MEET JOSH COYNE
Non-Profit Executive. Public Servant. Lifelong Educator.
Some of Josh’s favorite memories are from summers spent at his grandparents’ family-owned grocery store, stocking shelves and taking grocery delivery orders for neighbors—early lessons in hard work, community, and showing up for others.
From a young age, he was inspired by the idea of “service above self,” shaped in part by lively political conversations with his late grandmother, a teacher whose deep commitment to education and public service sparked his own interest in government.
Josh went on to become the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor’s degree from Niagara University and later a master’s degree from Canisius College, where he discovered a passion for teaching and mentorship.
Today, Josh and his husband, John, have proudly called Point Loma home for nearly a decade, where they live with their beloved rescue dog, Lucy.
From the Classroom to City Hall
Josh’s professional journey began in San Diego at the University of San Diego, where he taught and advised undergraduate students, deepening his passion for mentorship and education.
He later served at City Hall in the District 2 City Council office with a focus on public safety and community affairs to ensure residents’ voices were heard and their needs prioritized.
After his time at City Hall, Josh joined the Downtown San Diego Partnership, where he led the organization’s response to the homelessness crisis and has supported small and local businesses in driving regional economic growth, championed policies to expand housing availability, and strengthened public safety efforts.
During a period of record numbers of unsheltered individuals, he played a pivotal role in deploying new strategies and overseeing the operations of a safe sleeping shelter to provide immediate and dignified relief.
Josh also served a two-year term on the Mission Bay Park Committee.
A recognized community leader, he is a graduate of the San Diego Leadership Alliance and received awards from the San Diego County Young Democrats and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce for his dedication and impact.
LGBTQ Advocate
Josh has always been a passionate volunteer and advocate. As an openly gay man who came out to a supportive family, he understands firsthand how life-changing it is for young people to feel safe, accepted, and valued, and he has devoted years of service to organizations that champion LGBTQ+ rights and empower youth.
He credits San Diego’s LGBTQ+ trailblazers with inspiring his own path into public service and has worked to carry that legacy forward through long-time volunteer leadership with San Diego LGBT Pride, where he revitalized youth programs and completed a four-year term on the Board of Directors.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for TransYouth Rights, advancing policies that protect young people and their families.
In recognition of his dedication, Josh was honored with The Trevor Project’s Ambassador of the Year Award for his fundraising efforts supporting suicide prevention and crisis intervention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
For more than six years as a crisis counselor, he provided compassionate support and de-escalation to young people in crisis, helping them navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
JOIN JOSH!
Sign up to receive campaign updates and help send Josh to City Hall on behalf of our communities.
