About Councilmember Hueso

Councilmember Ben Hueso represents the City of San Diego's District 8 which has some of the most important economic and environmental resources in San Diego County. It is the home of the largest US Naval Base, largest ship building enterprise, busiest border crossing in the world, most diverse estuarine habitat, and sites San Diego County's second international airport. As a life-long resident of District 8, Ben has always had an interest in community service. While growing up, Ben learned that "You don't have to have a lot of resources to help others and much can be accomplished through a strong desire." Early on, Ben learned the significance of giving back and helping people.

He received a BA at the University of California, Los Angeles, studied Russian language at the University of Odessa in the Ukraine, and completed post-graduate studies in Community and Economic Development at San Diego State University.

Before joining the City Council, Ben operated a successful business for ten years, served as a member of the Police Chief's Advisory Committee, Founder of the Central Commercial District Revitalization Corporation, the Inner City Business Association, and Board Member for the Sherman Heights Community Center. Ben has worked intensively with a variety of community organizations to increase neighborhood policing, build parks and libraries, attract affordable housing, revitalize neighborhoods, and create educational and employment opportunities for youth. He also furthered his efforts to help youth through his work with San Diego County Urban Corps.

The Councilmember's energy and passion are focused on quality of life issues such as neighborhood revitalization, improving community long-range planning, increasing recreational opportunities, increasing transportation infrastructure, increasing educational and affordable Housing opportunities to disadvantaged families, improving employment opportunities through the creation of quality jobs and training programs, and restoring and improving significant environmental resources. Through his leadership, he has implemented a graffiti buster program to significantly reduce the amount of vandalism in our neighborhoods and the implementation of neighborhood Clean and Safe Programs to accomplish both neighborhood beautification and increased civic involvement.

In March of 2007, He was appointed to the California Coastal Commission, where he is currently working to protect coastal resources and improve the public's access. He has also accepted a wide range of responsibilities to increase the voice of District 8 residents on important policy-making processes. He serves on County's Workforce Partnership, the County's SAFE program, the County's abandoned vehicle abatement program, the City's Land Use and Housing Committee, the Natural Resources and Culture Committee, SANDAG's Borders and Transportation Committees, The Otay Valley Regional Park Joint Powers Authority, and the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan Joint Powers Authority.

He and his wife Laura have four children. He dedicates his community service to his and all children, with the hopes that he can pave a trail toward a brighter future.