James Chang: The Unsung Hero Behind Berkeley Councilmember Ben Bartlett's Landslide Victory

Berkeley City Councilmember Ben Bartlett's recent reelection victory, securing nearly 70 percent of the vote in what was anticipated to be a close race, has brought attention to a key figure behind his success: Chief of Staff James Chang. With over a decade of experience in public service, Chang has emerged as a pivotal force in Bartlett's office, driving initiatives that have significantly impacted Berkeley residents' lives.

Chang's role extends far beyond typical administrative duties. As Chief of Staff, he leads the daily operations and long-term vision of Councilmember Bartlett's office, collaborating with various departments, agencies, and community groups to advance the city's goals. His expertise in policy development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in housing and public safety issues, has been instrumental in implementing successful projects and initiatives.

One of Chang's notable achievements includes directing a team to develop a three-year housing funding strategy that effectively reduced homelessness in Berkeley. This initiative demonstrates his ability to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing urban areas in California. Additionally, Chang established a cross-functional leadership team comprising business leaders and activist groups to prioritize public safety goals, showcasing his skill in bringing diverse stakeholders together for the common good.

Chang's effectiveness in securing funding for crucial projects is evident in his successful acquisition of $27 million in infrastructure funding through collaborative legislation. This achievement underscores his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and secure resources for the betterment of the community. Furthermore, his role in obtaining $9 million for the African American Holistic Research Center highlights his commitment to addressing social equity issues within the city.

The Chief of Staff's impact on the district is further illustrated by his work on improving safety along Martin Luther King Jr. Way, a project that took seven years to complete. Chang's persistence and dedication to this long-term goal demonstrate his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Berkeley residents, even when faced with challenging and time-consuming projects.

Chang's approach to public service is characterized by his focus on delivering tangible results for constituents. He emphasizes his ability to address a wide range of community needs, from cleaning up streets and compassionately serving the unhoused population to securing funding for local events and implementing traffic safety measures. This hands-on approach to governance has likely contributed significantly to Councilmember Bartlett's popularity among voters.

The success of James Chang in his role raises important questions about the often-overlooked impact of staff members in local government. His work demonstrates how skilled and dedicated individuals in supporting roles can significantly influence policy implementation and community engagement. As cities across the nation grapple with complex issues such as housing affordability, public safety, and infrastructure development, the role of experienced and capable staff members like Chang becomes increasingly crucial.

Chang's success story also highlights the importance of continuity and experience in local government. His seven-year tenure, spanning work with former District 7 Councilmember Kriss Worthington and now with Councilmember Bartlett, has allowed him to build deep relationships within the community and develop a comprehensive understanding of the district's needs and challenges.

As Berkeley and other cities continue to face evolving urban challenges, the role of figures like James Chang in shaping effective policy and delivering results for residents becomes increasingly significant. His work serves as a model for how local government can operate efficiently and responsively, potentially influencing how other municipalities approach staffing and policy implementation in the future.