San Jose mayors budget plan targets homelessness

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan's 2025-26 budget message is centered on enhancing accountability among city officials to effectively tackle homelessness and improve public safety. The proposed budget aims to double the city's shelter capacity and introduces a performance pay policy that incentivizes top officials to expedite the establishment of temporary homes. The San Jose City Council will discuss the budget on March 18, which will inform the city manager's proposals for final deliberations in May, as the city faces a projected shortfall of $46 million for the fiscal year. Mahan notes that homelessness has been the primary concern for residents over the past four years, with the city housing nearly 3,000 shelter beds for a population of over 5,477 unsheltered residents. His initiatives also include the "Responsibility to Shelter," which could lead to arrests for those refusing shelter after three offers.

The budget message suggests utilizing Measure E funds, originally allocated for permanent housing, to bolster temporary shelter capacity and prevention efforts. Vice Mayor Pam Foley emphasizes the importance of these funds in preventing homelessness before it occurs. Mahan's budget plan reflects a strategic shift towards accountability and measurable outcomes in addressing one of the city's most pressing social issues.