Chris Ward (California politician)
Chris Ward | |
---|---|
Speaker pro tempore of the California State Assembly | |
In office December 5, 2022 – July 3, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Kevin Mullin |
Succeeded by | Cecilia Aguiar-Curry |
Member of the California State Assembly from the 78th district | |
Assumed office December 7, 2020 | |
Preceded by | Todd Gloria |
Member of the San Diego City Council from the 3rd district | |
In office December 12, 2016 – December 7, 2020 | |
Preceded by | Todd Gloria |
Succeeded by | Stephen Whitburn |
Personal details | |
Born | MUP ) | August 3, 1976
Christopher Ward (born August 3, 1976) is an American politician serving as a member of the
Early life and education
Ward was born in Germany in 1976.[2] He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Johns Hopkins University and a Master in Public Policy and Urban Planning at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Career
He worked as an Environmental Planner at the firm EDAW, working with local government to develop land use plans and conduct environmental review, and as a Researcher at the Ludwig Cancer Research at the University of California, San Diego. He then served as the chief of staff to State Senator Marty Block.
Chris is an active member[3] of the San Diego chapter of the Truman National Security Project.
San Diego City Council
Elections
In 2016, Ward ran for an open seat on the
Tenure
As a councilmember, Ward worked to identify measures that will significantly reduce San Diego's overall homeless population. These included three temporary shelters to house 700 individuals, an additional storage facility to serve 500 clients, and a proposed centralized homeless navigation center. In July 2017, the City Council unanimously approved an Equal Pay Ordinance that was proposed by Ward. The ordinance requires companies that do business with the city to pay their employees equally regardless of gender or race.[6]
In January 2019, the City Council approved a measure proposed by Ward that bans, for environmental reasons, the use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) for most retail uses including food service, egg cartons, and coolers. The ordinance also stipulates that single-use plastic items such as straws and eating utensils be available only on request. According to Ward, San Diego is the largest city in California to take this action.[7]
Committee assignments
- Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (Vice Chair)
- Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee (Chair)
- Land Use and Housing Committee (Vice Chair)
- Rules Committee[8]