Chris Cate

Bio

Chris is the founder of 3MC Strategies, a San Diego firm specializing in public policy, public affairs, and business development. Chris founded the firm following his 8 years of service on the San Diego City Council. Through his work, Chris assists clients in the areas of Government Relations and Advocacy, Coalition Building, Community Outreach, and Fiscal and Policy Analysis. 

Chris Cate was elected to represent District 6 on the San Diego City Council in 2014, and proudly represented the neighborhoods of Clairemont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Park Village, and Sorrento Valley. Chris was only the third Asian American in San Diego’s history elected to the City Council. 

During his time as Councilmember, Chris was lauded for his solution-oriented approach to public safety, the economy, infrastructure, and civic engagement. 

Chris championed legislation eliminating burdensome fees for small business owners, developed programs to reduce crime and human trafficking, address the housing shortage, and secured tens of millions of dollars for infrastructure projects throughout District 6. Chris also successfully spearheaded multiple ballot measure campaigns, including measures to address the shortage of quality childcare centers in the City and remove the height limit for the Midway Community.  

Chris also led efforts to increase civic engagement among the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community. This included efforts to appoint more API leaders to serve on various boards and commissions, as well as revitalize the Convoy District corridor, the hub for the API community in San Diego. This included officially recognizing the area as the Convoy Pan Asian Cultural and Business Innovation District and securing funding to construct the Convoy Gateway Sign.  

Prior to his election to the City Council, Chris was vice president of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. As a long-time taxpayer advocate, he has championed local and state legislation to ensure that cities and public agencies exercise transparency, accountability, efficiency, and fiscal discipline on behalf of the taxpayers who fund them.  

Chris has earned numerous awards and accolades, including San Diego Magazine 40 Under 40, Building Owners and Managers Association Elected Official of the Year, San Diego County Taxpayers Association Taxpayer Advocate of the Year, and the Filipino American Community Empowerment Luminary Award, to name a few. 

Chris earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego and while a full-time student, started a successful small business specializing in auto glass replacement and windshield repair. 

He currently serves of the board of directors for ECS California, Voice of San Diego, UC San Diego Chancellor Community Advisory Board, and Chair of the Mira Mesa Community Planning Group. 

Chris, his wife Maria, and three children (Madison Rose, Mason James, and Maddox Grey) live in Mira Mesa. 

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