Meet Zac

My name is Zac Bears, and I’m running for my fourth term on the Medford City Council to keep delivering results and implementing transformative progressive solutions to build a Medford that works for all of us. 

It’s been my honor to serve our community over the past six years. From the successful campaigns to fix the budget process and fund our schools, to our continued work  to modernize city ordinances and make city government more inclusive, I’m proud of the foundation we’ve laid to build a better future and the meaningful improvements we’re making for Medford residents. 

We’ve accomplished so much together since January 2024 – starting with a comprehensive City Council governing plan that led to the passage of dozens of new ordinances and policies that make city government work better, the passage of Questions 7 and 8 in 2024 to stop school budget cuts and achieve the best educator contracts our city has ever seen, and the ongoing work to update the city’s Zoning Ordinance to build more housing, revitalize our business districts, and encourage the smart and significant growth our community needs. I’ve kept my focus on fully funding our schools and city services, fighting for real solutions to the housing crisis, and creating a long-term plan for a better future for our city.

I first ran for City Council because we deserve better than crumbling roads, sidewalks, and public buildings. I’ve dedicated the FY25 and FY26 budgets to stopping budget cuts and implementing the Budget Ordinance to fix the process and put Medford on the path towards having safe, beautiful, well-maintained streets, public buildings, and open spaces.

As a lifelong resident and graduate of Medford Public Schools, I know firsthand how difficult it is for long-time residents to afford to stay in Medford, and for new neighbors to move to Medford and put down roots. Next term, I will continue the project to update our zoning, pass new city ordinances, and request new tools from the state government to address the housing affordability and displacement crisis so we can better serve the needs of our community and hold big property developers accountable.

I’ve worked hard alongside my colleagues, thousands of residents, and community groups to build a more inclusive city government that listens to all voices, not just the loudest critics. Next term, we will face the task of making real structural changes at City Hall to make city government more inclusive, more democratic, and more representative of the diversity of all Medford residents.

I’ve been overjoyed to see Medford’s vibrant culture grow even stronger with the opening of new businesses and new events that bring our community together. I know our work to build more lively squares, business districts, and nightlife will add even more to our shared sense of belonging. Whether I see you at the Library, a local restaurant, walking along the Mystic River, or knocking on your door to ask for your support, I can’t wait to talk to you about making Medford an even better place to live.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve my hometown as your City Councilor. I ask for your support in my re-election campaign, and I would be honored to receive one of your seven votes on September 16th for the preliminary election and November 4th for the general election.

I encourage you to get in touch with me via email (electzacbears@gmail.com) or by phone (‪781-391-5623).