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Michael Zucchet Biography

Born and raised in San Diego, Michael Zucchet is a third-generation San Diegan and currently lives in Point Loma with his wife Teresa, daughter Molly, and son Carter.

Mr. Zucchet attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he earned bachelor degrees in business economics and environmental studies. He also earned a master’s degree in environmental economics and policy from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Mr. Zucchet worked as a renewable energy economist with the U.S. Department of Energy, and as a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington DC. Michael returned to San Diego in 1996 and served as policy advisor to City Councilmember Valerie Stallings. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Zucchet served as the government and community affairs director for the San Diego City Fire Fighters Union, representing the 1200 fire fighters and paramedics who work for the City of San Diego.

After years of involvement and service with various community groups, including the San Diego League of Conservation Voters, the Pacific Beach Town Council and Planning Committee, Mr. Zucchet was elected to the 2nd District San Diego City Council seat in 2002. District 2 includes the communities of Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Mission Hills, Downtown, and parts of La Jolla. Michael won the election by 12 points in what was at the time the most expensive and hotly contested City Council race since the advent of district-only elections in San Diego.

As City Councilmember, Mr. Zucchet served on the Council’s Public Safety, Natural Resources, Land Use, and Rules Committees as well as the Metropolitan Transit District Board. He served as the City Council’s liaison on matters related to the Port of San Diego and the Centre City Development Corporation. Michael was appointed to the post of Deputy Mayor in 2005 and served as acting Mayor for a short period until his resignation from the Council in July 2005.

Mr. Zucchet currently works as Vice President of Real Estate for the J. Peter Block Companies, San Diego-based development company specializing in residential and mixed-use infill development, historic preservation, and affordable housing.

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