About Tony…

Serving the residents of the 4th District since 2004, Tony successfully joined the San Diego City Council by winning a special election. He was re-elected into office in 2006 by an over-whelming majority.

Tony ran for office to continue the efforts started by his childhood friend, the late Councilman Charles Lewis III and to improve the quality of life of the residents of the 4th District and throughout San Diego. His main areas of focus are: enhanced public safety, community and regional economic development, increasing opportunities for our youth, and improving our neglected infrastructure.

Tony established the Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention. The Commission has brought millions of dollars to our City to implement programs and strategies for gang intervention and prevention. Curfew sweeps were implemented; areas in District 4 plagued by gang violence and neglect were revitalized and made safe with millions of dollars of improvements and programs to assist resident families. The crime rate has continued to drop within the 4th District, showing a 17% decline as of September 2009. Also, safe routes to school were developed and implemented for our children’s safe passages to and from schools.

Tony has successfully implemented several initiatives including budget strategies that prevented the closure of libraries and park and recreation centers, and helped close budget deficits of over $100 million. Despite the economic downturn, Tony ensured construction of the George L. Stevens Senior Center was completed and operated by 4th District Seniors. He ensured the Southeastern Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) remained a viable organization and continues with its mission for economic development.

Tony lobbied President Obama for the Hire-A-Youth program. In 2009, he successfully brought back the Hire-A-Youth program to the 4th District and the City. Over 3,000 youth received summer jobs and permanent jobs as a result. He restored the Tubman Chavez Multicultural Center and ensured it is operating for the community by. He changed the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) process and reversed decades old trends of the Council allocating CDBG funds to communities that were not low or moderate income communities.

Tony helped thousands of families save their homes by leading efforts in the foreclosure crisis to convene over 200 community workshops for distressed home owners. Tony ensured economic stimulus dollars went to projects that created jobs and projects for families and small businesses in the 4th District. Since he came into the office, the nation, region and communities have suffered under an economic crisis. Tony has demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership during these times by balancing the city’s budget, maintaining effective City services, significantly increasing the amount of infrastructure dollars going to repair our streets and replace old and broken water and sewer pipes. Tony is committed to keep our City and communities moving forward, despite the nation’s economic condition.

The Council and Mayor have expressed their confidence and support of Tony’s leadership skills by appointing him to several leadership positions including: Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Finance; Chairman of the City-County Reinvestment Task Force; Vice-Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhood Services; San Diego Association of Governments’ (SANDAG) Board of Directors; San Diego Consortium Policy Board; San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Board; San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board; and the League of California Cities.

Tony grew up in San Diego's 4th Council District where he attended elementary school and graduated from Morse High. He attended Howard University on a full scholarship and received his degree in Socio-Economics. Prior to his election to City Council, Tony served as Chief of Staff to City Councilman Charles L. Lewis III, Legislative Aide to San Diego County Supervisor Leon Williams and Intern for Congressman Jim Bates. Tony earned his teaching credentials from the University of San Diego on a full academic scholarship. He and his wife Jacquelyn, live in the 4th District community of Valencia Park with their daughters.

"I am honored, proud, and thankful to the residents of the 4th District for allowing me to serve as their Councilman. Thank you for supporting my efforts to help make the 4th Council District and the City of San Diego the best place to live, work, worship and raise a family."

Tony Young