Rigel Robinson is a consultant for the Bay Area Council, supporting the Council’s initiatives on waterfront activation, climate resilience, land use and transportation, technology and innovation, and global business engagement. He supports the Council’s transatlantic partnerships and maintains relations with European stakeholders from his current base in Paris, France.
Previously, Rigel served as a Berkeley City Councilmember, the youngest in the city’s history. He played a critical role in accelerating construction of new homes, housing the homeless, and advancing new transportation infrastructure, from building complete streets improvements to planning the upcoming Berkeley Ferry Terminal. He also served as a commissioner on the Alameda County Transportation Commission.
Rigel earned his Master of Public Affairs and Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where he served as external affairs vice president of the student association, directing government relations for the student body. His early professional experience includes roles in the offices of California Governor Jerry Brown and U.S. Secretary of Education John King, and stints behind the bar as a barista at Peet’s Coffee and Elaichi Co, where he learned the value of customer service and the power of caffeine.
In addition to his public service, Rigel has volunteered as President of the Board of Directors for the Berkeley Symphony and led free sailing cruises for the community with the Cal Sailing Club. He continues to support the Bay Area Council’s programs while living abroad with his wife in Paris.
