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James Mai, Irvine City Council District 3 candidate, 2024 election qeustionnaire

October 5, 2024

Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: James Mai

Current job title: County Commissioner, Small Business Owner

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: Orange County Housing Commissioner, Irvine Community Services Commissioner

City where you reside: Irvine

Campaign website or social media: www.jamesmai.com

Irvine is in the process of its first major general plan update in well over a decade. Since Irvine has traditionally been a master-planned community, what is your vision for the city as it continues to grow? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I welcome growth, especially when it comes to providing affordable housing. However, as city leaders, we must ensure that our infrastructure can support this growth. It is essential to maintain the master plan that defines Irvine while also meeting the needs of our community, including housing for workers and our growing population. We must ensure that as a community our ancillary services are prepared and ready for that growth, and I fully support responsible growth that will continue to provide for our current residents and the new generation.

How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower prices, while also preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

To meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including affordable options, while preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods, the city should adopt a balanced approach. First, we must prioritize smart growth by identifying underutilized areas for development that integrate residential, commercial and green spaces. This reduces the need to expand into existing neighborhoods (especially since many are fully built out, including District 3), minimizing disruption.

Second, implementing affordable housing policies, such as inclusionary zoning and incentivizing developers to build affordable units, and landlords can ensure that new developments serve a range of income levels. Public-private partnerships can also be leveraged to increase affordable housing stock efficiently.

Third, maintaining the master plan is crucial to uphold Irvine’s character. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, such as roads, public transportation and utilities, to support new developments without burdening current residents.

Finally, engaging the community in the planning process will ensure that residents have a voice in shaping growth. By taking these steps, we can accommodate the need for more housing while preserving the quality of life that makes Irvine so special.

Irvine has a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. That will take a lot of city outreach to accomplish. Where does climate change fall in your list of priorities? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Addressing climate change is a top priority for me, just as it is for many in our community. Climate change affects every aspect of our lives, from public health to economic stability, and we must act now to meet our future goals.

I am dedicated to supporting sustainable policies, promoting renewable energy, enhancing public transportation and improving energy efficiency in our buildings. Public outreach is vital, and I believe in actively engaging residents and businesses through education and incentives to encourage more sustainable practices. Additionally, I advocate for increasing the number of trees in our communities, as nature offers unique healing benefits that can directly mitigate the effects of human-caused environmental damage.

In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The biggest need our city faces is finding the balance between growth and preserving what makes Irvine special. As we approach a population of over 300,000, it’s crucial to maintain our status as the safest city in the U.S. and continue providing outstanding schools and education. I frequently interact with residents, and a common theme I hear is concern about unity and the impact of growth on our community. To address this, I would work diligently to ensure that any growth is thoughtfully managed, keeping our safety, educational standards and quality of life at the forefront of decision-making.

Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

For over 25 years — more than half of my life — I have had the privilege of serving as the founder and CEO of an international management consulting firm, specializing in business strategy, growth and technology. These experiences have equipped me with valuable insights and skills that I believe will benefit our community as a member of the City Council.

Throughout my career, I have helped organizations navigate complex challenges and develop strategic plans that drive growth and innovation. These skills are critical for addressing the diverse issues facing our city and making informed decisions that will benefit all Irvine residents.

Beyond my business endeavors, I have also founded and operated nonprofit organizations that serve hundreds of people and have raised millions of dollars for community causes and advocated for countless causes including at-risk communities. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the power of collaboration and the importance of giving back, reinforcing my commitment to public service and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

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James Mai, Irvine City Council District 3 candidate, 2024 election qeustionnaire

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