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- Government Affairs and Stakeholder Strategies
- Strategic Communications and Media Relations
- Land Use Entitlement and Development Strategies
- Issues-Management Campaigns
- Collaborative Community Outreach
- Business and Government Issues Management
For nearly two decades, Craig Benedetto has worked in communications and government, focusing on public policy and economic growth. He applies this experience to help California Strategies' clients effectively position themselves with key stakeholders. His strength lies in his deep relationships in the community and experience with all levels of government.
Benedetto draws on his diverse experience in industry and government to provide California Strategies' clients counsel on business, messaging and outreach strategies to achieve their goals and objectives. He can draw on extensive network of contacts throughout San Diego and on his experience in governmental issues to help clients seeking contracts, permits regulatory relief or strategic partnerships.
Benedetto joined California Strategies in 2008 as a Principal and manages the firm's San Diego office with Ben Haddad. In his work at California Strategies, he has represented a diverse array of clients including, health care providers, technology and wireless companies, home builders and land owners, utilities, business and homeowners associations, local government among many others. His services to clients include:
- Government affairs consulting
- Major real estate and land use policy and project approvals
- Wireless facility, wind, solar and landfill approval strategies
- Association government affairs representation
- Business incentive, regulatory reform and local tax/fee policy guidance
- Environmental and regulatory compliance issues
- Strategic communication plans
- Community relations and coalition development
- Business development and government procurement
- Health care facility and funding policy
- Non-profit and education policy
- Corporate relocations and leadership introductions
- Affordable housing programs and funding
Benedetto helped elect Pam Slater to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 1992, as her campaign manager. He then pivoted to a public policy role as Supervisor Slater's legislative aide, working on issues ranging from law enforcement and the courts to sheltered animal care, social services and land use. He subsequently ran then-County Supervisor Brian Bilbray's successful Congressional primary campaign in 1994. He also served as his chief policy aide overseeing all county operations.
Benedetto is active in civic affairs in San Diego and has sat on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association and the Regional San Diego Chamber of Commerce, as continues to be active in those organizations. Benedetto is also participates in the local chapter of the Building Industry Association, the South County EDC and Lambda Alpha, a land use fraternity.
A native San Diegan, Benedetto graduated with honors from San Diego State University with a bachelor's degree in political science. Benedetto was honored in 2001 as one of San Diego's "40 Under 40" by San Diego Metropolitan Magazine. The Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce honored Benedetto with its President's Award and Volunteer Advocate of the Year Award in 2004 for his efforts on behalf of the extension of the local transportation sales tax.