Los Angeles Region
Los Angeles Regional Leadership Advisory Board
Los Angeles Regional Leadership Advisory Board
The Los Angeles Regional Leadership Advisory Board (RLAB) is led by passionate leaders throughout our diverse local communities who work together to take action on climate change, public health, and environmental justice.
We focus on training, mentoring, and supporting people from diverse backgrounds through community programs to build a strong, skilled group of professionals and advocates ready to make a difference.
By bringing together different perspectives and working as a team, we create meaningful change and promote smart policies that address the most urgent environmental and social challenges of our time.
Leadership and Purpose
- Regional Leadership Advisory Boards (RLABS) are comprised of passionate leaders who advance transformational communities in their regions across California.
- RLABs build local capacity by developing an initiative (programs or events) that directly benefits members in the region and serves as an active pipeline for community engagement, network development, and impact.
- RLAB members are responsible for generating ideas and initiatives that address local community needs while aligning with USGBC-CA’s mission. RLABs will direct and advise on regional advocacy while providing feedback on statewide or federal policy.
Meet your Los Angeles RLAB Leaders
Our History
Back in 2002, a group of passionate architects, engineers, and builders in Los Angeles saw something missing: A stronger commitment to better, greener building practices. They came together to form USGBC-Los Angeles, a local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), connecting their efforts to a nationwide movement dedicated to transforming the built environment.
Originally, their reach covered all of L.A. County. But as the city’s landscape and population grew, so did their vision. USGBC-LA expanded into vibrant local branches stretching from the San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley to Long Beach, the South Bay, the West Side, and even the Inland Empire, reflecting the vast diversity of the region.
Leadership played a key role in this growth. Lance Williams became the first Executive Director in 2005, laying a solid foundation. Then, in 2008, Dominique Hargreaves stepped in and propelled the chapter to new heights. Under Dominique’s guidance, the organization blossomed, launching innovative programs like the Green Janitors Certification, Building Resilience-L.A., the Environmental Justice Project, Women in Green Leadership, and Green Apple Day of Service.
In 2016, the chapter hosted the prestigious Greenbuild conference right here in L.A., putting local sustainability efforts in the national spotlight. The following year, the county recognized USGBC-LA with the Green Leadership Award, a testament to their dedication and impact.
In 2015, USGBC-LA took a bold step toward independence, carving out its own identity with a unique mission, dedicated staff, and a committed board, separate from the national USGBC.
As the world around them evolved, so did their focus, broadening to tackle cutting-edge issues like net positive impact, impact investing, climate resilience, and climate change policy.
Then, in April 2024, a new chapter began. USGBC-LA joined forces with other California regions to create USGBC California, an independent nonprofit poised to amplify its influence across the state. The Los Angeles chapter is now guided by a passionate Regional Leadership Advisory Board, volunteers who carry forward decades of expertise, leadership, and community spirit.
From a small group of visionaries to a statewide powerhouse, USGBC-Los Angeles continues to lead the charge for a sustainable, resilient, and equitable built environment for all.
Milestones
- 2001: Los Angeles Region Organizing Group forms as a region of the US Green Building Council with co-chairs Lisa Matthiessen and Jim Weiner.
- 2001: USGBC-Los Angeles Region Articles of Incorporation filed
- 2001: IRS Status Granted as a 501(c)(3) public benefit nonprofit corporation.
- 2007: USGBC-LA established an office in downtown Los Angeles at 444 S. Flower St.
- 2009-11: Local geo-branches of USGBC-LA are established, including Long Beach (launched by Lance Collins), Westside, Inland Empire, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and finally South Bay. The Branches create their own programming and initiatives to support the Region’s mission.
- 2010: The Existing Buildings Committee was established, one of the first groups to focus on the enormous impact of the current building stock and its climate impacts.
- 2015: As the USGBC network evolves, the Los Angeles Region chooses to maintain its own 501(c)(3) designation and continue to align with the US Green Building Council network.
- 2016: USGBC-LA is invited to share space at BuroHappold’s offices in downtown L.A.
- 2019: Ben Stapleton joins USGBC-LA as Executive Director. There are two staff, a contract employee and an intern. USGBC-LA moves to the La Kretz Innovation Campus in downtown L.A.’s Arts District.
- 2021: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USGBC-LA moves to completely remote and transitions to hybrid operations with virtual education and events.
- 2024: USGBC-LA unifies with the other green building groups across the state, creating the California Green Building Council dba USGBC California. USGBC-LA staff becomes staff of USGBC California. USGBC-LA will become a new volunteer-led region of USGBC California.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Our workshops, events, and hands-on sessions focus on sustainability, green building practices, and leadership in the built environment. Join us for expert-led learning opportunities, networking, and real-world strategies that empower professionals to drive change and advance sustainable solutions in the industry.
Committees
Our community is authentic, inspiring, and purpose-driven, and we want you to be part of it! We work alongside each other with a sense of collective purpose, a focus on higher learning, and an ever-present awareness of the impacts of the work we do.
Climate change hits underserved communities the hardest, with challenges like poor air quality, fewer trees, and limited access to housing and services. The Environmental Justice Project Committee partners with local organizations to share resources, support advocacy, and strengthen community resilience.
By combining the Environmental Justice Project and DEI+B committees, volunteers are empowered with training and tools to turn values into meaningful action, ensuring climate solutions are inclusive and equitable.
This group brings fresh ideas from rising talent in the industry. It supports all USGBC California committees and helps emerging professionals grow into leadership roles, both within our organization and beyond.
Become a Member!
Become a Member!
Our community is authentic, inspiring, and purpose-driven, and we want you to be part of it! We work alongside each other with a sense of collective purpose, a focus on higher learning, and an ever-present awareness of the impacts of the work we do.
Volunteer!
Volunteer!
We’re seeking passionate volunteers to contribute to impactful projects, events, and programs in the San Diego area. By volunteering, you’ll expand your professional network, gain hands-on experience, and help transform our built environment. To get involved, please submit your interest through our volunteer form.
Join our LA Community Hub!
Ready to connect and collaborate? Access the Los Angeles Community Hub today and join a network of passionate individuals driving positive change. Be part of the conversation, share ideas, and help shape the future!
Contact Us!
Want to learn more, have questions, or need additional information? We’re here to help! Whether you’re seeking more details about our programs, events, or membership, we’re just a message away!
