LOS ANGELES, CA (January 25, 2021)—Marta A. Segura, M.P.H., a veteran social impact strategist, environmental and health equity advocate and nonprofit capacity building consultant, was appointed today by Mayor Eric Garcetti as the first-ever Climate Emergency Mobilization Director (CEMD). In her new role, Segura will develop and oversee the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office (CEMO) and work closely with a newly-established Climate Emergency Commission (CEC). The CEMO and CEC reflect the vision and partnership of the Mayor, City Councilmember Paul Koretz, and Leap LA - a grassroots coalition of environmental and economic justice organizations committed to tackling the disproportionate health impacts of climate change on vulnerable, frontline communities.
The mission of the CEMO and CEC is to work with the Mayor, City Council, Board of Public Works and City Departments to identify and enact strategies and policies to mitigate, prevent and undo those impacts - and to ensure that indigenous, underserved and frontline communities have a seat at the table in that process. In practical terms, that participation will be realized with the CEC, which will be made up of community leaders representing our most burdened communities, alongside climate, clean air and labor experts.
“The core of this work is putting social equity at the center of sustainability initiatives, and relying on the voices, thinking and real experience of communities most negatively impacted by the climate crisis,” said Greg Good, President of the Board of Public Works. “The combined vision of Mayor Garcetti, Councilmember Koretz, and the Leap Coalition is one of action and urgency -- and Marta will be an outstanding champion and steward of that vision.”
The Director and CEMO, as well as the CEC, will be a part of the Department of Public Works, where they will complement and advise other initiatives aimed at environmental justice and equity such as a citywide tree inventory to enable increased planting in low-canopy neighborhoods; street transit amenities such as increased shade in all communities; increased access to biodiverse ecosystems; oil and gas policy; redevelopment of brownfield properties; and Zero Waste and Zero Wasted Water.
“I am humbled and honored to serve as the City’s first Climate Director. Now is the time to work together, every community and every neighborhood, so we can plan and create the city we want,” said Segura. “We will collaborate with policymakers and community leaders to create opportunities for all families and workers to build thriving, healthy communities for all Angelenos while we strive to be a model for other cities. I'm honored and thrilled to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
Most recently serving as an executive consultant with an expertise in strategic planning, advocacy, and public affairs policy focused on social equity, community engagement, legislative leadership, reorganization, and transition management, Segura has over 20 years of experience designing programs and social change campaigns for underserved L.A. communities.
Prior to founding her own consulting firm, Segura previously worked as the Southern California Engagement Director for the Center for Biological Diversity, served as a Los Angeles City Planning Commissioner, as District Director for CD 13, and as Statewide Associate Director at Communities for a Better Environment. She holds a Master’s of Public Health degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Leap LA is a grassroots coalition committed to addressing environmental and climate justice for vulnerable, frontline communities. Members include Communities for a Better Environment, Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles, Esperanza Community Housing, SCOPE, and Pacoima Beautiful (not an exhaustive list).