California Gov. Gavin Newsom named former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs as a Special Advisor for Economic Mobility and Opportunity on Thursday.
According to a statement from Newsom’s office, Tubbs will “help advance Governor Newsom’s goal of creating a California for all.”
Tubbs will serve as an ex-officio member on the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, where he will focus on the issues of opportunity, economic mobility and poverty.
“As Mayor of Stockton, Michael Tubbs proved himself as a leader who cares deeply about his community and economic fairness,” Newsom said in a statement. “From implementing the first mayor-led guaranteed income pilot to launching the Stockton Scholars program to invest in his city’s youth, Tubbs expanded opportunity and hope in his hometown.
“I can think of no one more dedicated or better equipped to make recommendations to my team and help lead outreach efforts to increase opportunity and entrepreneurship to reduce poverty in California. I look forward to working with Mayor Tubbs to build a California for all.”
The Governor’s office said Tubbs will work to build public and political will for policy change with the goal of ensuring that California families have the ability to thrive.
“As we fight the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and economic insecurity, I am honored to work with the Newsom Administration to bring forward innovative solutions that will lead to inclusive economic recovery for all Californians,” Tubbs said in a statement.
“As I always say, poverty is a choice: a policy one. I can think of no greater calling than to build upon my work with Mayors and community leaders across our state and nation to help advance big, bold policy solutions that are rooted in economic fairness, racial equity, and recognize the dignity of all people.”
Tubbs will not receive compensation for this position, which is his re-entrance into the California political arena.
In 2016, Tubbs defeated former Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva, collecting over 70 percent of the vote.
During his tenure, Tubbs made headlines for his universal basic income program, which provided a random group of 125 Stockton residents with $500 every month for two years.
Despite his popularity in the national media, Tubbs lost to Kevin Lincoln in the 2020 election by a 56.4-43.6 percent margin.
