Riley O’Brien

director

Riley@EstolanoAdvisors.com

Riley analyzes data and provides technical assistance to advance transportation equity and environmental justice.

Riley O’Brien joined Estolano Advisors in 2019. He leads spatial and quantitative data analysis and manages projects focused on transportation equity, environmental justice, housing affordability, and workforce development. To support California’s grant programs such as Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities and Transformative Climate Communities, Riley coordinates with local governments and nonprofits to map projects, develop partnerships, refine budgets, and finalize application materials.

Riley has also led transportation initiatives for LA Metro, the Westside Cities Council of Governments, and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to maximize benefits from the region’s expanding public transit network. Since early 2024, as part of a grant from the California Air Resources Board, Riley has managed a Transit-Oriented Development and Displacement Avoidance Plan for a new light rail station in the City of Commerce.

Before joining EA, Riley interned for the Research and Analysis department at SCAG, where he worked with local jurisdictions to finalize land use and transportation data for the 2020 Regional Transportation Plan. Riley also used ArcGIS to study traffic safety and socioeconomic vulnerability in the SCAG region.

Riley obtained his Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from UCLA, where he focused on transportation planning and geographic information systems. Previously, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UC Berkeley. Outside of work, Riley enjoys writing and producing music, exploring the streets and waterways of Los Angeles, and relaxing with his cats.