Anthony Wagner

Background

About Anthony Wagner

Accomplished communications, public policy strategist and formally trained on-camera spokesperson with 20+ years of quasi-government experience; specializing in developing and executing media strategies for high-profile contentious matters, navigating legislative affairs, and achieving positive civic outcomes during times of crisis. Areas of expertise include reputational risk mitigation, utility-oriented coalition building, and fostering positive relations with media, community members, business stakeholders, government officials and peer energy Wagner was a civilian administrator and public engagement manager for the Santa Barbara Police Department. He worked directly under the Chief, in a Department of 230 employees and a budget of $44M. Wagner’s responsibilities on the leadership team included budget monitoring, developing and implementing public health and safety ordinances, crafting internal and external messaging, being the Department’s spokesperson, creating synergy with peer municipal departments, providing confidential advice and guidance to the Chief as her aide and ensuring the Department’s morale and leadership benchmarks are attained. Previously, Wagner had served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of San Diego. He and his fellow commissioners conducted hearings on all special use permits, re-zonings, community plans and the General Plan. Prior to his appointment to the Planning Commission, Wagner served as a Mayoral Appointee to the San Diego Citizens’ Review Board on Police Practices, Chair of the Navajo Community Planners and President of the Allied Gardens – Grantville Community Council. At the state and municipal levels, Wagner is considered a licensing and regulatory compliance expert. His expertise in alcohol, medical & recreational cannabis and land-use issues covers such topics as the state’s preemption of local ordinances; use of local land use policies to promote public health and safety; best retail practices for both on-sale and off-sale outlets; and use of evidence-based strategies to reduce drug and alcohol related harm in local communities. Wagner has helped plan and implement many community-driven prevention strategies and has seen what their benefits and challenges can be, firsthand.