Martín’s Journey:
Family. Service. Results.

Martín Arias: From Family to Community—Real Change, Real Results,
A More Affordable California.

🌟 Family & Personal Story

• Born and raised in San Diego, Martín is a proud first-generation American, the son of Mexican immigrants who came to California generations ago to create a better future.

• First in his family to graduate from college, overcoming financial and social barriers.

• Inspired by his upbringing in underrepresented communities, he gives a voice to those historically unheard.

• As a father, raising two young sons with his wife, Maritza, a proud working mom, Martín knows the struggles families face—and it drives his fight to make life more affordable and fair.

  

  🎓 Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, San Diego State University, 2015

🌐 Community Engagement & Volunteer Leadership

• Board Member, Border View YMCA – supporting youth development and family resources

• President, Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center – fostering community-based solutions for families

• Board Member, USS Midway, Community Engagement Committee

• Past Board Member, San Diego County Hispanic Chamber – promoting Latino entrepreneurship and advocacy

💼 Public Service & Leadership Roles

• Taxpayer Advocate, County of San Diego Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office

• Helped thousands of taxpayers lower their property taxes

• Assisted 20,000 disabled veterans in receiving property tax exemptions

• Delivered $35 million in tax savings for veterans and their families
  
  

• Director, Prevention & Intervention Programs, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

• Created 19 Homeless Court Resource Fairs 

• Helped 2,000+ unhoused community members access shelter and vital documents like driver’s licenses & birth certificates

• Partnered with judges, public defenders, and prosecutors to clear minor offenses due to missed court dates

• Program continues today, helping thousands more— a shining example of real results and real change

  
  

  
  

• School Board Trustee, San Ysidro School District

• Advocates for student safety, academic excellence, and community trust
  
  

• Assistant Director / Crime Prevention Specialist, District Attorney's Office

• Oversaw community programming, prevention initiatives, and staff development

• Legislative Aide, California State Senate

• Advanced policy research, legislative analysis, and constituent services

✨ Recognition & Skills

• Featured in La Revista Binacional for Latino Excellence in public service

• Recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month for inspiring public service leadership

• Bilingual (English & Spanish) – bridging cultural gaps and building trust across communities

County Assessor Jordan Marks and Taxpayer Advocate Martín Arias celebrate at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Event

Martín Arias with legendary labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta. 'It was an incredible honor to meet someone who has long been a personal hero—Dolores’s unwavering courage and lifelong activism have inspired generations and opened doors for so many, including me.'"

Martín Arias and Rev. Dan Koeshall, Senior Pastor of MCC, the Metropolitan Community Church, gather for Light Up the Cathedral, the 10th annual San Diego Pride interfaith service uplifting LGBTQ+ voices across San Diego's religious communities.