San Jose Transportation and Environment Committee Meeting - February 9, 2026

The Transportation and Environment Committee (T&E) met on February 9, 2026, from approximately 9:30 AM. The agenda included four substantive items: (1) an update on the Climate Advisory Commission work plan (considered on consent), (2) a large load energy customer development status report, (3) the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, (4) a citywide pavement conditions update, and (5) a sewer rate setting audit report. The committee also heard public comments and an open forum item. All items were approved unanimously (5-0).

Consent Calendar

• The committee voted unanimously (4-0 initially, then 5-0) to add the Climate Advisory Commission work plan update to the consent calendar and then adopted it without discussion or public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 2 – Large Load Energy Customers: Two speakers addressed concerns. A lifelong San Jose resident (Alina) criticized the lack of study on public health and environmental impacts, noting that the EIR for the South Bay Great Oaks facility showed no recycled water use and that 36 diesel generators would be installed. She raised issues of cumulative health impacts. Michan Allgood, an AI ethicist and South Bay resident, expressed concern about air quality and water scarcity, critiquing the sufficiency of the environmental review process and urging the city to exercise oversight.
• Item 3 – Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan: Anne Ferris, representing the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), urged prioritizing shaded infrastructure for pedestrians and flood control along major bicycle pathways. Jordan Moldale (District 3 resident) supported the plan and stressed the economic incentives for climate-positive investments.
• Item 4 – Pavement Conditions: Anne Ferris again spoke, emphasizing using repaving opportunities for safer street design (daylighting, narrower lanes, multimodal expansion). Jordan Moldale recommended using SB1 gas tax funds for Vision Zero and bike projects, and asked about flush crosswalks as a cost-saving ADA design.
• Open Forum: Jordan Moldale reported traffic safety issues during downtown events (March Madness, World Cup), suggesting more bicycle and motorcycle enforcement.

Discussion Items

Large Load Energy Customer Development Status Report

• Staff (Erica Grafo, Assistant to the City Manager) presented a status update. Key points: Two large load projects energized by June 2026 (on time); three projects in building plan review; two projects in planning entitlement (goal of five may not be met). The city tracks 12 projects under the PG&E implementation agreement; PG&E is on schedule for the remaining 10 by 2030. LS Power transmission projects are on track. Data centers generate $3–7 million annually in utility user tax for a 50-99 MW facility. Environmental requirements (CEQA, water supply, recycled water, renewable energy) were summarized.
• Councilmember Ortiz questioned water monitoring, generator runtime, and rate impacts on residents. Staff (Jeff Provinzano, Chris Bowden) responded: water supply available; generator runtime is limited by air permits and monitored by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District; cost allocation is through CPUC Rule 30, which places most costs on developers. Ortiz requested a study session on data centers; the city manager offered to consider both a study session and an annual council report. Chair Cohen supported the idea.
• The item was approved 5-0.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan

• Staff (Lori Michelle, Julie Benavente, Jeff Provinzano, Michael Gonzalez) presented the plan. A vulnerability assessment identified key hazards: flooding (most impactful to infrastructure), extreme heat, sea level rise, wildfire smoke, and drought. The plan includes 62 strategies across four categories (knowledge, governance/policy, structural, communications). Extensive community engagement was conducted. Current grant-funded activities include a resiliency hub at Roosevelt Community Center and a sub-regional shoreline adaptation plan.
• Councilmember Tordillas highlighted the importance of shaded infrastructure and resilient building design. Councilmember Ortiz moved approval.
• The committee approved the plan 5-0, to be cross-referenced to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting.

Citywide Pavement Conditions, Funding, and Maintenance Program

• Staff (John Risto, Jennifer Sagan, Frank Parshidi) reported the city’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is 73 overall (up from 63 ten years ago). Local streets PCI is 74; major streets PCI is 71. Annual funding need to maintain PCI at 70 is $66.3 million. Due to Measure T sunset in 2028, projected funding will drop, causing a deferred maintenance backlog of $673 million by 2036. The 2026 pipeline includes 201 miles of paving (60 miles from winter suspension), 20 projects totaling $50 million for local streets. Innovations include low-carbon concrete (40% reduction in CO2), permeable pavement pilots, and CapeSeal treatment.
• Vice Mayor Foley asked about ADA ramp requirements (federal PROWAG guidelines currently on hold). Staff confirmed current ramps comply with existing ADA standards. Foley moved approval.
• The item was approved 5-0.

Sewer Rate Setting Audit Report

• City Auditor Joe Royce presented three findings: (1) ESD should review assumptions in its rate model (a 2015 study found mismatched strength parameters; sampling has just begun); (2) develop formal reserve policies; (3) improve transparency (sampling frequency documentation and web page updates). Six recommendations. ESD Director Jeff Provinzano accepted the recommendations.
• Vice Mayor Foley moved acceptance and cross-reference to council. Passed 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• All four agenda items were approved unanimously (5-0).
• The Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan will go to the full City Council on March 3, 2026.
• The Sewer Rate Setting Audit report will be presented to council on March 3, 2026.
• The committee signaled support for an annual council report or study session on data centers to address environmental and ratepayer concerns.