FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, August 31, 2018
Contact: Mayor’s Office of Communications, 415-554-6131

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MAYOR LONDON BREED NOMINATES AMANDA EAKEN TO SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Eaken brings decades of experience in transportation policy, involvement in landmark transportation legislation

San Francisco, CA—Mayor London N. Breed today nominated Amanda Eaken to the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Eaken is a leading expert and advocate for sustainable urban planning in land use and transportation policy.

Eaken currently serves as the Director of Transportation & Climate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, where she focuses on reducing transportation-related pollution. She also serves as the Director of Transportation for the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, a $70 million, two-and-a-half year initiative to support 20 U.S. cities in their efforts to set and meet aggressive climate goals.

“Amanda Eaken has an extensive track record of promoting progressive policies to improve public transportation,” said Mayor Breed. “Her expertise on issues regarding transportation, land use, and the connection to sustainable communities will bring a valuable perspective to the SFMTA Board of Directors as they work to improve transportation for all San Franciscans.”

Eaken was instrumental in the passage of SB 375 (D-Steinberg), a first-in-the-nation law to connect transportation and land use to climate change in order to encourage development that allows residents to rely less on cars for mobility. She also helped pass reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act to prioritize walking, bicycling, and public transportation.

“I am honored to be nominated by Mayor Breed to serve on the SFMTA Board of Directors,” said Eaken. “As a regular Muni rider and bicyclist in the City, I am excited for the opportunity to improve the reliability of our transportation network and help San Francisco implement our transit first goals.”

The seven-member SFMTA Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the advancement of San Francisco’s Transit First Policy. Eaken is being nominated to fill a vacancy created when former Director Joel Ramos was hired to lead the SFMTA’s Community Response Team.

“Amanda Eaken would be a wonderful addition to the SFMTA Board of Directors,” said California State Senator Scott Wiener. “Not only is she a nationally-renowned transportation expert, but she is also deeply committed to the Agency’s mission.”

Eaken lives in the Panhandle neighborhood. She is an avid bicyclist and a regular rider of the 5-Rapid bus. She has a Master’s Degree in City Planning from the University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor’s Degree from Dartmouth College.

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