Jesse is the policy counsel for Circulate San Diego, where he researches and advocates for land use and transit policy solutions for a more affordable and sustainable San Diego. He has authored the Circulate reports Home Run for Homes, SANDAG Reboot, and Hope for Vision Zero.
Prior to working at Circulate, Jesse practiced law as a litigator. While in Law School at the University of San Diego School of Law, he externed for the Honorable M. Margaret McKeown for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and for the Honorable Gonzalo P. Curiel for the Southern District of California. Jesse was a member of the San Diego Law Review and his comment, Increasing the Effectiveness of California's Density Bonus Law, was published in The Real Estate Law Journal.
Jesse enjoys biking, surfing, seeing local theatre, and spending time with his kids.
Jesse O'Sullivan's activity stream
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Letter: Support for Newsom Administration Infrastructure Package in Policy Letters 2023-06-06 10:41:10 -0700
Letter: Support for Newsom Administration Infrastructure Package
Circulate submitted a letter in support of the Newsom Administration’s proposed infrastructure package to accelerate critical clean infrastructure projects that meet state social, climate, and economic goals. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Letter: Resolution of Bus Driver Strike in Policy Letters 2023-06-06 09:58:10 -0700
Letter: Resolution of Bus Driver Strike
Circulate submitted a letter urging MTS to ensure that Transdev meets the demands of striking workers and gets buses running again. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Letter: Support for Normal Street Promenade in Policy Letters 2023-05-19 11:35:27 -0700
Letter: Support for Normal Street Promenade
Circulate submitted a letter reaffirming our support for the Normal Street Promenade. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Coalition Letter: Request to Protect Public Transit in FY 2023-24 State Budget in Policy Letters 2023-05-11 17:38:37 -0700
Coalition Letter: Request to Protect Public Transit in FY 2023-24 State Budget
Circulate signed a letter of support for funding for public transportation in the FY 2023-24 State Budget. Many transit agencies face imminent funding crises. Funding for public transportation is necessary to prevent cuts, rebuild ridership, and put transit on a path to thrive. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published PRESS RELEASE: Advocates and Councilmembers Urge Mayor to Increase Funding for Vision Zero in Press Room 2023-05-11 15:23:27 -0700
PRESS RELEASE: Advocates and Councilmembers Urge Mayor to Increase Funding for Vision Zero
PRESS RELEASE – May 10, 2023
Contact:Jesse O’Sullivan, Policy Counsel
619-301-1381 | [email protected]Press Release: Advocates and Councilmembers Urge Mayor to Increase Funding for Vision Zero
On May 10, a coalition of San Diego City Councilmembers, safety advocates, and survivors hosted a press conference to urge Mayor Gloria to include additional funding for Vision Zero in the May Revise of the Proposed Budget. The budget asks are outlined in a coalition letter sent on May 2.
All of the budget asks included in the coalition are supported by a majority of the San Diego City Council, but were not included in the Proposed Budget prepared by the Mayor’s office.
“Investing in safe streets saves lives,” said Laura Keenan, co-founder of Families for Safe Streets San Diego. “If San Diego had more protected bicycle lanes, my husband would likely still be alive today and we would be raising our son together.” Laura’s husband, Matt Keenan, was killed by a driver while riding his bicycle in September 2021.
“In 2015, the City of San Diego made a commitment to end traffic deaths and serious injuries,” said San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo. “If we are going to meet that goal, we need to invest in street safety.”
“Enhancing our most dangerous streets and intersections will improve health outcomes and build a more equitable and sustainable community for all,” said Councilmember Joe LaCava. “By enhancing safety on our streets, we create more access to opportunities, and reduce carbon emissions, waste, and pollution.”
“Bicycle and pedestrian safety infrastructure are essential for saving lives and creating a thriving city,” said Councilmember Kent Lee. “I urge the mayor to include funding for Vision Zero in the May Revise of the Proposed Budget.”
Steve Shinn, a member of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, spoke about his wife, Laura Shinn, who was killed by a driver while riding her bicycle in July 2021. “Losing her was like losing half of my body and soul,” Steve Shinn said. “Safe bicycle infrastructure will help ensure that no one else has to experience this pain.”
The coalition’s asks include doubling the mileage of new quick build bicycle facilities created by the City’s STAT team, fixing San Diego’s most dangerous intersections, completing an updated bicycle master plan, and installing physical protection for all new full-build class IV bikeways. The combined cost of the budget asks is about $6 million, or roughly three percent of the overall $193.2 million proposed transportation budget.
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go towww.circulatesd.org.
About Families for Safe Streets San Diego
Families for Safe Streets San Diego is a group of families who have lost loved ones to traffic crashes or have been affected themselves. Our members support each other, share stories and advocate for safer streets to save lives and other families from our pain. For more information please go to:www.sdfamiliesforsafestreets.org.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Media Advisory - Press Conference: City of San Diego’s Proposed Budget Requires Additional Funding for Vision Zero in Press Room 2023-05-09 15:59:52 -0700
Media Advisory - Press Conference: City of San Diego’s Proposed Budget Requires Additional Funding for Vision Zero
MEDIA ADVISORY – May 9, 2023
Media Contact: Jesse O’Sullivan, Policy Counsel
619-301-1381 | [email protected]Press Conference: City of San Diego’s Proposed Budget Requires Additional Funding for Vision Zero
Investing in pedestrian and bicycle safety is inexpensive and saves lives. On May 10, a coalition of San Diego City Councilmembers, safety advocates, and survivors will host a press conference to urge Mayor Gloria to include additional funding for Vision Zero in the May Revise of the Proposed Budget. The budget asks are outlined in a coalition letter sent on May 2.
When: Wednesday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: San Diego City Hall breezeway, in between Golden Hall and the Civic Theater, 202 C Street San Diego, CA 92101.
Who:
- Joe LaCava, Councilmember, District 1, City of San Diego
- Kent Lee, Councilmember, District 6, City of San Diego
- Raul Campillo, Councilmember, District 7, City of San Diego
- Laura Keenan, co-founder, Families for Safe Streets San Diego. Laura’s husband, Matt Keenan, was killed by a driver while riding his bicycle in September 2021.
- Steve Shinn, member, Families for Safe Streets San Diego. Steve’s wife, Laura Shinn, was killed by a driver while riding her bicycle in July 2021.
What: Pedestrian fatalities in the City of San Diego are at a 10 year high. Investing in safety will save lives. In September 2022, a coalition sent a letter requesting funding for Vision Zero. Four of our budget requests were included in at least six councilmember budget memos, yet they were excluded from the Proposed Budget. Funding these asks would cost only three percent of the proposed transportation budget. We urge the Mayor to include these asks in the May Revise of the Proposed Budget.
Visuals: City Hall, City Councilmembers, and street safety advocates.
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
About Families for Safe Streets San Diego
Families for Safe Streets San Diego is a group of families who have lost loved ones to traffic crashes or have been affected themselves. Our members support each other, share stories and advocate for safer streets to save lives and other families from our pain. For more information please go to: www.sdfamiliesforsafestreets.org.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Updated Coalition Letter: University Community Plan Environmental Impact Report Scoping in Policy Letters 2023-05-09 14:05:44 -0700
Updated Coalition Letter: University Community Plan Environmental Impact Report Scoping
Our coalition letter from April 19 received support from two new organizations: the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council and Our Time to Act United. The letter urges the City to include the highest density scenario in the environmental impact report for the university community plan update, so that City Council has the opportunity to vote on it. It also asks for bus lanes along Genesee Ave. Read the letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Action Alert: Support Homes and Bus Lanes in the University Community Plan Update in Blog 2023-05-03 13:35:25 -0700
Action Alert: Support Homes and Bus Lanes in the University Community Plan Update
After investing $2.2 billion, San Diego has an opportunity to Make the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley by planning for homes, jobs, and transportation options in the University Community Plan Update. The Trolley and the plan update can be a catalyst for equitable and sustainable economic growth.
The City needs to hear your voice in support of homes and bus lanes in the University Community Plan Update.
For more information, read our recent coalition letter and our report, Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Coalition Letter: Proposed Budget Lacks Sufficient Funding for Vision Zero in Policy Letters 2023-05-03 10:47:17 -0700
Coalition Letter: Proposed Budget Lacks Sufficient Funding for Vision Zero
Circulate submitted a coalition letter urging the Mayor to include additional funding for Vision Zero in the May Revise of the budget. Several of the coalition's previous budget asks had support of a substantial majority of the City Council, but were not included in the Proposed Budget. Investments in Vision Zero are inexpensive and save lives. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Letter: Support for Carlsbad Boulevard Intersection Improvements in Policy Letters 2023-05-01 12:22:26 -0700
Letter: Support for Carlsbad Boulevard Intersection Improvements
Circulate submitted a letter in support of the proposed Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements. These improvements would increase bike and pedestrian safety. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Letter: Support for SB 405 - Housing Elements in Policy Letters 2023-04-17 13:31:15 -0700
Letter: Support for SB 405 - Housing Elements
Circulate submitted a letter of support for SB 405. This bill will help make housing elements more reliable by requiring planning agencies to ensure that the sites listed are actually viable. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Letter: Support for SB 713 - Density Bonus in Policy Letters 2023-04-17 13:29:20 -0700
Letter: Support for SB 713 - Density Bonus
Circulate submitted a letter in support of SB 713, which would codify an opinion by the department of housing and community development that the state density bonus law takes priority over local initiatives. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Coalition Letter: Support More Homes in University Community Plan Update in Policy Letters 2023-04-14 12:56:18 -0700
Coalition Letter: Support More Homes in University Community Plan Update
Circulate submitted a letter urging greater capacity for homes and more bus lanes in the university community plan update. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Coalition Letter: Support for AB 1287 - Middle Income Housing Density Bonus in Policy Letters 2023-04-11 15:42:21 -0700
Coalition Letter: Support for AB 1287 - Middle Income Housing Density Bonus
The California Home Building Alliance submitted a letter in support of AB 1287, the Middle Income Housing Density Bonus. This bill is sponsored by Circulate San Diego. Supporters include the Housing Action Coalition, Abundant Housing LA, Greenbelt Alliance, Council of Infill Developers, MidPen Housing, CivicWell, Orange County Business Council, Bay Area Council, Nahrep, Fieldstead and Company, and California Community Builders. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Letter: Support for AB 1287 – Affordable Housing Near Our Coast in Policy Letters 2023-04-11 10:39:30 -0700
Letter: Support for AB 1287 – Affordable Housing Near Our Coast
Circulate submitted a letter to the Coastal Commission urging their support for AB 1287. AB 1287 creates new density bonus incentives, while also clarifying that density bonus law applies within the coastal zone. Applying the density bonus within the coastal zone allows low and moderate income families to live in the Coastal Zone by encouraging the production of affordable homes within market-rate projects. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Letter: Support for Senate Bill 689 – Bicycle facilities on our Coast in Policy Letters 2023-04-11 09:36:13 -0700
Letter: Support for Senate Bill 689 – Bicycle facilities on our Coast
Circulate submitted a letter of support for SB 689, which will help local governments restripe streets with new bicycle lanes in the Coastal Zone. This will result in a safer, healthier and more equitable future for all Californians. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Coalition Letter: Request to Protect Public Transit in FY 2023-24 State Budget in Policy Letters 2023-03-13 11:58:48 -0700
Coalition Letter: Request to Protect Public Transit in FY 2023-24 State Budget
Circulate signed a coalition letter to the California State Assembly requesting funding to protect public transit in the FY 23-24 budget. Many transit agencies are facing funding shortfalls due to ridership declines caused by the COVID 19 pandemic. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Coalition Letter: Fund Public Transit Operations in Policy Letters 2023-03-03 10:27:16 -0800
Coalition Letter: Fund Public Transit Operations
Circulate joined a statewide coalition of organizations and advocates in urging the state to increase funding for public transit operations. Many transit agencies are forecasting significant deficits as one-time federal COVID relief funds dry up, which would lead to devastating service cuts without new funding from the state. The state should step in to avert this "fiscal cliff" and keep service intact - or improve it. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Coalition Letter: Include high housing scenario in University Community Plan Update in Policy Letters 2023-03-01 09:38:06 -0800
Coalition Letter: Include high housing scenario in University Community Plan Update
Circulate joined a coalition in sending a letter supporting the inclusion of Scenario 1 in the Draft Community Plan and Environmental Impact Report. Scenario 1 was proposed in early 2021, and featured high capacity for homes and jobs. It was also supported by a community survey conducted by the City of San Diego. Read the full letter here.
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Jesse O'Sullivan published Letter: Support for Gaslamp Promenade on Fifth Avenue in Policy Letters 2023-02-15 11:38:44 -0800
Letter: Support for Gaslamp Promenade on Fifth Avenue
Circulate submitted a letter urging the MTS board to reject the staff proposal to oppose the Fifth Avenue Promenade. The Gaslamp Promenade would promote pedestrian safety, economic activity, and cultural vibrancy in one of San Diego’s most iconic neighborhoods. A fast reliable bus network need not come at the expense of vibrant public spaces. Read the full letter here.
