San Mateo, CA – June 19, 2024 – In a landmark announcement on Juneteenth, Charles Hansen declared his candidacy for San Mateo City Council, aiming to become the first Black man to serve on the council in the City’s nearly 130-year history. This historic declaration comes at a pivotal time for San Mateo, a community ready for positive change and inclusive leadership.
“Today, on Juneteenth, we honor the past and look forward to a future of unity and progress,” said Hansen. “I am excited to announce my candidacy for San Mateo City Council, representing District 2. My wife Fabienne and I are raising our son here, and we are deeply committed to making our community a thriving, safe, and supportive place for all families.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Charles Hansen brings over two decades of nonprofit leadership with a focus on community services. He has built successful YMCA and Boy’s and Girls Club programs all over the country. As Chief Program Officer at Peninsula Family Service, Hansen is leading impactful regional childcare and family service initiatives in San Mateo County that support working families and seniors in post-pandemic recovery.
Hansen is a lifelong learner and education advocate with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and an MBA. This summer, he will be the first in his family to receive a doctorate degree. He was recently honored with the San Francisco Foundation Civic Unity Award and selected as a Koshland Fellow, which will invest over $300,000 in his North Central neighborhood.
A Vision for District 2 and the City of San Mateo
Hansen’s campaign is built on three key priorities:
Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure is crucial to ensure our community is safe, well-connected, and climate-resilient. Hansen is committed to resourcing essential improvements for flood control, safe streets, and thriving community spaces.
Affordable Housing and Childcare: Affordable housing and quality childcare are fundamental for the well-being of our community. Our City is stronger when families have the opportunity to establish roots in our community — and live close to our jobs, schools, and churches.
Community Policing and Public Safety: Promoting compassionate, fair, and equitable treatment in law enforcement is essential for building trust between police and the community. Hansen advocates for community policing models, non-violent approaches, and youth empowerment to enhance public safety.
Making History and Embracing Change
Announcing his candidacy on Juneteenth is a timely statement of Hansen’s commitment to honoring black history in the North Central neighborhood while forging a path for the future. San Mateo County NAACP President Maurice Goodman said, “The black community has been told to ‘wait our turn’ for 130 years. It is time for us to make history by electing Charles Hansen, San Mateo’s first Black male council member. Nothing can stand in the way of progress and true representation for North Central and North Shoreview. We cannot go backward; we need to keep pushing forward.”
Supervisor Noelia Corzo, who grew up in the North Central neighborhood, said, “Charles Hansen has been serving our community since day one. He will ensure everyone is represented, and his campaign represents a significant step towards inclusive representation and leadership in our City.”
District 2 representative former mayor Amourence Lee and city councilwoman announced her endorsement, “We don’t want more politicians in City Hall; we need authentic community leaders. Charles Hansen is a servant leader who inspires progress, unity, and representation for all. He’s the people’s choice.”
“For too long, North Central and North Shoreview have felt neglected and underserved, and the status quo is not working. Together, we can create positive change and uplift one another. This campaign is not just about me; it’s about us, our dreams, and our future. I will do right by all of our City and District 2,” Hansen emphasized.
Call to Action
Hansen invites all residents of District 2 to join him on this journey. “I’m not just asking for your vote; I’m asking for your partnership. We are a community, and it’s through our collective effort that we can make the changes we need. Let’s make District 2 in San Mateo County a shining example of what a community can achieve when it comes together with a shared vision.”
For more information, to endorse Charles Hansen, or to contribute to his campaign, please visit www.charlesforsanmateo.com or contact him directly at [email protected] or 650.242.5955.
To donate, please visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/charleshansen
Contact Information:
Charles Hansen
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 650.242.5955
Website: www.charlesforsanmateo.com
