Matt Haney

Matthew Craig Haney is an American politician currently serving as a member of the California State Assembly, representing the 17th district, which encompasses the eastern portion of San Francisco. A member of the Democratic Party, Haney has a background in education and public policy, having previously held positions on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the San Francisco Board of Education. His legislative career is characterized by a focus on progressive policies and community engagement.

Early life and career

Matt Haney was born on April 17, 1982, in Santa Cruz County, California. He was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he attended public schools in Albany, California. His mother, Kris Calvin, was involved in education as a member of the South Pasadena School Board, which likely influenced Haney's later pursuits in education and public service.

Haney's academic journey began at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Arts in 2010 from the Stanford Graduate School of Education and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Stanford Law School in the same year. Additionally, he pursued an LL.M. in human rights from the National University of Ireland, where he was recognized as a Mitchell Scholar. His educational background provided him with a strong foundation in law and policy, which he later applied in various professional roles.

In the early stages of his career, Haney served as a legislative aide for California State Senator Joe Simitian. This experience allowed him to gain insights into the legislative process and the workings of state government. He also held the position of Executive Director of the University of California Student Association, where he advocated for student interests at the university level.

Haney's commitment to social justice and reform is evident from his role as the National Policy Director for The Dream Corps, a nonprofit organization focused on criminal justice reform and other progressive causes. In 2015, he co-founded #cut50, an Oakland-based initiative aimed at reducing mass incarceration in the United States, alongside notable figures such as Van Jones and Jessica Jackson.

Legislative service

Haney's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Education in November 2012. He announced his candidacy for one of the four open seats on the board earlier that year and successfully secured a position, becoming the youngest member of the commission at that time. His election followed two years of service on the San Francisco Unified School District’s Public Education Enrichment Fund Community Advisory Committee and the Restorative Justice Committee, which provided him with valuable experience in educational governance.

During his tenure on the school board, Haney was active in various initiatives, including a resolution that mandated food vendors to disclose the origins of their products, which passed unanimously. He also took a progressive stance on issues related to school naming and curriculum, advocating for the renaming of George Washington High School to honor Maya Angelou, a former student. His efforts to address historical injustices and promote inclusivity in education were notable aspects of his leadership.

In 2018, Haney transitioned to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors after winning the election for District 6. He received a significant portion of the vote in a ranked-choice voting system, which reflects his strong support within the community. His election contributed to the establishment of a progressive majority on the board, allowing for the advancement of various initiatives aligned with his policy priorities.

Following his successful tenure as a supervisor, Haney was elected to the California State Assembly in a special election held in 2022. He succeeded David Chiu, who had moved on to become the City Attorney of San Francisco. Haney's election to the Assembly marked a continuation of his public service career, and he was sworn in on May 3, 2022.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Haney has focused on a range of policy issues, particularly those affecting education, housing, and social justice. His background in education has informed his approach to legislative matters, and he has consistently advocated for reforms aimed at improving educational outcomes for students in San Francisco and beyond.

In the realm of housing, Haney's views have evolved over time. Initially, he expressed skepticism about the necessity of housing development in every neighborhood, particularly during his campaign for supervisor. However, as he gained experience on the Board of Supervisors, he became increasingly supportive of measures to streamline housing construction and address the housing crisis in San Francisco. He has supported state legislation aimed at increasing housing availability and has endorsed local initiatives to legalize multi-family housing in areas traditionally zoned for single-family homes.

Haney's commitment to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity is evident in his support for various housing projects, although he has faced challenges in advancing certain proposals. For instance, he backed the construction of a large apartment complex near a BART station, which ultimately did not receive the necessary approval from his colleagues. His voting record reflects a nuanced approach to housing policy, balancing the need for development with community concerns.

In addition to housing, Haney's legislative priorities include education reform, public safety, and social equity. His experiences on the school board and as a supervisor have shaped his understanding of the complexities involved in these issues, and he continues to advocate for policies that promote equity and access for all constituents in his district.

As a member of the California State Assembly, Haney represents a diverse constituency in District 17, which includes various neighborhoods and communities within San Francisco. His legislative efforts aim to address the unique challenges faced by residents in this urban environment, and he remains committed to serving the interests of his constituents through progressive policy initiatives.