Costa Mesa Public Services Director Raja Sethuraman announced that on Monday Jan. 10, Brett Atencio Thomas became the City’s first Active Transportation Coordinator, where he will oversee projects and initiatives to improve biking and walkability.

“This new position fulfills several of our council goals and helps us serve a growing need in the community to make Costa Mesa more biking and walking friendly,” Mayor John Stephens said. “We are fortunate that Director Sethuraman found someone with Brett Atencio’s background and experience to lead these efforts.”

Fifth District Council Member Arlis Reynolds and an advocate for Active Transportation is also happy to welcome Thomas to the team.

“Adding Brett Atencio to our team elevates Active Transportation from a council goal to a reality,” said Reynolds, who is also a board member with America Walks, a national organization focused on improving walkability in communities. “I’m thrilled that we have added someone with his expertise and education and I look forward to working with him to make Costa Mesa a safer place for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.”

Sethuraman agreed he will be a valuable member of the Public Services team.

“Brett Atencio brings unique capabilities and ideas to the Public Services Department to provide further focus to and promote Active Transportation for the City,” Sethuraman said.

Thomas previously worked at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority where he managed the $13 million Open Streets Grant Program, which funds CicLAvia and other similar programs.

He oversaw the implementation of over 200 Metro Bike Share stations, and developed the Metro Adopt-a-Bike Program. Thomas is also experienced in Federal, State, and Regional competitive grant application and management processes, and he has successfully applied and secured grant funding for active transportation projects and programs.

In addition to working for the MTA, Thomas’ experience includes working in public service for the Pasadena Department of Transportation, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, and the City of Alameda.

Thomas has a Bachelor’s Degree from San Francisco State University and a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California Los Angeles.