Mick Unplugged Michael Tubbs: Governing with Heart, Elevating Stockton, and Fostering Inclusive Urban Progress
Michael Tubbs is a trailblazing leader who made history as Stockton, California’s youngest and first Black mayor. Renowned for his bold approach to public policy and his pivotal role championing universal basic income, Michael rose from humble beginnings—shaped by poverty, an incarcerated father, and personal tragedies—to become a national voice for change and equity in American cities. A Stanford graduate, Tubbs has transformed adversity into action, focusing on making stories like his less rare by reshaping government to serve everyone and igniting opportunity in underserved communities. Today, he continues his mission running for California’s lieutenant governor and leading initiatives to end poverty and drive policy innovation nationwide.
Takeaways:
- Grassroots Change Starts Local: Michael emphasizes that impactful change often begins at the local level, where community members can partner with government and step into leadership roles without years of experience—just a willingness to listen, learn, and serve.
- Adversity Can Drive Purpose: Tubbs’ journey from growing up with significant challenges in Stockton to leading his hometown is a testament to the power of channeling personal hardship into a broader mission of service, showing that lived experience, combined with competence and discipline, fuels meaningful leadership.
- Innovation and Policy Are Accessible: Michael dispels the myth that policy innovation is limited to experts—encouraging young leaders and business owners to engage with their local governments, uncover opportunities like government contracts or community collaborations, and believe that anyone invested can make a difference.
Sound Bites:
“If you have a heart to serve, a willingness to listen and to read, you are above 99% of folks in local office and you should be a part of the ecosystem. You don't just have to complain. You could do something about it.” – Michael Tubbs
“People were finally coming to look to us for solutions and not just for problems.” – Michael Tubbs
“Passion without competence is irrelevant. You have to marry that passion with some knowledge… or else you may make a bad problem worse.” – Michael Tubbs
Quote by Mick: Dominate your hometown or wherever it is you live, dominate there."
Connect & Discover Michael:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldtubbs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StocktonTubbs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21utOIFQ8Wgw77WxMxzZKw
Website: https://mtubbs.com/
Website: https://endpovertyinca.org/
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