City Council honors Barbara Romero for 13 years leading LA Sanitation and Environment
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Summary
The City Council recognized Barbara Romero for 13 years as general manager of LA Sanitation and Environment, passing a resolution and hearing testimonials from colleagues about programs she led, including Pure Water Los Angeles and local-hire initiatives.
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday presented a resolution honoring Barbara Romero for 13 years as general manager of LA Sanitation and Environment, recognizing her role in expanding workforce pathways, water resiliency programs and efforts to transition the city’s fleet.
Councilmember Hernandez, who introduced the tribute, listed accomplishments under Romero’s leadership including the targeted local-hire program and work on the Safe Clean Water program, which the council said secured more than $250 million in stormwater and greening projects. "Under her leadership, LA San became the gold standard for the targeted local hire program," Hernandez said.
Several council colleagues followed with personal remarks. "You have always been someone I never hesitated to call," Councilmember Lee said, praising Romero’s accessibility and operational focus. Councilmember Park highlighted Romero’s leadership during storm response and infrastructure modernization following the Palisades fire.
Romero, who identified herself as director and general manager, thanked council members and staff and reflected on decades of public service. She noted the personal nature of long-term service: "These 13 years have been a gift to me," she said, adding, with a moment of levity, that she planned to travel to Mexico City next.
The council approved a commendatory resolution recognizing Romero’s years of service and contributions to sanitation, water initiatives, and workforce programs. Colleagues asked Romero to remain engaged with the city in other capacities after her departure.
What happens next: The resolution is a formal expression of council appreciation. Romero indicated she will step away from the post and continue to support city efforts in other ways.
Provenance: presentation and remarks beginning with Councilmember Hernandez’s invitation (transcript SEG 832) through the council’s resolution (transcript SEG 1379–1384).
