City officials want San Jose to reap the economic benefits from the World Cup and Super Bowl when they come to the region next year, and large-scale advertisements attached to buildings is part of the plan. The San Jose City Council has unanimously approved bringing back “supergraphic” signs to broadcast ads on buildings in downtown...
San Jose relaxes drinking rules in entertainment zones
San Jose economic officials want to allow the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks outside downtown’s most popular plazas and public streets during next year’s major sports events. With the economic impact from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl 60 in nearby Santa Clara, the San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to...
San Jose extends housing developer tax breaks
San Jose leaders are signing off on additional tax breaks available to new builders this year in an effort to attract housing developers. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously May 13 to increase the number of new homes qualifying for a 50% reduction in commercial, residential, mobile home park taxes and building and structure taxes...
Housing in North San Jose is underway on former Japanese farmland
Construction is underway on the first installation of a multifamily housing and retail project in North San Jose on former Japanese-owned farmland. Mayor Matt Mahan and North San Jose Councilmember David Cohen broke ground on the 0 Seely Ave. site Friday, as the area once surrounded by trees and farm structures was flattened to make...
San Jose District 3 candidates ramp up fundraising for June runoff
The top two vote getters for the District 3 City Council seat in San Jose are back on the fundraising trail. The two contenders in the special election — Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley Executive Director Gabby Chavez-Lopez and San Jose Planning Commission Chair Anthony Tordillos — have raised thousands of dollars in preparation for...
San Jose activists oppose diverting affordable housing funds
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan opened up the floor to critics of his initiatives to address homelessness Tuesday for the first time since the 2025-26 proposed budget included a reduction of funds prioritized for affordable housing. The property transfer tax known as Measure E was passed by San Jose voters in 2020 to fund permanent...
San Jose council pushes back on plan to arrest homeless people
Mayor Matt Mahan’s initiative aimed at arresting homeless residents who refuse shelter was at the top of the city’s budget hearing Monday as he highlighted Santa Clara County’s lack of enthusiasm. Police, fire and housing department officials told the San Jose City Council public safety continues to be understaffed as they dedicate more resources toward...
San Jose cuts parkland to add more businesses near airport
City leaders want to redevelop a strip of land underneath the flight path of San Jose Mineta International Airport, shrinking the amount of nearby parkland and open space. San Jose business owners will be encouraged to set up shop on Coleman Avenue between West Hedding and West Taylor streets after the City Council voted unanimously...
San Jose official wants City Hall staffer fired for heckling
A San Jose councilmember is demanding the immediate termination of a staffer from a colleague’s office after being heckled during a recent public meeting. Vietnamese American Councilmember Bien Doan, who represents District 7, began the April 8 San Jose City Council meeting by declaring April 2025 as Displaced Vietnamese American Heritage Month. He later invited...
San Jose shrinks budget shortfall, prioritizes temporary shelters
San Jose’s projected budget deficit has been reduced by almost half since initial estimates from earlier this year, but the city still faces a growing housing crisis and major deficit next year. The City Council previewed the proposed 2025-26 budget during a budget study session Wednesday, which drops the projected budget shortfall of $60 million to $35.6 million. The...