Cal Cities Speaker Series Presents: Michael Tubbs, Special Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom for Economic Mobility and Opportunity

July 19, 2022 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Michael Tubbs is someone who breaks barriers and helps others do the same. At 26 years old, he was elected mayor of his hometown of Stockton, where he helped increase public safety and residents’ financial stability, all while keeping the city fiscally healthy. He later became the founder of two organizations that seek to eliminate poverty: Mayors for a Guaranteed Income and End Poverty in California. Currently, Tubbs serves as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s special advisor on economic mobility and opportunity.

During the July Speaker Series, Tubbs will share his insights on making systemic change, starting with his foray into local government and tenure as mayor and ending with his efforts to create models of economic empowerment and opportunity rooted in justice for all. With city officials throughout the Golden State working to ensure that all Californians have access to food, housing, health care, and child care, Tubbs' insights will be invaluable to attendees.

The discussion will include an introduction by League of California Cities President and Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Silva and a Q&A moderated by Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman.

About the Speaker:

Michael Tubbs is the founder of End Poverty in California and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income. In 2021, he become the Special Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom for Economic Mobility and Opportunity.

In 2016, Tubbs was elected the mayor of Stockton at 26 years old. He was the city’s first African American mayor and the youngest mayor of any major city in American history. As mayor, Tubbs was lauded for his leadership and innovation. He raised over $20 million to create the Stockton Scholars, a universal scholarship and mentorship program for Stockton students. Additionally, he piloted the first mayor-led guaranteed income pilot in the country.

Under his leadership, Stockton was named an “All-America City” in 2017 and 2018 by the National Civic League. The city saw a 40% drop in homicides in 2018 and 2019, led the state of California in the decline of officer-involved shootings in 2019, and was named the second most fiscally healthy city in California. Additionally, it was recognized as one of the most fiscally healthy cities in the nation and was featured in an HBO documentary film, Stockton on My Mind.

Tubbs has been named a fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics and The MIT Media Lab, a member of Fortune’s Top 40 under 40, a Forbes 30 under 30 All-Star Alumni, the Most Valuable Mayor by The Nation, the 2019 New Frontier Award Winner from the JFK Library, and the 2021 Civic Leadership Award winner from The King Center. Prior to his tenure as mayor, Tubbs served as a council member for the city of Stockton’s sixth district, a high school educator, and a fellow for the Stanford Design School and the Emerson Collective.

On November 16, 2021, Tubbs released The Deeper the Roots: A Memoir of Hope and Home. The book tells Tubbs’ story of growing up in poverty but lays his vision for leadership and policy that is more empathetic and responsive to people who are struggling.

About the Cal Cities Speaker Series

The Cal Cities Speaker Series features government leaders and policy experts sharing insights on big picture issues and trends that matter most to cities. Our speakers, like our cities, have diverse perspectives and Cal Cities is excited to provide meaningful dialogue that engages, enlightens, and inspires. The Cal Cities Speaker Series is free to members and League Partners.

Registration must be completed by noon on July 18. This webinar is complimentary to Cal Cities members and League Partners. Nonmember cities and other government entities will be charged $150. Please note that registration is limited to 1,000 people.

For questions about webinar registration, please contact Megan Dunn. For all other questions, please contact Christina George.