California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) Director and Chair for the California Strategic Growth Council, Samuel Assefa is being recognized for his long-standing commitment and contributions to the state’s environmental and transportation sectors.
Honored during a Juneteenth celebration on Thursday, as part of the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy’s (CFEE) Annual Transportation Conference, Director Assefa was one of five Black leaders in California to receive recognition.
“When I think of the work around transportation that I do, that all of us do, I always think about how it will impact community. How will it continue to uplift (through access, equity and innovation),” Assefa said. “May we all drive (or bike) toward a future where transportation truly connect all of us.”
Director Assefa was honored alongside:
- Lori Wilson, California's 11th State Assembly district member
- Toks Omishakin, Secretary for the California State Transportation Agency and member of the California Strategic Growth Council
- Darnell Grisby, California Transportation Commission Chair
- Liane Randolph, California Air Resources Board Chair
CFEE’s recognition states that these leaders have collectively advanced equity, innovation and connectivity across California’s transportation systems.
Before accepting the award, Director Assefa participated in a panel alongside three other California transportation leaders to discuss Balancing Growth and Mobility and Consulting Fees. The conversation explored key challenges and opportunities within the state’s evolving transportation landscape, with a focus on how California’s policies—SB375 and SB743—aim to align transportation planning with long-term climate goals.
Other Panelists included:
- Kiana Valentine, Executive Director, Transportation California
- Andrew Fremier, Executive Director, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
- Carter Rubin, Director, State Transportation Advocacy, Climate & Energy, Natural Resources Defense Council
Director Assefa’s recognition at the CFEE Juneteenth Reception underscores the vital role of state leadership grounded in equity, innovation and community. The work of his fellow panelists and honorees reflect a broader movement in the transportation sector - a movement that not only considers the complexities of legislation and consulting, but also the community and environmental impacts our transportation development makes. As California moves forward in climate conversations, voices like Director Assefa’s will be crucial in shaping sustainable solutions to meet environmental and community goals.