2024-2025 City Budget Approved | |
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As I reflect on my fourth budget cycle since joining the council, I am proud of the work we have done together, demonstrating our collective resolve to make meaningful progress for our community and our environment. Throughout my tenure, we have faced numerous challenges and difficult decisions, yet our commitment to collaboration has always been our guiding principle.
By working together, we have been able to navigate financial constraints and prioritize initiatives that benefit the greater good. In addition to securing funding for homelessness solutions, we have managed to maintain vital neighborhood services, library hours, and programs, while also preserving our parks programs, including Viva Calle, Viva Parks, and fitness centers. These efforts demonstrate that, even in the face of adversity, we can achieve significant outcomes through unity and shared purpose.
In this budget, the Council also reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing neighborhood services and public safety. For the first time, we are funding programs that will significantly improve traffic safety and bolster public safety initiatives. Our focus on these areas underscores our dedication to creating a safe and vibrant community for all residents of San Jose. This commitment to the well-being of our neighborhoods is a testament to our council's foresight and responsibility to our constituents.
The progress we have made as a council reflects our deep understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social well-being. Our decisions to support climate action, enhance public health, promote green spaces, secure funding for homelessness solutions, maintain library hours and programs, and preserve our parks are all part of a broader vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable San Jose.
I am proud to be part of a team that values collaboration, embraces challenges, and remains steadfast in its mission to improve the lives of our residents. Together, we have laid a strong foundation for continued progress and have shown that, through collective effort, we can achieve remarkable results for our city.
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Reducing Unsheltered Homelessness and Increasing Housing
• Invests in interim housing to add 628 tiny homes by July 2025.
• Funds Emmanuel House Shelter redevelopment with 74 new temporary housing units.
• Enhances sanitation services and outreach at encampments.
• Continues funding for homelessness prevention, rent stabilization, and eviction prevention.
• Adds funding for a citywide adaptive reuse ordinance to convert vacant buildings into housing.
• Creates the Homeward Bound Pilot Program to reunite unhoused residents with family.
• Increases enforcement of encampment regulations to improve safety.
• Expands RV Pollution Prevention Program from 150 to 600 vehicles every two weeks.
Stormwater Plan
• Establishes Safe Sleeping Sites for 500 people to move out of waterways.
• Allocates funding for trash capture device maintenance and stormwater permit compliance.
• Develops stormwater inspection programs and improves the South Bay water recycling system.
Increasing Community Safety
• Creates a Police Cadet Program and invests in recruitment.
• Establishes a Police Women’s Bootcamp and doubles lateral hiring bonuses.
• Launches an Automated Speed Enforcement Pilot with up to 33 ALPRs.
• Enhances emergency preparedness and replaces essential technology in Police and Fire Departments.
• Implements an Ambulance Transport and User Fee Program to recover transport costs.
Cleaning Up San Jose
• Increases funding for illegal dumping and graffiti response.
• Adds positions to support the Beautify San Jose Stormwater Permit Implementation strategy.
• Expands funding for creek clean-up partners and establishes the Oversized Vehicle Regulation Reserve.
• Enhances efforts in the Vehicle Abatement Program to address abandoned vehicles.
Attracting Investments in Jobs and Housing
• Continues the Downtown Pop Up Program to reduce commercial vacancies.
• Funds beautification and upgrades in downtown San Jose.
• Supports Team San Jose and local businesses in destination marketing efforts.
• Provides arts and cultural grants, neighborhood economic grants, and incentives for AI and manufacturing companies.
• Funds micro-business startup grants for immigrant and low-income entrepreneurs.
Budget Alignment
This year's budget helps San José align its resources with the stormwater mandate and makes strategic investments to end unsheltered homelessness, positioning the city to tackle future deficits more effectively.
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City Council Meeting Replay • June 11 | |
Join Us in Celebrating the Re-Opening of Alum Rock Park's Road! | |
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We're excited to get together with San Jose PRNS and the team from Councilmember Peter Ortiz's office to celebrate the re-opening of the road leading into Alum Rock Park! Join us at Big Bear & Mick Brown Picnic Area on June 14th from 5-7pm for a joyous celebration at San Jose's greatest and oldest park.
Alum Rock Park has long been a cherished destination for nature lovers, hikers, and families seeking a serene escape within the city. The re-opening of the road marks a significant milestone, enhancing accessibility and welcoming visitors back to enjoy the park's natural beauty.
The celebration will be fun for the whole family, including games, ice cream, and various activities designed to entertain guests of all ages. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, meet fellow community members, and celebrate this beloved park’s history and future.
Don’t miss out on this special event! Bring your family and friends, and be part of the festivities as we celebrate this exciting re-opening. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Our First Dog Park • Opening This Month! | |
We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of District 4's very first Dog Park! Join us on June 29th at 9am at the location of the old firehouse on Piedmont Road to celebrate this exciting addition to our community. This new dog park is designed to be a vibrant, welcoming space where our beloved canine friends can socialize, play, and enjoy the outdoors. | |
Community Meet-Up • June 26 | |
Join me and my staff for a Community Meet-Up on Wednesday, June 26th at 6 PM at Araujo's Mexican Grill, located at 1501 Berryessa Road. This is a great opportunity to discuss our community's issues and connect with each other. We look forward to seeing you there! | |
Kids' Coding Camp • July 26-27 | |
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Coding Camp was created to empower the local youth in our community spark their interest in the tech field. Get ready to dive into the exciting world of coding and programming with us. Join us at Vine Church San Jose on Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 9:00 AM & Sat, Jul 27, 2024 at 9:30 AM for a fun-filled weekend of learning and collaboration.
Whether your child is a beginner looking to explore the basics or they're an experienced coder wanting to enhance there skills, Coding Camp is the perfect place for your child. Our expert instructors will guide your students through the various coding exercises and projects, helping them build there knowledge and confidence.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, network with industry professionals, and take your coding skills to the next level. Sign up now and secure your spot at Coding Camp!
Open to kids age 8-15.
Any questions please contact, community@vinechurchsj.com
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This past weekend, Viva Calle brought vibrant energy and community spirit to San Jose and the Alum Rock neighborhood. The event, known for transforming streets into car-free zones for pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters, showcased the diverse and lively essence of the area.
From early morning, families, friends, and individuals of all ages poured into Alum Rock, ready to partake in the festivities. The streets, usually bustling with vehicles, were instead filled with colorful booths, food trucks, and entertainment stages. Local vendors sold an array of items, from handmade crafts to delicious treats, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of the community.
One of the event's main attractions was the array of activities for all ages. Fitness enthusiasts enjoyed yoga and Zumba classes, while kids participated in face painting, chalk art, and interactive games. Live music and cultural performances punctuated the day, featuring local bands and dance troupes that brought a festive atmosphere to the streets.
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I had an amazing time joining a fantastic group of volunteers at Iris Chang Park in the River Oaks neighborhood this past weekend for a cleanup event. It was an honor to have Iris Chang's mother in attendance, inspiring us all with her presence and dedication. Together, we made a real difference in our community!
Iris Chang, an acclaimed author and historian, left a profound legacy through her tireless work documenting and preserving history. Her book, "The Rape of Nanking," brought global attention to the atrocities of the Nanking Massacre, ensuring that the stories of the victims would not be forgotten. Iris Chang Park, nestled in District 4, is a beautiful tribute to her memory, offering a serene and reflective space for the community to enjoy. We kept her spirit alive by maintaining and cherishing this wonderful park.
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The District 4 Youth Advisory Committee hosted the 2024 AIM Conference on June 8 geared towards inspiring and providing youth of our city to explore their futures. It was a culmination of half of year of emailing, planning, and scheduling a wide array of career panelists, school organizations, and local youth organizations and community colleges. The program included Assemblymember Alex Lee speaking about his experiences in the legislature, and interactive workshops ranging from resume building to advocacy. Thank you to Commissioner Thy Luong and Vice-Chair Kacey Cheung and all YAC members and volunteers for making this event a success! | |
Open Letter from D4YAC • Menstrual Products in Library | |
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Hello Mr.Cohen,
We, as the District 4 Youth Advisory Council and the Poverty/Homelessness Team, wanted to extend our warmest thanks for your efforts to push our "Menstrual Products in Library" memorandum in the city budget this year. As part of District 4 Youth Advisory Council, we had recognized this significant problem in the community and had been pushing this policy for the last two years. Last year, a similar policy was approved, but wasn't close to implementation. However, because of your hard work and recognition of this problem, we were able to take it to the city's agenda and get a step closer to consideration for libraries to have these necessary essentials available to residents of our community.
We especially appreciate the implementation of this policy in a year with budget difficulties! We hope to work further with you in coming years to refine the policy by potentially installing dispensers next year to ensure the sustainability of period products in library bathrooms. In coming years, we hope to work with you further in accomplishing the D4 Youth Advisory Council and Youth Commission’s goals to uplift the voices and concerns of youth in San Jose.
To us youth, it means an astonishingly great deal for our policies and words for action to reach so much recognition and be affirmed at a city-level for a real-world implementation and for creating change in communities. Thank you for empowering our voices and showing so much support for the policies we make for District 4 and San Jose. Your unwavering commitment to our opinions will always be appreciated and inspires us youth to be more vocal and further involved in our communities! Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Ojas Gandhi, D4 Poverty/Homelessness Team Lead
Thy Luong, D4 Youth Commissioner
District 4 Youth Advisory Council
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Summer Safety PSA from SJFD | |
Swimming is a fun summertime activity; however, if you aren’t careful, someone you care about could get hurt—or even drown. To help you enjoy the water responsibly, the San José Fire Department's Firefighter Mark Garcia shares 10 tips to keep you safe in the water. | |
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Use our online form to report illegal fireworks. Complete the form fully and include as much detail as possible. All reports will be reviewed and if sufficient information is provided, the City’s Code Enforcement Division will issue a warning or citation. Using the online form will not result in enforcement officers being immediately dispatched to the scene. It should not be used to report an emergency. Always call 9-1-1 to report an emergency.
LEAVE FIREWORKS TO THE PROS
All types of fireworks—even those labeled "safe and sane"—are illegal in San José and most of Santa Clara County. San José Municipal Code 10.17.100 states that, except for professional, permitted displays, it is unlawful for any person to possess, store, offer or expose for sale, or use or explode any fireworks.
SPECTATING IS PROHIBITED
San José is now holding spectators responsible for their role in the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks. Any person who is knowingly present and watching a fireworks exhibition is subject to a fine (10.17.105). Individuals who see illegal fireworks being discharged are encouraged to file a report and vacate the area as soon as possible.
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We could all use a little extra space around the house this time of year, if you've got junk and clutter in your garage or yard, take advantage of this great FREE service from the City of San José! Make an appointment to get rid of old appliances and furniture, mattresses, and more. It's easy, just fill out a short form online, move your stuff to the curb, and a truck will come and take it all away! | |
Nominate a District 4 Star! | |
Our annual District 4 Stars Gala is our way of honoring members of our community who've worked hard to make a positive impact in District 4. Small businesses, public servants, local leaders, and more. If you know someone you think is a Star in District 4, nominate them by clicking the button below. | |
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Office of Councilmember David Cohen
200 E. Santa Clara St
San José, CA 95113
(408) 535-4904
district4@sanjoseca.gov
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