Christopher Ward

Christopher Ward earned a B.A. from John Hopkins University and a master's degree in public policy and urban planning from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. Ward's career experience includes working as an environmental planner, a researcher with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at the University of California at San Diego, and the chief of staff to former state senator Marty Block.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

First and foremost, I am a parent of two young children who motivate me every day to make the world a better place for all of our kids to grow up.

I was elected to the San Diego City Council in 2016, and have focused on housing, homelessness, economic development, public safety and other critical local goals. In addition, I am the author of San Diego's landmark Equal Pay Ordinance, and wrote a law to make San Diego the largest city in California to ban Styrofoam. As Chair of the San Diego County Regional Task Force on the Homeless, my top goals have been to transform our outdated programs and services to align with national best practices and meaningfully address and respond to homelessness at a time when other cities are experiencing double-digit growth. On the City Council, I also serve as Chair of the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, focusing on support for local business and help create good paying jobs.

I previously served as the Chief of Staff to State Senator Marty Block, representing most of the 78th Assembly District. In these capacities, I was committed to constituent services, facilitating public participation in policymaking, and organizing state and local resources to make our schools, universities, and neighborhoods a better place.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

A Leader on the EnviornmentA Key Voice in the Fight Against HomelessnessA Parent Fighting for All of our Children

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Childcare

Averaging nearly $12,000 per year, the cost of childcare is one of the largest economic barriers for working families. Impoverished and working-class parents often find it impossible to find jobs allowing them to both care for their children and pay the bills. California's children deserve a strong start, and families need support to create an equitable and healthy workplace, and an even happier and healthier home.

Homelessness

As Chair of the Regional Taskforce on the Homeless I have worked tirelessly to update systems of care, identify funding streams, and increase housing supply for our most vulnerable San Diegans. Taking best practices to Sacramento, I will fight for a permanent stream of homelessness funding, comprehensive statewide planning, and updated care and services so the most vulnerable Californians have a path out of poverty.

Climate Change

Coastal flooding and erosion threaten our district; wildfires ravage communities, tragically take lives, and destroy homes and businesses. Droughts are getting longer and more severe. California needs to protect ourselves from these threats and continue our leadership in greenhouse reduction. As the author of the state's largest Styrofoam Ban, I have the experience building coalitions to get bold, progressive solutions passed into law.