Candidate Close Up 2024: James Mai
James Mai is running to represent District 3. Photo credit James Mai
James Mai is running to represent District 3, where he has lived over 20 years, as its City Council representative. Mai currently serves on the city’s Community Services Commission (he was appointed to in July of this year by Councilmember Mike Carroll) and has served on both the Irvine Community Alliance Fund (ICAF) and Orange County Housing & Community Development Commission since 2021.
If elected to the City Council, Mai would prioritize public safety, communication between the city and residents, and supporting the needs District 3’s growing senior population.
“I’m running for Irvine City Council because, while many people talk about giving back, I’ve been doing it for years,” said Mai during a recent Zoom. “Now, I want to take that commitment to the next level. I've witnessed the positive impact my community work has had on others, and as a City Council member, I know I can do even more. With my experience leading successful businesses and nonprofits, I’m ready to use those skills to create meaningful change for the people of Irvine.”
Mai brings more than two decades of business experience to the table. He owned and operated his own management consulting business before stepping back to focus on philanthropy.
“I’ve been actively involved in community service for most of my life, even more so the past ten to fifteen years, always making sure to include my son,” Mai explained. “It’s something I grew up doing, and I’ve always promised myself that if I ever achieved success, I’d commit to giving back full-time.”
Mai’s community efforts include supporting homeless shelters, veterans, widows, and elderly residents throughout Orange County. He owns and operates three nonprofits: the Bristol & Bates Foundation, AAPI United, and the James Mai Foundation. Through these organizations, he has served hundreds of families and raised over $200,000 for crime victims.
Public Safety
One of Mai’s key concerns for District 3 is public safety. Mai has noticed a growing sense of unease among residents.
“Yes, Irvine is the safest city in America, and people say the crime rate is low, but I’ve seen otherwise,” noted Mai. “Neighbors have told me about crimes, and I’ve even caught some on my Ring camera.”
He said he believes that part of the solution lies in reviving neighborhood watch programs.
“We used to have a neighborhood watch, but the sign is still there, rusted and falling apart, showing that it’s been neglected,” said Mai. “I’d like to bring back neighborhood watch programs because residents have told me they’d feel safer with that in place.”
When it was pointed out that Irvine Police Department does have a neighborhood watch program, Mai said many residents are unaware of it. He said he aims to improve communication around public safety efforts.
“If the program exists, it’s not promoted enough,” said Mai. “People feel it’s not there.”
City Communication
Another key issue Mai wants to address is the lack of communication between the city and its residents.
“With over 320,000 people living in Irvine, many feel disconnected from the city council,” observed Mai. “They don’t feel like they have a voice or know how to get in touch with their representatives.”
Mai’s solution is to establish regular town hall meetings in various parts of his district. He wants to provide residents with a platform to voice their concerns and engage directly with their elected City Council representative.
“People already reach out to me about everything from mosquitoes to pets in the street,” Mai said. “I think these town halls could really help strengthen communication.”
Senior Services
District 3 faces unique challenges due to its aging population. Mai noted that over 30% of residents are aged 55 or older, with many over 65. He sees a need for enhanced services and support for these seniors, many of whom have difficulty accessing community centers or keeping up with digital communications.
One of Mai’s key proposals is to introduce a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) center in Irvine.
“It’s a one-stop center where seniors can not only participate in social events but also meet with their doctors, specialists, and even pharmacists,” he explained.
PACE centers provide transportation for seniors and consolidate various health services into one location, making it easier for older residents to access care.
Grassroots
Although this is his first run for public office, Mai’s roots in activism and community leadership run deep.
"Many people assume I've always been involved in politics, but my journey actually began as an advocate and activist, which is what led me to work alongside elected officials to create change in our communities," he shared. "I was the guy with the bullhorn, delivering speeches, leading marches, standing up against hate, and fighting for crime victims."
Mai’s candidacy is built on a his commitment to his community.
“I’ll keep it short and simple—because I care,” he said when asked why residents should vote for him.
His dedication to public safety, communication, and support for seniors could resonate with District 3 voters looking for a representative who understands their needs firsthand.
Irvinite Questions
〰️
Irvinite Questions 〰️
Read Mai’s answers to some questions posted by members of the Irvine subreddit.
-
I’m not a fan of any monopolies. I believe competitive industries are great for everyone—it gives us diverse options. This is a big issue, especially in District 3, because we don’t have many choices for internet providers. A lot of people work from home, myself included, and we’re stuck with pretty much one choice, which isn’t ideal. The promised speeds are often half of what you actually get, but you’re paying for the full price because the infrastructure is outdated.
You can't exactly offer these companies money to come here, but if enough people get together and push for faster internet or updated infrastructure, we might get some attention. I’ve heard the excuse that the infrastructure is too old, or the nodes are too far apart. But if enough people in our district express interest, I think companies would reconsider and see the business opportunity here.
A lot of companies don’t want to invest in older communities, thinking they don’t need high-speed internet. But that's not the case anymore—so many people work from home and need reliable internet. Many have already cut the cable. These companies need to explore the opportunity, and as long as the city is on board, it’s something worth discussing. I think having one company dominate such a crucial utility like internet service is wrong.
-
There are e-bike renegades of all ages. I think the schools, like Irvine Unified, do a good job, but we need better enforcement and clearer rules for e-bikes. I’ve walked with my kids on Jeffrey Trail, and we’ve almost been run over by e-bikes. After school, it’s nearly impossible to drive near schools because of them. We need better enforcement and regulations for e-bikes.
Irvine Unified started a pilot program where you have to take a mandatory road safety class, learn about helmets, and get a license. I would expand and promote that program. If you’re in violation of these rules, you shouldn’t be allowed to ride a bike to school. I think a lot of e-bikers don’t feel like there are consequences, and we need to address that by enforcing the rules more strictly.
-
Public transportation is another issue I care about. I’m a big supporter. I’ve taken the bus with my kids, and it’s a great service. I grew up using public transportation—I didn’t own a car until I was 19. When I first moved to California, I didn’t have a car at all. I had a 10-speed bike and used that to get around Orange County.
The public transportation system is great, but I think we need to expand it a bit. We should study where the bus routes go and see if we can serve more areas. Some people say they don’t see many riders, but that’s probably because the buses aren’t going where people need to go. If we expand it, it will give people more options, and I’m fully supportive of that.
Find more 2024 Election coverage here!