MEET JOSH COYNE
Josh was born and raised in Upstate New York, the son of a small business owner and a grocery store clerk. The values instilled by his parents shaped his strong work ethic and deep commitment to his community. He is a proud older brother to a police officer and an even prouder uncle to two nephews and a niece.
Some of Josh’s favorite memories come from summers spent at his grandparents’ family-owned grocery store, stocking shelves and placing grocery delivery orders for the neighbors.
From an early age, Josh was inspired by the idea of “service above self.” He fondly recalls political conversations with his late grandmother, a special education teacher, whose passion for education and public service sparked his own interest in politics and government.
Josh became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Niagara University. He went on to obtain a master’s degree in College Student Affairs from Canisius College, where he cultivated a passion for teaching and mentorship.
Josh’s faith journey has been a driving force behind his strong commitment to service, particularly during his college years when he explored the priesthood as a profession.
Josh and his husband, John, have called Point Loma home for nearly a decade, where they live with their beloved rescue dog, Lucy.
Experienced Government & Business Leader
Josh’s professional journey began in San Diego at the University of San Diego, where he taught and advised undergraduate students, cultivating a passion for mentorship and education.
He later served at City Hall, working in District 2 to address the needs of the neighborhoods of Point Loma, the Midway District, and Mission Bay Park. His work focused on public safety and community affairs, ensuring residents' voices were heard and their needs prioritized.
Following his time at City Hall, Josh joined the Downtown San Diego Partnership, where he has been instrumental in driving economic development. He has championed policies to increase housing availability, supported efforts to ensure businesses remain safe, and led the organization’s response to the homelessness crisis. Josh played a pivotal role in deploying strategies to address record numbers of unsheltered individuals, overseeing the operations of the safe sleeping shelter to provide immediate and dignified relief.
Josh also served a two-year term on the Mission Bay Park Committee, where he partnered with City staff to preserve and enhance the largest aquatic park in the United States.
A recognized leader in his community, Josh graduated from the San Diego Leadership Alliance and has received awards from the San Diego County Young Democrats and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce for his dedication and impact.
LGBTQ+ Youth Advocate
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Josh has always been a passionate volunteer and advocate.
As an openly gay man who came out to a supportive family, he recognized the importance of ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to feel safe, accepted, and valued. Over the years, he has devoted his time to organizations that champion LGBTQ+ rights and empower young people.
San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community has been an integral part of the city’s political landscape, and Josh credits the trailblazers who came before him for inspiring his journey into public service.
Josh has been a long-time volunteer with San Diego LGBT Pride organization, where he revitalized youth programs and recently completed a four-year term on the Board of Directors.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Trans Youth Liberation, an organization dedicated to empowering and advocating for legislation that protects transgender youth and their families.
In recognition of his dedication, Josh was honored with The Trevor Project’s Ambassador of the Year Award for his efforts in fundraising for suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth. As a crisis counselor for over six years, he provided compassionate support and de-escalation for young people in crisis, helping them navigate some of their most challenging moments.
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