Economy

Economy

High gas prices have San Jose commuters seeing red

As gas costs continue to reach unsustainable levels, no one is immune to the pump pain. For those commuting miles to work, all are getting gouged equally.  While the state searches for solutions to the near $7 a gallon price at the pump, people like police officers, delivery drivers and traveling nurses are dealing with...

Full report: Silicon Valley Pain Index 2022

The Silicon Valley Pain Index is produced by the San Jose State University Human Rights Institute. The annual study focuses on racial discrimination and income inequality in the region. The report, first published in 2020 in response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, was inspired by an index compiled about New Orleans in the...

Silicon Valley business group opposes proposed headcount tax

Santa Clara could ask residents to approve a business tax overhaul in November, despite opposition from regional commerce leaders. If passed, it could bring in millions. The Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce sent a letter Monday to Santa Clara’s mayor and City Council opposing any “dramatic increase” in the business license tax companies pay....

Inequity in Silicon Valley persists for people of color

Life expectancy is shrinking, the poor are getting poorer and Silicon Valley’s wealthiest are flourishing. The 2022 Silicon Valley Pain Index report highlights how Santa Clara County generated $340 billion in gross domestic product in 2021—an increase of 4.4% since 2020—while nearly half of children in Silicon Valley are living in households who can’t make...

Downtown San Jose residents renew special property district

Property owners in downtown San Jose are saying yes to more taxes over the next 10 years. Nearly 89% of residents and businesses in a special district have voted in favor of renewing the downtown property-based improvement district (PBID) tax. Collected funds contribute to services such as cleaning, security and business development. The tax ranges...

San Jose budget tackles homelessness and public safety

San Jose has more money to spend this fiscal year and officials are prioritizing homelessness, public safety, fighting blight, environmental sustainability and equitable economic recovery. On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously approved the $5.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2022-23. The city has $212 million more dollars to fund its 20 departments and various programs than...

San Jose officials squash airport billboard proposal

San Jose officials have nixed a proposal to build a digital billboard near the airport, marking a victory for activists fighting the expansion of billboards around the city. Director of Aviation John Aitken said the site for a proposed billboard on I-880 near Mineta San Jose International Airport was “not a viable location.” In a letter sent...