Matt Rahn

Background

About Matt Rahn

Dr. Matt Rahn currently serves as the Executive Director for the Wildfire Conservancy, a California non-profit research foundation dedicated to serving our firefighters, and protecting our communities. The Wildfire Conservancy is a research foundation focused on three key areas: 1) Improving firefighter health and safety, 2) Advancing attack effectiveness, and 3) Promoting community resilience and awareness He served on the Temecula City Council for eight years, and as Mayor in 2018 and 2022. In his academic role, Dr. Rahn serves as the Director for the CSUSM Wildfire Science and Urban Interface Program and has led coursework in wildfire science, CEQA, water management, transportation, air quality, conservation planning, and energy. Dr. Rahn has over two decades of experience in applied sciences and policy, with an emphasis in environmental science, biology, statistics, public policy and wildfire science. Having earned both a PhD and JD, Dr. Rahn has focused much of his work on the interface between science and policy, supporting local, state and federal programs in collaboration with lawyers, policymakers and scientists on issues ranging from wildfires, to watershed management, endangered species, transportation, land use planning and renewable energy. Specialties: Wildfire Research Local Government Government Relations Transportation Land Use and Development Environmental Law Watershed Management Planning Habitat Conservation Planning Endangered Species Conservation Environmental Impact Reporting Sustainable Development Renewable Energy