Meet Zac

My name is Zac Bears, and I’m running for my third 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 four years. From our robust pandemic response to our successful work to modernize city ordinances and make city government more inclusive, I’m proud of the meaningful improvements we’re making in the lives of Medford residents. 

We’ve accomplished so much together since January 2022 – passing nearly a dozen new ordinances, a comprehensive update of the City Council rules, and the first rewrite of the Zoning Ordinance since the 1960s. 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 FY23 and FY24 budgets to engaging residents in fixing our broken budget process and getting Medford on the path towards having safe, beautiful, well-maintained streets, public buildings, and open spaces.

As a lifelong resident of the Fulton Heights 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 work to pass new zoning provisions, new city ordinances, and request new tools from the state government to address the housing and displacement crisis and better serve the needs of our community, not those of big property developers.

I’ve worked hard alongside progressive elected colleagues, residents, and community groups to build a more inclusive city government that attacks systemic racism head-on. But we need real structural changes to our City Charter, ordinances, and daily practices at City Hall to make city government more inclusive, more democratic, and more representative of the racial and economic diversity of all Medford residents.

Seeing Medford’s vibrant culture come back stronger than ever after the pandemic brings me so much joy. I know our work to build more lively squares, business districts, nightlife, and community events 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 November 7th for the general election.

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