Elmer Martinez Saballos

Director of Community Engagement and Public Affairs, LifeMoves

Elmer Martínez Saballos was elected to represent Redwood City’s Fourth Council District in 2024 after serving on the City Council for two years. Born and raised in Redwood City, Martínez spent his youth in the Palm Park and Stambaugh-Heller neighborhoods—communities he now proudly represents on the City Council. Martínez is the son of Central American immigrants and a product of Redwood City’s public schools. He attended Sequoia High School and Cañada College before becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Global Peace & Security, from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017. In his professional capacity, Martínez serves as the Director of Community Engagement & Public Affairs for LifeMoves, one of the Bay Area’s largest and most innovative providers of interim housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. In this role, he manages public affairs strategy, and government and community partnerships, advancing initiatives that strengthen public understanding of homelessness and support LifeMoves’ mission to help clients return to stability and long-term housing. Prior to joining LifeMoves, Martínez supported State Senator Jerry Hill and Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Kevin Mullin as their district representative, serving as a critical bridge between state government and constituents across northern San Mateo County. His portfolio included housing, healthcare reform, transportation, and economic development, and he played a central role in connecting residents to state resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In his free time, Martínez enjoys hiking on the California Coastside, cooking new recipes, practicing photography, and spending time with his family and friends.