Michael Tubbs: Governing with Heart, Elevating Stockton, and Fostering Inclusive Urban Progress

In this inspiring episode of Mick Unplugged, host Mick Hunt sits down with Michael Tubbs—former mayor of Stockton, California, and a national leader in universal income—to dive deep into what it means to redefine possibility, purpose, and public service in America’s cities.

Michael Tubbs shares his journey “from poverty to policy,” reflecting on being Stockton’s youngest and first Black mayor, and the driving force behind groundbreaking reforms. With trademark candor, Michael opens up about his sense of purpose:
"I just feel so blessed and knowing that my story is so unlikely, that everything I've been able to do is so not what statistics or not what even wisdom would tell you is possible. So I just really feel a big responsibility to make stories like mine less rare."

The conversation covers the challenges of leading his hometown, changing detrimental narratives about Stockton, and fostering innovation in government:
"It was not a burden, but a real responsibility and a real focus on, like, no, this is not for some other people. It's for me. It's for my family. It's for my neighborhood. And how do we govern in a way where it also feels different?"

Michael and Mick discuss the power of community engagement, the importance of collaboration between local businesses and government, and how anyone can affect change:
"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 can do something about it."

Tubbs delivers actionable insight for young leaders:
"Do not despise small beginnings because the Lord rejoices in seeing the work. Start the work, begin the beginning of a process."
and cautions,
"Passion without competence is irrelevant… you have to marry that passion with some knowledge, some reading, some understanding of what it is you're trying to do. Or else you may make a bad problem worse."

Hear how Michael’s bold vision, relentless drive, and authentic leadership are shaping a new model for impact and inclusion—plus, practical advice on leveraging public policy, government innovation, and local involvement for personal and professional success.

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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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