WTS-LA’s newest 2025 honorary member is Brenda Martinez-Sidhom. With more than three decades of public service experience, Brenda brings wealth of experience in infrastructure planning, interagency coordination, and community-centered development to the chapter.

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Brenda currently serves as Senior Director of Economic Infrastructure in the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, where she plays a vital role in advancing public and private development projects that support the City’s resilience, equity, and recovery goals. In her current role, Brenda assists major developers - spanning affordable housing, commercial centers, and community-serving infrastructure - by navigating the City’s complex permitting systems. She works across departments and agencies to identify barriers, resolve bottlenecks, and establish interdepartmental connections that accelerate project approvals and keep developments on track.

Brenda’s expanded portfolio also includes support for wildfire recovery and rebuilding efforts. She supports the team with identifying strategies to streamline permit pathways, support homeowners and implement innovative solutions to improve speed and clarity in the post-disaster rebuild process.

Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office, Brenda served at Los Angeles World Airports, where she held key positions including Community Program Director and later Airport Planner. In those roles, she led the entitlement of major Capital Improvement Projects and tenant-led developments, securing environmental clearance, land use approvals, and interagency coordination for transformative projects such as the Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), Terminal 4 and modernizations, and the Airfield and Terminal Modernization Program (ATMP). She also supported long range planning initiatives including terminal development, and cargo facilities - ensuring alignment with LAWA’s broader planning and environmental strategy.

Brenda’s professional foundation was built in community engagement, leading gang prevention and intervention programs for the City of Los Angeles. That early work informed her belief that infrastructure - whether transportation or rebuilding-should create access, stability, and long-term opportunities for all communities.

Brenda holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of La Verne and earned her master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Southern California, both of which she earned while working full-time in public service. She proudly graduated alongside her eldest daughter—exemplifying her dedication to service, family and education.

Her vision reflects her commitment to equity and inclusion: “I envision transportation systems in Los Angeles to be reliable, inclusive, and designed to keep moving communities forward—like a heartbeat—giving life and connections to all communities so people can realize their dreams.”

WTS-LA is proud to recognize Brenda Martinez-Sidhom as a 2025 honorary member. With her experience, integrity, and commitment to service exemplify the values of our organization, she is a valuable addition to our chapter.