San Jose

All San Jose decisions in one place. City Council votes and the committee work that shapes them. What passed, what changed, and what this means for you.
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
27
Apr

San Jose planners maxed at 126%; fee hike and cuts headed to budget

San Jose Community and Economic Development Committee: Planning team at 126% capacity, fee hike and cuts coming through the budget. FIFA outreach plan owed to council before May 12.
4 min read
21
Apr

San Jose hears two hours of pushback on data center plans (+ fixes living wage)

San Jose City Council: Council accepted a data center status report after two hours of public pushback and replaced a living wage formula that delivered a $0 raise last year.
6 min read
20
Apr

Four San Jose council members move to streamline housing approvals

San Jose City Council: Study session on permitting. Four council members filed a memo to expand rules-based housing approvals citywide. No votes.
4 min read
16
Apr

San Jose police overtime hits $72M; response times still missing goal

San Jose Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support Committee: Police audit shows Priority 1 response times averaging 8.1 minutes against a 6-minute goal and $72M in overtime last year.
5 min read
14
Apr

San Jose adds 89 interim housing units at Arena Hotel for $6.4M

San Jose City Council: Council approved $6.4M for Arena Hotel interim housing (89 units) plus bonds for 195 affordable units at Berryessa TOD.
4 min read
13
Apr

San Jose lost a $12M EV grant. The 2030 state deadline didn't move.

San Jose Transportation and Environment Committee: City lost a $12M federal EV grant weeks after the award. State 2030 zero-emission deadline holds. SJCE roadmap goes to council May 19.
4 min read
13
Apr

San Jose stares down a $2.6B backlog with no near-term fix

San Jose City Council: Deferred maintenance backlog now $2.6B plus $259M ongoing. GO bond timing slips to 2028. City Hall water intrusion repair: $45M. Storm sewer jumped to ~$900M.
5 min read