As a veteran, citizen, and parent, I want to continue to serve my neighbors and all of Melrose.
I am optimistic about what we can do in our Melrose community:
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Local government can serve the people.
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Elected representatives can lead with values, integrity, and courage.
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We can ask each other hard questions.
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We can challenge different viewpoints with civility.
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Experts and data can inform our decision making. We can make the math work to maximize the public good.
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Our city staff and citizens can collaborate to find the best solutions to our concerns.
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Let's show up, dig in, and together, chart the best course for all Melrosians. I invite you to join me and elect the government you want.
About Jason
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Husband and father of two boys at Roosevelt and MVMMS and proud parent on the soccer sidelines.
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Former U.S. Navy submarine officer. I served on a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine in the Pacific, and at the Pentagon
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Operations / manufacturing / supply chain professional with experience in life sciences, medical devices, and robotics
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Member of the Melrose Public Safety Buildings Advisory Committee (2021-2023) and (2024-present)
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Citizen Panel for selecting our current Melrose Police Chief
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Organized and coached several lego-robotics teams
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Organized the donation of a 3D printer for Melrose High School STEM programs
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​Founding board member of Lasagna Love, an organization which has delivered over 500,000 lasagnas to families in need since the start of the pandemic
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Board member of Precision Neuroscience
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A constant tinkerer, DIY-fixer, builder, and craftsperson
Could use some more duct tape...
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Education:
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United States Naval Academy: B.S. Control Systems Engineering
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Oxford University: M.Phil Russian History
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MIT: MBA and M.S. in Engineering Systems - Manufacturing and Supply Chain
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Key Issues Facing Melrose
Funding and Prioritizing Services
We must be deliberate and transparent about what we can and cannot afford within our current budget. While no one wants to pay more taxes, we need an override to maintain baseline services.
Stabilizing our Schools
We need to attract the best teachers and retain them by ensuring they are paid fairly. We need to hire a capable superintendent and middle school principal.
Responsible Housing Development
Melrose can provide new homes to help keep our seniors here, provide new opportunities for young families, and grow our tax base. We can do these while managing the potential negative impacts of this housing growth.
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
Melrose has some dangerous intersections and roadways. Increased traffic from developments will make these worse. We need to partner with DPW and Melrose Police to make our streets safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Accountability for Spending and Projects
We need to stay on budget and schedule as we rebuild our police and fire stations. We need to refresh our long-term capital plan to renovate aging schools and public buildings, and take care of our existing infrastructure before they require costly emergency repairs.
Sustainability
We need to increase the re-use, repair, and recycling of goods within our community. Several city and community initiatives are already doing this work. The more we do, the better.
What People Say About Jason:
Jason is a straight-up citizen. In addition to being a devoted family man and accomplished professional, he’s quietly dedicated countless hours to improving our community. While many may not know the full extent of his behind-the-scenes contributions, they’ve been significant and far-reaching. He has advised two mayoral administrations on public safety infrastructure, played a critical role in the hiring process for our Police Chief, and continues to be instrumental in the contractor selection for the new fire station on Tremont Street.
Until now, Jason has worked humbly in the background, always focused on results rather than recognition. But now, Jason is ready for the spotlight—and it’s time the rest of Melrose sees what he’s capable of.
I’m proud to support Jason and excited for what his leadership can bring to our city.
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— Emmanuel Andrade, Florence Street, and fellow member of both Public Safety Buildings Advisory Committees
I first met Jason Chen in the fall of 2023, when the community was focused on the Public Safety Building project and an active mayoral race. We had the opportunity to talk about what we were both feeling and observing in Melrose, and I instantly found him to be a curious, thoughtful, reflective citizen who is not only concerned and optimistic for the future of Melrose, but one who feels compelled to take action to bring that future to life.
Melrose is already benefitting from Jason’s contributions: We were lucky that Mayor Brodeur had tapped him for the Public Safety Building proposal project, knowing his impressive professional experience, and I’m so happy that Mayor Grigoraitis has continued his engagement in the project team now that it is underway!
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Jason is a natural problem solver and leader. He asks the right questions, listens, and does his homework! He reflects on both “how did we get here?” and “where can we go from here?” to help solve problems, and I know he’ll bring the same to the Melrose City Council. I’m honored to support Jason for City Councilor At Large.
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— Kathy Vines, Howard Street, and Founder and Owner of Clever Girl Organizing, and former Melrose Elections Coordinator
I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Jason Chen for more than five years, both as a trusted confidant and in his role serving as Secretary of the Board for Lasagna Love. Jason embodies what it means to be a servant leader. He is thoughtful and logical, yet always leads with humanity first. He asks the right questions—not to advance an agenda, but to truly understand, to challenge assumptions, and to push toward solutions that are equitable and lasting.
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Jason brings a worldly perspective, a deep love for his family, and an unwavering pride in every commitment he makes. He listens intently, engages authentically, and shows up with steadiness and integrity. His care for people extends beyond professional settings—he genuinely invests in his community, ensuring that every decision he makes reflects kindness, fairness, and vision.
As Executive Director of Lasagna Love, I’ve witnessed Jason champion our mission with passion and clarity,
connecting neighbors through acts of kindness and ensuring that families feel supported during their most challenging times. He is articulate, insightful, and someone you can rely on to see things through. Jason is not only a mentor and advocate but a friend who inspires others to rise to their best selves. His human-centered approach is a gift, and I cannot imagine a better advocate for the people of Melrose.
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— Andria Larson, Executive Director of
