San Jose City Council

The San Jose City Council is the city's main legislative body. They pass the laws, approve the budget, and set policy direction for San Jose. What passed, what changed, and what this means for you.
18
Jun

San Jose's red light cameras are live, speed cameras come next

San Jose Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support Committee: Red light cameras have issued about 5,500 tickets, with speed cameras due in September. A debt write-off heads to council.
3 min read
16
Jun

San Jose council votes 9-2 to oppose a tax-limit measure

San Jose City Council: The council voted 9-2 to oppose a November measure limiting local taxes and funded 22 interim housing sites for the year. A $3.6M downtown land deal also passed.
4 min read
09
Jun

San Jose passes its budget: 85 fewer jobs, keeps library hours

San Jose City Council: The city closed a $50.3M budget gap with 85 fewer jobs overall, kept library hours, and released the full $1M for immigrant legal defense upfront.
4 min read
02
Jun

Three San Jose rate increases start July 1, garbage up 7%

San Jose City Council: Garbage and recycling rates rise 7% for single-family homes and 4% for multi-family July 1, on an 8-3 vote. Sewer and water rates went up too.
3 min read
19
May

San Jose cuts technical-study requirements for common housing projects

San Jose City Council: New CEQA rules cut technical-study requirements for common housing projects. Council also approved a SJCE pilot offering free heat pumps to renters.
5 min read
12
May

San Jose budget hearing: seniors, immigrants, and fire engines on line

San Jose City Council: Budget hearing surfaced trade-offs on senior services, immigration legal aid, and a District 8 wildland fire engine. Airport forecast cut to 17M by 2037.
5 min read
07
May

San Jose moving ahead on 33 speed cameras after federal grant dries up

San Jose City Council: Budget study session previews 33 speed cameras this fall without federal funding, 7% trash fee hike, and a 2028 airport recovery.
5 min read
06
May

San Jose's balanced budget assumes Measure A passes. If not, cuts.

San Jose City Council: The proposed 2026-27 budget closes a $50.3M shortfall but assumes Measure A passes June 2. If not, library, parks, and police cuts follow.
5 min read
05
May

San Jose lets Clear Channel nearly double billboard height to 85 feet

San Jose City Council: Clear Channel cleared to build two approved digital billboards taller, up to 85 feet, and larger, 9-0 with one recusal. Plus $7.95M encampment cleanup deal.
5 min read
28
Apr

San Jose loosens rent caps at distressed affordable housing projects

San Jose City Council: Council expanded the Housing Director's authority to raise rents at distressed affordable units, but only at vacancy. 108-condo builder's remedy cleared.
6 min read