John “Chip” Moore, City Council candidate for District 3, expressed deep admiration and respect for Max Anderson upon learning of his passing. Anderson served as the District 3 representative on the Berkeley City Council for 12 years, retiring in 2016 after a distinguished 27-year career dedicated to South Berkeley.
Max Anderson’s journey began with a deep commitment to social justice and community service. Before his tenure on the City Council, Anderson was a registered nurse and an active labor leader, advocating for workers’ rights and healthcare improvements. His dedication to these causes laid the foundation for his impactful career in public service.
Elected to the Berkeley City Council in 2004, Anderson quickly became known for his relentless efforts to improve housing affordability, public health, and police accountability. One of his notable achievements was the establishment of a mobile clinic for children with asthma, which significantly reduced emergency visits and improved school attendance. This initiative demonstrated his commitment to addressing public health disparities and providing accessible healthcare to underserved communities.
“Max Anderson is a legend. His fights for social justice, housing affordability, and police accountability inspired me to become part of the community and to take action. When I moved here 17 years ago, I understood him to be a beacon; a bellwether of where our community needed to go, even if it wasn’t ready,” said John “Chip” Moore.
“His voice rang like a clarion trumpet, consistently advocating for the least among us. Max was a great friend to the Adeline corridor. He was a relentless advocate for public health, including getting legislation through council that established a mobile clinic for children with asthma reducing emergency visits and improving attendance. His shadow looms large over South Berkeley. His experience and passion for South Berkeley’s residents will be missed.”
Throughout his career, Anderson also championed affordable housing initiatives, understanding the critical need for secure, affordable homes in maintaining a healthy community. He was instrumental in pushing for policies that preserved existing affordable housing and advocated for the development of new affordable units, ensuring that Berkeley remained an inclusive city for all its residents.
Anderson’s commitment to police accountability was another cornerstone of his tenure. He consistently worked to ensure that the police force operated with transparency and fairness, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community. His efforts included supporting the creation of oversight mechanisms to hold the police accountable and advocating for reforms that promoted justice and equality.
Max Anderson’s legacy is a testament to his enduring impact on Berkeley. His work has left a lasting mark on the community, inspiring many to continue his fight for social justice and equality. As we remember Max Anderson, we honor his life’s work and the profound difference he made in the lives of many Berkeley residents.
