About the Sustainability Director
Laura Spanjian
Laura Spanjian
In April, 2010, Laura Spanjian joined the City of Houston as Mayor Annise Parker’s Sustainability Director, where she is responsible for directing and coordinating projects and initiatives that improve air, land and water quality; and support and expand renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, recycling and composting, alternative and clean transportation, local food production and more livable and vibrant neighborhoods. Her career includes roles as Assistant General Manager - External Affairs at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), where she managed four divisions, including sustainability planning and legislative affairs; and Government Affairs Director at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) Muni.
Environmental Accomplishments:
- Led final negotiations and approval for an urban 5 MW solar project—positioning San Francisco as having the nation’s largest municipal solar installation.
- Launched and implemented a $15M SF Solar Incentive Program to encourage residents and businesses to install rooftop renewable energy systems.
- Directed the passage of numerous state legislative bills, including the expansion of indoor and outdoor graywater use, mandating replacement of inefficient water fixtures in residents and businesses and expansion of large-scale renewable power generation.
- Led passage of federal appropriation funding for numerous initiatives, including $1M for a grease-to-biofuel plant and $1M for design study of a Civic Center Sustainable District.
- Directed the creation of MTA Muni’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program, that led SF to having the nation’s 3rd-largest hybrid bus fleet.
