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.