, and a new PUC-funded and constructed wastewater treatment facility. Future plans include over 7,000 additional units of housing, both market-rate and affordable, and the construction of hundreds of more acres of parks and open spaces.  

Beck started his career with the City and County of San Francisco in 1988 as an engineer in the Department of Public Works. As part of the construction management team of the Market Street Reconstruction project, he worked to rehabilitate the main commerce corridor of the City, contributing to the iconic postcard image of San Francisco. Following the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, he supported the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inspections of fire stations in San Francisco to maximize the City’s first response capabilities. Beck later worked on the seismic retrofitting of the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and the War Memorial Opera House, before continuing on to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission as a design engineer. 

After returning to Public Works, Beck held a number of leadership roles within the department, including manager of the Mechanical Engineering Section, Deputy Director for Operations, Assistant to the Director, Deputy Director for Engineering, and City Engineer. His illustrious career at Public Works included a term as Acting Director when former Mayor Ed Lee left his role as Director of Public Works to become City Administrator. During this time, Beck oversaw the department’s vast portfolio of infrastructure and capital projects valued at over $3 billion. 

In 2006, Beck joined the Transbay Joint Powers Authority as Senior Program Manager for the Transbay Transit Center, shepherding the project through the design process and directing demolition of the former transit terminal. His work centralized connections between 11 regional transit agencies in the Bay Area with a world class transportation hub that transformed the downtown San Francisco community.  

Beck’s work on Treasure Island was recognized in 2017 at the SPUR Good Government Awards for his leadership in implementing the Treasure Island / Yerba Buena Development Plan. This award recognizes outstanding performance among managers working for the City and County of San Francisco. 

“Bob has led a distinguished career in city service, and I’m eternally grateful for his dedication to fulfilling the vision of Treasure Island as a thriving, inclusive, 21st century San Francisco neighborhood,” said Supervisor Matt Dorsey, whose district includes Treasure Island. “He embraced attention to detail for both the technical elements and the real-world impact of the redevelopment plan. He believes, as I do, in the power of what good government can accomplish — to improve people’s lives, to expand opportunities and access. His expertise and leadership will be missed.” 

“It has been my pleasure to work with Bob Beck for more than a decade on the redevelopment of Treasure Island,” said Fei Tsen, President of the TIDA Board of Directors. “As President of TIDA, I was responsible for guiding the implementation of the vision that San Francisco adopted in 2011, but it was Bob Beck who managed the day-to-day details that ensured our ultimate success. He facilitated the completion of complex geotechnical, infrastructure, road, and utility projects that serve as the foundation for thriving housing, retail, and commercial activities. His steady leadership, technical expertise, and dedicated commitment to Treasure Island have been the cornerstone of our success, and his contributions will benefit residents and businesses for generations to come.” 

“Bob Beck is a one-of-a-kind leader, with an engineer’s brain and a heart for the community,” said Nella Goncalves, Executive Director of One Treasure Island. “Bob was committed not only to bricks, mortar, roads and infrastructure, but to providing support and opportunities for people on the island to thrive. To recognize his incredible work, dedication, and commitment to equity, One Treasure Island has established the Bob Beck Community Champion Award. His legacy will never be forgotten by those who reside in affordable housing, market rate housing, and the thousands of people who visit and enjoy the parks and beauty of Treasure Island.”   

“As the city’s private-sector partner on this transformative project, we have been honored to work side-by-side with a consummate professional and true public servant, who has dedicated several decades of his professional life to building a better San Francisco,” said Chris Meany, Managing Partner of Treasure Island Community Development. “Bob’s leadership helped shepherd in a bright future for Treasure Island, and together we have launched a 21st-century neighborhood focused on sustainability, innovation, and community.” 

Beck’s retirement is effective on February 1, 2026. Jamie Querubin, TIDA’s Deputy Director, will serve as Acting Director while the City Administrator’s Office conducts a search for the next Director.