San Jose leaders deny city lags on enacting reforms ordered in state homeless audit

San Jose has made limited progress in addressing recommendations from a state audit focused on improving its homeless services, achieving only two of seven goals by the September 2024 deadline. The completed objectives include establishing more robust annual targets and improving monitoring of temporary housing utilization through a new data dashboard. Three of the five incomplete goals are awaiting assessment from the California State Auditor, which includes setting a permanent housing construction target and analyzing demographic data on homelessness. Additionally, two recommendations have been labeled "partially implemented," focusing on evaluating public health programs and enhancing financial transparency. Sarah Fields, spokesperson for the city's housing department, asserts that all recommendations have been met, highlighting a decrease in unsheltered homelessness.

Mayor Matt Mahan, however, noted the ongoing need for more shelter and services amidst a persistent crisis. The city diverted nearly 90% of its Measure E revenue to temporary shelter initiatives, raising concerns about long-term funding for permanent affordable housing. State Senator Dave Cortese remarked that the audit's findings reflect broader issues in homeless spending accountability across California.