TJ Reed for Tustin City Council
District 3

Deep Roots,
Strong Future.
Tustin, Together We Rise.

My name is Dr. Thomas James “TJ” Reed. I’m running for Tustin City Council District 3 because Tustin shaped who I am, and I’m committed to helping shape its future. I want future generations to experience the same quality of life I was fortunate to have growing up and preserve what makes Tustin special.

Tustin is home. My desire to make a difference started at a young age, when I served as President at Arroyo Elementary School and ASB President at Foothill High School.

My campaign is built on three pillars: community, integrity, and service. I believe in celebrating the diversity that makes Tustin strong, leading with integrity and accountability, and putting the needs of our residents first in every decision.

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I choose to personally fund my campaign rather than accept outside donations. This grassroots effort reflects my commitment to making decisions based on what’s best for Tustin residents and ensuring the community's voice remains at the center of local government. 

I’ve spent my life learning how to serve others in public service. I earned a Bachelor’s in Communication from Pepperdine University, a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and a PhD in Leadership and Organizational Consulting from the University of San Diego. I completed leadership and governance programs through George Washington University and Harvard University.

I served on the Del Rey Neighborhood Council as Director of Area E and was appointed to the Del Rey Neighborhood Council Land Use and Planning Committee, where I worked with residents to address local priorities and strengthen community engagement.

Presently, I serve as an Assistant Professor at California State University, Long Beach, where I’m appointed to the President's Commission on Economic and Workforce Development. I’m an Adjunct Professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School and the National Judicial College, and trainer at the University of San Diego’s Center for Restorative Justice. 

One lesson I tell my students is: “We are the leaders we have been waiting for.” I’ll lead with service and integrity, pursuing policies that do the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

I advocate for:

- promoting transparency and accountability within local government

- ensuring economic responsibility

- uplifting local businesses

- strengthening the Tustin Unified School District

- addressing public health and environmental concerns

- maintaining and improving local infrastucture

- preserving the safety of our community

- supporting first responders

- valuing community input in development decisions to fit the needs and values of our residents

- keeping Tustin as a community where families live, work, shop, and thrive for generations to come

An elder in my family's Native American Tribe, the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, gave me a name meaning, "He is a Good Man."

Every day, I strive to live up to my name.

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