238. Yanira Garcia Talks Hustle and Humility as Member of Regional Metropolitan Transit Board

Yanira Garcia is a community advocate who serves on the Regional
Metropolitan Transit Authority, representing District 3.
Additionally, she has over a decade of experience in
communications, public relations, and advertising.





The Transit Authority, also known as Metro, is responsible for
running Omaha’s bus system, including ORBT and MOBY services.





The elected board has seven non-partisan board members, voted by
community members. Prior to the fall of 2024, seats were
appointed by the mayor rather than elected. The change is part of
Metro’s increased budget and expanded regional services. Board
responsibilities include determining transit policy, overseeing
the budget and handling contracts.





Garcia has called South Omaha home for over 25 years and grew up
in the Upland Park Neighborhood. She attended Omaha South High
School and later received a Master of Arts in Integrated Media
Communications from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.





Today, Garcia discusses her approach to being a grounded public
official, the role equitable transportation has in a healthy
city’s economy, and steps for communities to be better informed
on the civic process.