is a nationally recognized leader working at the intersection of climate risk, policy innovation, and coastal resilience. A former Mayor and City Councilmember in Sausalito, California, Janelle brings deep expertise in addressing the escalating risks posed by sea level rise, extreme weather, and climate-driven disasters.During her time in office (2020–2024), Janelle secured nearly $2 million in funding for sea level rise adaptation and infrastructure resilience, while spearheading initiatives to integrate long-term climate risk into local decision-making. She is known for her collaborative approach to complex, multi-stakeholder challenges spanning housing, economic development, and environmental protection.

As the Founder of the Center for Sea Rise Solutions, Janelle works to embed climate resilience and risk assessment—including catastrophic modeling and advanced forecasting—into coastal policy and infrastructure planning. Her efforts focus on identifying opportunities for new financial tools, such as parametric insurance and innovative risk transfer mechanisms, to help vulnerable communities and industries better manage the economic impacts of climate change.

Internationally, Janelle has advanced sustainable maritime development through partnerships with the City and Port of Barcelona, the World Ocean Council, and local leaders across California. Her blue economy work connects ports, policymakers, and private sector innovators to promote climate-resilient job creation and support the long-term health of ocean ecosystems.

Janelle holds a degree in History from Yale, a Master’s in Environmental Management from Oxford, and a J.D. from Stanford Law. She is currently running for Lieutenant Governor of California.