Nara Dahlbacka

Managing Partner

Nara Dahlbacka is Managing Partner of Milo Group of California. She came on board in 2016 following a successful campaign to elect Monterey County Supervisor, Jane Parker. She has had a diverse career, spanning many “lives,” from campaign manager to land use paralegal to martial arts instructor to hospitality to shakespeare educator to playwright and director. The through line has been a genuine desire to serve her community and advocate for meaningful change. Today, she stands at the intersection of policy, community development, and social justice.

Nara has decades of on the ground campaign and political experience with a deep understanding of Land Use Policy and complex land use entitlements, permit expediting, and state and local legislative updates. She covered Land Use, Retail, and Utility Policy under a two year contract at the San Francisco Committee on Jobs and six years working under one of the east bay’s most successful land use attorneys during graduate school. 

At the Milo Group, Nara has emerged as a driving force behind the firm's cannabis and drug policy efforts, earning her the moniker of 'Queen of Green.' Her expertise extends to psychedelic policy, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing progressive causes and fostering positive change within the community.

Beyond her political endeavors, Nara's passion for theater is evident in her academic achievements, holding a BA in Dramatic Arts from UC Santa Barbara and an MFA in Playwriting from San Francisco State University, winning numerous fellowships during her studies. As a director and playwright, she has showcased her talent at esteemed venues and festivals, earning recognition and awards for her creative contributions.

Nara remains deeply committed to community service. She actively engages in various roles, including serving as Vice Chair and Ex Officio for Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry on the Lake County Democratic Central Committee, an elected delegate to the California Democratic Party. She was appointed by Governor Newsom to serve on the 49th District Agricultural Association Board, where she is now serving as President. She was recently elected President of the Lake County Cannabis Alliance and also serves as the Cannabis Industry Representative on the Lake County Cannabis Ordinance Task Force. She is a board member and former President of Cat Town Oakland, a rescue organization and a board member of the East Bay Animal PAC and Bay Area Citizens PAC. She was a founding company member of Queer Cat Productions. And during graduate school, was appointed by former Mayor Tom Bates to serve on the Berkeley Animal Care Commission and also served on the Berkeley Commission on the Status of Women. Her dedication to these roles reflects her unwavering passion for effecting positive change and amplifying marginalized voices.