San Jose City Council Meeting - April 28, 2026

This meeting of the San Jose City Council on April 28, 2026, began with an invocation by the Youth Science Institute, followed by ceremonial proclamations for Black April (April 30), May Day (May 1), and the Autism Society. The council then addressed a consent calendar, several major discussion items including a police staffing audit, intergovernmental relations report, and a builders' remedy housing project, and concluded with public forum.

Consent Calendar

• 2.5 Travel Report (Mulcahy): Councilmember Mulcahy presented a report on a trip to Paris for the 10th anniversary Civic Commons learning journey, highlighting Paris's greening, mobility, and governance alignment. No vote needed as it was informational.
• 2.10 Rent Increase for Permanent Supportive Housing (Item pulled by Candelas): Item authorized the city to negotiate rent increases on vacant units in permanent supportive housing (PSH) to stabilize financially distressed projects. Multiple speakers (Jordan, Laila, John, Drusy, Philip) opposed the item being on consent without proper community input through HCDC. Councilmember Candelas clarified that the change applies only to vacant units and will not affect current tenants, and that relocation costs would be covered. The item was approved unanimously (1 absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• On item 2.10 (Consent): Speakers expressed concern that the rent increase would make PSH unaffordable and that the item bypassed the standard HCDC process. One speaker noted that people in PSH already struggle to pay rent and that the change could push them back onto the streets.
• On item 7.1 (Bill Key Park): Several speakers (Brenda, Jerry, Kelly, Connie, Lena) spoke in support of naming the park after Bill Key, a Chinese American businessman and community leader. They highlighted his efforts to save the Heinlenville Chinatown temple and his contributions to San Jose. No opposition was voiced.
• On item 3.3 (Police Audit): Public comments included complaints about long response times (e.g., 7 hours for one call) and underfunding of police. One speaker requested more foot patrols in underserved areas and criticized overtime being used for revenue-generating speed traps.
• On item 10.2 (Camden Ave Development): Some residents (Thomas, Susan) opposed the project, citing loss of baseball fields, soil contamination concerns, and the cost of relocating fields. They argued the EIR did not properly address issues. The Union School District Board President spoke in support, noting the district's low funding and the need for additional revenue.

Discussion Items

• 7.1 Park Master Plan & Naming (Bill Key Park): Staff presented a master plan for a 1.2-acre park at Rinconada Drive, funded by Measure T, including green stormwater infrastructure, play equipment, and pollinator gardens. The recommended name "Bill Key Park" received the highest community survey score. Councilmember Kamei and others spoke in favor, praising Bill Key's legacy. The item was approved unanimously (1 absent).
• 3.3 Police Staffing, Expenditures, and Workload Audit (Follow-up): City Auditor Joe Royce presented findings: average response time for priority 1 calls was 8.1 minutes (target 6 minutes); sworn officer numbers have declined; overtime costs reached $72 million in FY 24-25, a 53% increase over 5 years; 124 officers worked over 1,000 hours overtime. Chief Paul Joseph agreed with recommendations and noted the department is half the national average size (1 officer per 1,000 population vs. 2.2). Councilmembers discussed the need to balance safety with budget constraints, and Councilmember Campos moved to accept the report with additional monitoring recommendations. The motion passed unanimously (1 absent).
• 3.4 Spring 2026 Intergovernmental Relations Report: Director Emily Lamb and team reported on federal and state advocacy, including $16 million in earmarks for 8 projects, opposition to proposed federal rules on homeless services, and state bills (SB 1375 on Diridon Station; AB 1941 on metal theft). Discussion centered on e-bike safety (memoranda by Mayor and Councilmembers Candelas, Foley) and single-stairwell housing (bill likely stalled). Councilmember Duan opposed single-stairwells citing fire safety; Councilmember Tordillos argued they can be safe. The report was accepted and positions reaffirmed unanimously (1 absent).
• 3.5 Amendments to City Council Policy 1-16 (Multifamily Housing): No public comment; motion passed unanimously (1 absent).
• 10.2 Site Development Permit – Camden Avenue / Singletree Way (Builder's Remedy Project): Staff presented a 108-unit condominium project on the former Cinnabar Elementary School site, with 8 units for extremely low-income households. The project required a statement of overriding considerations for greenhouse gas and VMT impacts. The applicant (Orville Power, Mono Investments) noted the site was already zoned for housing and that the builder's remedy allowed up to 667 units but they chose 108 to fit the neighborhood. The Union School District supported the project for revenue. Opposition cited loss of community fields and soil issues. Councilmember Casey moved to approve staff recommendation. Vote passed unanimously (Councilmember Cohen recused).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously except for item 2.10 which was approved after clarification (motion passed unanimously, 1 absent).
• Bill Key Park (7.1): Motion to approve master plan and name passed unanimously (1 absent).
• Police Audit (3.3): Motion to accept the audit report and city administration's response passed unanimously (1 absent).
• IGR Report (3.4): Memorandum on e-bike safety (Foley) and councilmembers' memo were adopted; report accepted and legislative positions reaffirmed unanimously (1 absent).
• Policy 1-16 Amendments (3.5): Approved unanimously (1 absent).
• Camden Avenue Project (10.2): Motion to certify EIR, approve site permit, and tentative map passed unanimously (Councilmember Cohen recused; 1 absent overall).