UCLA LPPI Appoints Former California Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia as Senior Advisor for Policy and Public Affairs
Garcia to lead strategic efforts on critical policy impacting Latino communities.

LOS ANGELES (February 3, 2025) – The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (LPPI), a leader in advancing Latino-focused research and policy solutions, is thrilled to announce the Honorable Eduardo Garcia as its new Senior Advisor for Policy and Public Affairs. With over two decades of public service, Garcia will spearhead strategy and capacity-building initiatives, advancing the Institute’s mission to address urgent policy issues affecting Latinos and underrepresented communities, including environmental justice, health equity, housing, and economic mobility. As part of his appointment, he will also teach a course about California politics at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. 

“As our nation faces an uncertain political future, it is more important than ever to ensure Latino communities are at the forefront of policy decisions, especially as we confront challenges to immigration, civil rights, and environmental protections,” said Dr. Amada Armenta, faculty director at LPPI. “Eduardo Garcia’s leadership and deep understanding of the legislative process will enable LPPI to continue its vital work in these turbulent times and advocate for policies that empower our communities.”

Garcia brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As a California Assemblymember from 2014 to 2024, he chaired key committees on chaired the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, the Select Committee on California’s Lithium Economy, the Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs, the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy, Water, Parks, and Wildlife, and Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy.

Among his many legislative achievements, he championed transformative climate laws such as SB 32 and AB 197, which established California’s ambitious emissions reduction framework while prioritizing investments in communities most impacted by pollution. His advocacy also secured billions in funding for critical projects, including affordable housing, higher education, and renewable energy development.

“As I join LPPI, I am excited to build on the work we’ve done in California while also rising to the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving national landscape,” Garcia added. “Latino communities are facing significant threats. Together with LPPI, I am committed to advocating for policies that protect the rights and future of our people, ensuring our communities remain resilient and continue to thrive.”

Garcia’s legacy includes groundbreaking contributions to environmental justice, such as joint authoring AB 617 with Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, which created the Community Air Protection Program, and spearheading efforts to establish California’s Lithium Valley Commission. 

Together with Senator Bill Monning, he co-authored SB 200, which launched the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) program, addressing critical water infrastructure needs in underserved communities. In cooperation with Senator Ben Allen, Garcia advanced the $10 billion bond to fund environmental and energy initiatives to bolster California’s climate resilience efforts.

Additionally, his work on the Internet for All Act, building on Senator Alex Padilla’s initiative, expanded broadband access to rural and underserved areas, narrowing the digital divide in the state. Before his tenure in the Assembly, he served as Coachella’s first elected mayor, transforming the city into an economic and cultural hub. 

With this appointment, LPPI strengthens its commitment to leveraging research and advocacy to address systemic inequities and champion transformative policies for Latino and other underserved communities. As the national landscape evolves, LPPI will continue to advocate for protecting the progress made by our communities, including ensuring that underserved populations are supported in the wake of disasters like the Los Angeles County wildfires. We remain dedicated to making sure Latino voices are heard and policies are shaped to promote equity, resilience, and opportunity.

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About UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute:

The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is a non-partisan research institute that seeks to inform, engage, and empower Latinos through innovative research and policy analysis. LPPI aims to promote equitable and inclusive policies that address the needs of Latino communities and advance social justice. latino.ucla.edu.