James Chang Is A Dedicated Berkeley Public Servant And City Official

James Chang Is A Dedicated Berkeley Public Servant And City Official

Friend of James Chang wrote recently this about the Berkeley community aide, servant of the public, and city official. If you live or work in South Berkeley, you have probably already met James Chang. For years, Mr. Chang has served as the chief of staff for South Berkeley’s District 3 Councilmember Ben Bartlett of the Berkeley City Council. James Chang is known for his tireless efforts to deliver for the people and is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive Berkeley. Over the years, we have had the privilege to work closely with James and achieve great things together for our South Berkeley community. James Chang is a dedicated public servant who truly cares about the well-being of our city. He has been a staunch advocate for affordable housing, working closely with Councilmember Bartlett to create affordable housing in South Berkeley. South Berkeley has been severely impacted by displacement and gentrification, and James Chang played a crucial role in negotiating the development of the Stuart Street Co-op. This affordable housing co-op was formerly a dilapidated property owned by McGee Avenue Baptist Church. This project prevented South Berkeley residents from being displaced. James was also instrumental in developing Step Up Housing, a supportive housing model for the unhoused. District 7 needs an experienced leader like James, with a proven track record of delivering affordable housing. James’s commitment to social justice doesn’t stop there; he has also worked tirelessly to address public safety and food insecurity issues in Berkeley. He worked closely with Pastor Michael Smith of McGee Avenue Baptist Church to secure funding for its nonprofit programs, Center for Food, Faith, and Justice and Voices Against Violence, by helping with grant applications from UC Berkeley and the city. James co-authored the George Floyd Act for Berkeley, which created the Specialized Care Unit (SCU). James plans to expand the SCU to include 24/7 services and a memorable three-digit non-emergency phone number. During the pandemic, Mr. Change coordinated with the Berkeley Food Network to provide food for seniors at Harriet Tubman Terrace, and now senior residents get free food delivered to them. James has been a driving force behind initiatives promoting safety and well-being in our community. Berkeley’s Juneteenth Festival is a bustling cultural event celebrating the Black experience in South Berkeley. Months of planning go into this annual event. Over the years, James has supported us by working with the city on our behalf to receive citywide recognition and funding from the City Council and its officials. Most recently, James was instrumental in the success of the 2024 Black History Month student competition and celebratory event, which sought to continue the city of Berkeley’s notable history of civil activism. This event brought our diverse community together to honor and celebrate African American creativity and accomplishments and promoted community partnerships by partnering with local schools. His support was invaluable. He goes above and beyond because he loves Berkeley and the people who live here. One of James’s most admirable qualities is his ability to collaborate and build partnerships across different sectors to celebrate our diverse culture while delivering results. James understands the importance of working together to achieve common goals. His leadership style is inclusive and collaborative, and he always puts the needs of our community first. James Chang was supported by Berkeley firefighters, Black Women Organized for Political Action, 50+ elected officials and organizations, and others to support James Chang for Berkeley City Council. Now, he wants everyone to know that their support is more than appreciated, and he will make them proud that they did so.
via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtjzueQaP2w