District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg

Hello, Supervisor Ortiz-Legg welcomes you to the Third District of San Luis Obispo CountyPicture of District 2 Supervisor Bruce Gibson

Having called this county home for over 30 years, she is deeply honored to represent District 3.

Supervisor Ortiz-Legg term was appointed by the Honorable Gavin Newsom in November 2020 to fill the vacancy left by the late Supervisor Adam Hill. In June of 2022, she secured election by the voters to complete this term, set to conclude in 2024. She is the first woman of Latin American/Indigenous decent to be elected to the Board of Supervisors in San Luis Obispo County.

Supervisor Ortiz-Legg was born and raised in rural Illinois and has lived in San Luis Obispo since 1992, contributing to her community while working in energy, infrastructure, and economic development. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Pepperdine University and a Master of International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. 

She is best known in her community for implementing California’s renewable energy policy to impact and improve people’s lives positively. The development and construction of multiple utility-scale solar projects created hundreds of jobs and long-term opportunities for central coast residents and businesses. Simply put, Ortiz-Legg has installed more clean energy than any other San Luis Obispo County public official.

She is passionate about various aspects impacting the county's well-being. Ensuring quality of life encompasses addressing housing issues, supporting mental health and social services, and endorsing safety and security measures, such as law enforcement and court support. Recognizing the contributions of many individuals who enhance the county's excellence is also an essential aspect. Drawing from her years in the private and public sectors, Supervisor Ortiz-Legg believes that the best successes are achieved through collaborative efforts. San Luis Obispo County, with its remarkable citizens contributing selflessly to others, embodies the motto "Not for Ourselves Alone". She takes this statement and her oath seriously, acknowledging the vital role it plays in shaping a progressive democracy. She expresses gratitude for the community's contributions, and their role in making San Luis Obispo County an exceptional place to live.

Today, she resides in San Luis Obispo and is mother to one grown daughter, Georgia Legg.

Committees:

  • First 5 Commissioner - First 5 is an independent public agency established in 1998 through California's Proposition 10, leading collective efforts to support young children at both state and local levels by utilizing revenue from a 50-cent tax on tobacco products for dedicated funding of programs serving children from prenatal development through age five and their families.

  • 3CE Policy Board Member - Local communities established Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) to source clean and renewable electricity at competitive prices for customers throughout Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara counties. 3CE is locally controlled and governed by board members who represent each community served by the agency.

  • HSOC – Homeless Services Oversight Council - Establishing a planning and policy development forum, this initiative actively engages local jurisdictions and public/private service providers, compiles and monitors homeless-related data, advises on best practices, advocates for targeted public funding allocations, and collaborates with partners to secure financial resources for the implementation, coordination, and sustainability of homeless services based on the "10-Year Plan to End Homelessness".

  • SLOCOG – San Luis Obispo Council of Governments

  • Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

  • SLO GSC – Ground Water Sustainability - Commission  

  • CenCal - Board of Directors

  • Children Services Network - Executive Council

  • APCD Air Pollution Control District – Board Member

Education and Employment:

  • Master of International Public Policy; Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies, Bologna, Italy (mid-career)

  • B.A., Organizational Communication; Seaver College, Pepperdine University, Malibu, California

  • PG&E Energy Enterprise Laison - 2018-2020

  • First Solar Project Management and Public Affairs - 2010-2018

  • PTEC Corporation North American Sales and Marketing Manager - 1999-2010

  • International Trade and Regulatory Compliance Expert - 1986-2007

Community Involvement:

  • Parks CA Board of Directors – Current - As California State Parks’ statutory non-profit partner, we have a clear mission – to help strengthen parks and inspire all people to experience these extraordinary places.

  • Latino Caucus of California Counties, Vice President – Current - The mission of the Latino Caucus of California Counties is to foster board and membership engagement, address issues, promote Latino leaders, add value to the California State Association of Counties, and collaborate effectively within the association and other areas for the benefit of all Californians.

  • Planning Commissioner, District 3, San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission

  • One Cool Earth, Board Member

  • Mechanics Bank (formerly Rabobank) Customer Relations Feedback Board

  • SLO International Film Festival, Board Member

  • Economic Vitality Corporation, Board of Directors and Energy Cluster Chair

  • San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, Transportation Advisory Committee appointee, District 3

  • Planned Parenthood, Tri-Counties Board of Directors

  • Cuesta College Sustainability Center, Advisor

For the latest public health updates and recommendations regarding COVID-19 please visit ReadySLO.org .

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