San Jose mayor wants pay raises tied to performance

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has introduced a proposal linking pay raises for city officials to tangible improvements in critical areas such as homelessness and public safety. The initiative is set to be outlined in his upcoming 2025-26 budget message, which will assess progress through newly developed performance metrics. Drawing from his tech industry background, Mahan emphasizes the importance of accountability and measurable outcomes for senior city officials, while noting that union-represented employees will remain unaffected. He argues that leadership should be held responsible for meeting community goals, reflecting a shift towards a more results-oriented governance model. If the San Jose City Council endorses this policy, it will be presented to voters in the 2026 election.

Mahan's approach aims to enhance transparency and productivity in city operations, responding to public demand for effective management of resources. Councilmembers have expressed disappointment over the lack of prior consultation on this significant policy change. The proposal aligns with broader efforts to improve accountability in local government, inspired by similar state-level legislation.