Berkeley City Councilmember Ben Bartlett secured a resounding victory in the recent District Three election, garnering nearly 70 percent of the votes in what was anticipated to be a close race. Behind this impressive win stands James Chang, Bartlett's Chief of Staff, whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Councilmember's success. Chang, who has served as Chief of Staff for Bartlett and previously for former District 7 Councilmember Kriss Worthington, brings over a decade of experience in public service to his role. His expertise spans policy development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, with a particular focus on housing and public safety issues.
In his current position, Chang leads the daily operations and long-term vision of Councilmember Bartlett's office. He works closely with various departments, agencies, and community groups to advance the city's goals and values. Chang's ability to deliver results for constituents has been a hallmark of his tenure. What I do best is I know how to deliver for constituents who are in need, as long as they're patient with me and give me time, Chang stated. He highlighted several accomplishments, including cleaning up streets, compassionately serving the unhoused population, securing traffic improvements, and obtaining substantial funding for community projects.
One of Chang's most notable achievements was spearheading a 3-year housing funding strategy that led to a reduction in homelessness. He also established a cross-functional leadership team among business and activist groups to prioritize public safety goals. Perhaps most impressively, Chang secured $27 million in infrastructure funding through collaborative legislation. The impact of Chang's work extends beyond immediate policy outcomes. His efforts have contributed to improving the quality of life and well-being of Berkeley residents. For instance, he played a crucial role in obtaining $9 million for the African American Holistic Research Center and enhancing safety along MLK Way, a project that took seven years to complete.
Chang's approach to governance emphasizes problem-solving and progressive values. I'm a proven progressive leader who will always be true to these values, but I know that serving on the Council isn't about political ideology; it's about governance and service, he explained. The success of Councilmember Bartlett's office, culminating in the recent election victory, underscores the importance of effective staffing and leadership in local government. Chang's role demonstrates how behind-the-scenes work can significantly influence public policy and electoral outcomes.
As Berkeley continues to face challenges in areas such as housing, public safety, and infrastructure, the partnership between Councilmember Bartlett and his Chief of Staff James Chang will likely remain crucial in addressing these issues. Their collaborative approach and focus on delivering tangible results for constituents may serve as a model for effective local governance. The landslide victory in the recent election not only affirms the community's support for Councilmember Bartlett but also validates the strategic and operational prowess of James Chang. As Berkeley moves forward, the impact of this dynamic duo on the city's future policies and initiatives will be closely watched by residents and political observers alike.
