James Chang, Aide to Berkeley District 3 Councilmember Ben Bartlett, has managed to not only survive his election loss to University of California Student Cecilia Lunaparra, as well as an alleged illegal smear attack by a local news organization, but become recognized as an expert in affordable housing policy.
As the Chief of Staff to Councilmember Bartlett, James Chang is the glue that holds the office together. From taking calls to advocating for legislation, to meeting with constituents, training office staff, and representing Councilmember Bartlett at events, James is the do-all, get it done, marvelously effective all-purpose staffer that most of the time does not get the praise he’s due.
But that’s slowly changing.
James Chang’s value to the community was evident in the constant, kind, way he met Berkeley voters and spent countless hours hearing their concerns.
In fact, the only reason Mr. Chang didn’t win the election was his challenger was a Cal Student, and had the help of many areas of the Cal Campus, and that includes The Daily Californian.
The now District 7 Councilmember Cecilia Lunaparra was one of many students who paid into the news organization. Many say it’s no surprise that she gained more student votes; Chang was basically considered an outsider, even though he was a Cal grad and a new graduate of the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
But since that election loss, and the Daily Cal’s unfair and arguably not legal treatment as non-profit news organizations are prohibited from endorsing and writing favorably or unfavorably about candidates, James Chang has been recognized in many corners for his advocacy for affordable housing.
Recently, Michael Smith, Delores Nochi Cooper and Nikki Paetsch wrote:
James Chang is a dedicated public servant who truly cares about the well-being of our communities. He has been a staunch advocate for affordable housing, working closely with Councilmember Bartlett to create affordable housing in South Berkeley. This community has been severely impacted by displacement and gentrification, and James 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 Chang is on the rise in Berkeley. Keep a look out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAC_1pvmKQA
To view original press release, please visit: https://www.prbuzz.co/pr/369252/james-chang-berkeley-aide-rises-above-bad-news-to-thrive
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