Martin Bourque is committed to sparking change within the environmental and social justice landscape in order to keep the movement fresh, dynamic, and forward thinking. He thrives at the intersection of community movement building, policy development and program implementation. Since 2000, Martin has led the Ecology Center, a community-based organization founded in 1969 and incorporated on Earth Day in 1970. Under Martin’s leadership, the Ecology Center has become a high impact engine for change. Martin has spearheaded innovative efforts such as creating a farmers’ market industry group, pioneering electronic food stamp access and incentives at farmers’ markets statewide, and passing the nation’s first Soda Tax.
Martin’s previous experience includes promoting sustainable, organic agriculture in Central America, supporting food justice for low-income communities, and fighting policies that allow dangerous pesticide-sprays in urban areas. He has served on the Community Food and Justice Coalition Advisory Committee, The Grassroots Recycling Network Board and the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board (StopWaste).
Martin earned a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies and Environmental Policy from UC Berkeley, and a B.A. in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior from UC San Diego.