DAVE TAMAYO: Scientist. president. neighbor.
Leading the Way to 2030 - In January 2026, Dave was elected by his peers to serve as President of the SMUD Board of Directors. This leadership comes at a pivotal moment. As we navigate a changing climate, Dave is the driving force behind the 2030 Zero Carbon Plan—the most ambitious clean energy goal in the nation. His mission is clear: eliminate carbon emissions while keeping your rates among the lowest in California.
A Scientist’s Approach to Public Service - Dave doesn’t just vote on energy policy; he understands the science behind it. With a background as an Environmental Scientist for Sacramento County for 30 years, Dave has spent his career protecting our water, air, and local ecosystems.
He’s not a career politician—he’s a problem solver. Whether he’s writing stormwater ordinances, spearheading integrated pest management programs, or advising the US EPA, Dave uses data and science to ensure our natural resources are protected for future generations.
Rooted in South Sacramento - Since 1989, Dave and his family have called the Fruitridge Manor neighborhood home.His commitment to Ward 6 is personal. He co-founded his neighborhood association and has successfully advocated for:
Public Parks & Urban Infill: Creating green spaces in the heart of our city.
Affordable Housing: Ensuring our neighborhoods remain accessible for working families.
Education: Establishing science programs and school gardens to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Collective Care for a Diverse Ward -Ward 6 is the diverse heart of Sacramento, stretching from Oak Park and Meadowview to Valley Hi and the Vineyard corridor. Dave understands that our community’s strength lies in our "tied history"—from our rich Filipino and Hispanic heritage to our shared vision for health and equity. As a student of the Spanish language and a lifelong advocate for environmental justice, Dave is committed to a "Kapwa" philosophy—a belief in collective care and shared identity. He is fighting to ensure that the transition to clean energy creates local jobs and lower bills right here in the South Sacramento corridor.
Beyond the Boardroom - When he’s not at SMUD headquarters, you’ll likely find Dave in his garden, tending to his beehives, birding, or kayaking on our local waterways. He holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and a master’s from the University of Florida.
Dave has helped to lead numerous public agencies and community groups, including:
City of Sacramento Parks & Recreation Commission
South Sacramento Community Plan Advisory Committee
Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees
State of California Structural Pest Control Board
Leonardo da Vinci Parent-Teacher Council
Sacramento Mutual Housing Association
Delta Regional Monitoring Program
California Stormwater Quality Association
People United for a Better Sacramento
Fruitridge Manor Neighborhood Association
Sacramento Urban Creeks Council
Dave is very proud of his adult children who attended Sacramento public schools, graduated from West Campus High School, and earned their bachelors’ degrees. His son currently has a career in IT, and is a licensed dietician. Before his environmental career, Dave had his own business selling wholesale seafood, and greatly values the knowledge and perspective he gained working as a commercial fisherman, whitewater raft guide, and an electrician. Dave enjoys eco-friendly gardening, beekeeping, whitewater rafting and kayaking, and cycling.