San Jose City Council Meeting – June 2, 2026: Budget, Rates, Remote Participation, and Community Proclamations
San Jose City Council Meeting – June 2, 2026
On June 2, 2026, the San Jose City Council convened at 1:30 p.m. for a regular meeting that included ceremonial proclamations, a consent calendar, public hearings on utility rate increases, and discussions on reinstating remote public participation. The meeting also featured updates on business improvement districts, affordable housing grants, and open forum comments. The council took several votes, with most items passing on split votes.
Ceremonial Items
- Jewish American Heritage Month (May): The council recognized May as Jewish American Heritage Month, accepting a proclamation from Julia Mates of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). The proclamation highlighted Jewish contributions and committed to combating rising anti-Semitism.
- Pride Month (June): Vice Mayor Foley, Councilmember Tordillos, and Councilmember Cohen proclaimed June as Pride Month, marking the 25th year of the city’s celebration. Renee Johnson, Board President of the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, accepted the proclamation and emphasized the economic impact of the LGBTQ+ community.
- National Gun Violence Awareness Month (June): Councilmember Ortiz presented a proclamation to Nancy of New Hope for Youth, who spoke about gun violence prevention efforts, including workshops at Overfelt High School and one-on-one youth sessions on accountability.
Consent Calendar
- The council approved the consent calendar unanimously (motion passed with no dissenting votes). Notable items included:
- A grant from the Barrier Host Committee for the World Cup matches, supporting police and fire departments.
- Renewal of bids and investments in the 911 call center.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Consent Calendar: Brian Darby praised the improved agenda formatting and thanked staff.
- Item 3.3 (Remote Participation): Two speakers:
- Brian Darby supported the reinstatement but urged action against disruptive remote commenters.
- Jordan Muldau (District 3) supported the memo but opposed the proposed default speaking time reduction to 60 seconds, suggesting 90 seconds or flexible time based on speaker volume. Also urged extending remote participation to all city bodies, including advisory committees.
- Item 6.1 (Sewer Rates): Michael Thomas, a homeowner, argued the rate increase was illegal because no current cost-of-service study supported the rates. He noted a flagging 1970s–1990s underlying data and a missed Public Records Act deadline by the city.
- Item 6.2 (Garbage & Recycling Rates):
- Michael Thomas again stated no cost-of-service study existed and Prop 218 requirements had not been met.
- Gloria Perez Fort (Christopher neighborhood) cited a 52% rate increase over six years (from $35.89 in FY19-20 to $54.51 in FY25-26), far exceeding her Social Security COLA of 2.8%. She argued council members had voted for all rate increases since 2015.
- Item 8.1 (East Village BID): Anne Marie Lang expressed support, noting her family’s 50-year business history in San Jose and emphasizing the need for continued investment.
- Item 8.2 (Tolly Road East Ridge BID): Christina Bowie (board chair) and a second speaker highlighted beautification, debris removal, and activation efforts despite limited resources, asking for continued support.
- Item 8.3 (Monterey Corridor BID): Dave Luhan (Executive Secretary) reported on clean and safe initiatives, including three mobile security cameras, mural beautification, and RV/encampment abatement; expressed support for the mayor’s proposed budget.
- Open Forum:
- First speaker referenced a tsunami anecdote, criticizing “magic thinking” and urging reliance on data.
- Jim Gray (Akron Way) complained about an illegally parked motorhome blocking a narrow street and inadequate signage.
- Carmen Brammer (Global Majority Consulting, D8 constituent) criticized the council for not reaching out to the Black community after the Supreme Court’s April 29 ruling on the Voting Rights Act, expressing hurt and anger.
Discussion Items
- 3.3 Reinstating Remote Participation & Amendments to Council Policy 0-37:
- Councilmember Candelas (lead author) explained the urgency due to SB 707 (mandating remote participation by July 1, 2026), moving it up to allow remote comments during the upcoming budget hearings. The memo also proposed reducing default speaking time to 60 seconds, a measure that drew opposition from public commenter Jordan Muldau.
- Vice Mayor Foley supported the memo but raised safety concerns about hate speech, asking about advisory committees. City Clerk staff noted Policy 0-04 (boards and commissions) would be updated in August/September with optional remote participation provisions. Foley requested outreach to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
- The council voted unanimously to approve the memo.
- 5.1 Affordable Housing Grant (Round 9 AHSC):
- Councilmember Campos moved to accept $14 million in grant funding (including ~$6 million to the city) for affordable housing improvements. He stressed the need for continued city investment and looked forward to using Measure E revenue for permanent housing. Motion passed unanimously.
- 6.1 Sewer Service & Use Charge Rates:
- City Clerk reported 1,633 valid written protests (plus one speaker) – less than 1% of customers – allowing council to proceed.
- After public comment, Councilmember Kamei moved to approve. Motion passed 9-2, with Ortiz and Casey voting no.
- 6.2 Residential Garbage & Recycling Rates (Single-Family and Multifamily):
- City Clerk reported 1,333 written protests plus three speakers – less than 1% of customers.
- Staff (Judy Erlinson, deputy director) explained that 90% of rates are driven by contractor costs tied to a modified CPI (labor, fuel). Free junk pickup adds ~$12 million (~5% of $207 million total). Recycling contamination decreased to 41% but only partly offsets costs.
- Councilmember Duan opposed, arguing a 7% increase exceeds residents’ cost-of-living and asking why neighboring cities (e.g., Palo Alto) have lower single-family rates. Staff responded that San Jose offers “cutting-edge” services like unlimited junk pickup, and multifamily rates are low compared to peers.
- Councilmember Cohen noted the council has limited discretion due to long-term contracts. If rates were not increased, the city could be out of compliance or have to absorb costs from fund balance, which has been depleted.
- Mayor Mahan raised the possibility of long-term policy work on cost efficiency.
- Motion to approve passed 8-3, with Ortiz, Duan, and Casey voting no.
- 6.3 Municipal Water System Rates:
- City Clerk reported 202 written protests – less than 1% of customers. No recycled water protests.
- Motion to approve passed 7-4, with Ortiz, Duan, Candelas, and Casey voting no.
- 6.4 Water Shortage Contingency Plan and Urban Water Management Plan (2025):
- Combined public hearings, no opposition. Motion to approve passed unanimously.
- 8.1 Establishment of East Village Business Improvement District:
- No written protests. After public comment (Anne Marie Lang in support), Councilmember Tordillos moved approval. Unanimous.
- 8.2 Tolly Road East Ridge BID Annual Budget and Levy:
- No written protests. Motion passed unanimously.
- 8.3 Monterey Corridor BID Annual Budget and Levy:
- No written protests. Motion passed unanimously.
- Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency – Administrative Budget & ROPS (FY26-27):
- No public comment. Motion passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Votes recorded:
- 6.1 Sewer rates: Approved 9-2 (Ortiz, Casey no).
- 6.2 Garbage rates: Approved 8-3 (Ortiz, Duan, Casey no).
- 6.3 Water rates: Approved 7-4 (Ortiz, Duan, Candelas, Casey no).
- All other items passed unanimously.
- Policy: Remote participation reinstated for public comments (effective before budget hearings); speaking time default reduced to 60 seconds, with staff to report back on advisory committee remote options by August/September via Policy 0-04 updates.
- Referral: Mayor Mahan suggested long-term policy work on garbage rate cost efficiency and equity, inviting colleagues to collaborate with staff.
- Next steps: Budget hearings next Monday (June 8, 2026) will include remote participation.
Meeting Transcript
All right, welcome. Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome. Good afternoon and welcome. I'd like to call to order this meeting of the San Jose City Council for the afternoon of June 2nd. Happy election day, everybody. Get your ballots in by 8 p.m. All right. Let's take the roll, Tony. Campos. Present. Tordillos. Here. Cohen. Here. Ortiz. Present. Fulkehi. Here. Candelas. Here. Casey. Foley. Mayhan. Here. You have a quorum. Great. Thank you so much. Now, if you are able, please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Today's invocation will be provided by the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, and Councilmember Mulcahy will tell us more. Thank you, Mayor. It is my sincere pleasure to welcome Ash Namdar, interim executive director of the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, GRPC. Since 1996, the Conservancy has helped preserve and activate San Jose's front yard and civic greenway, the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens and Trail Network, creating spaces that connect residents to nature, recreation, and to each other. Without doubt, we're seeing a renaissance of momentum and attention around the park with residents, community organizations, the sharks, private business, San Jose Downtown Association, and civic leaders like the Salada, Salas, and Brandenburg families all coming together around a shared vision for its future. And I want to shout out to our city team, the key part of our effort, want to especially acknowledge Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services, Office of Economic Development and Cultural Arts, Affairs, Public Works, and San Jose PD for embracing this effort and their partnership with our office. This is a big week for our GRPC friends, and I want to personally invite all of my colleagues and the community to consider attending Windows on the River Park, their annual fundraiser and celebration this Thursday, June 4th, 5 30 to 7 30 at the Rotary Playgarden of Coleman. So for today, Ash is joined by Jay, GRPC's horticulturalist, and Hillary, the organization's volunteer coordinator, for a special rose deadheading demonstration. Everybody's gonna need that right now to highlight the Conservancy's stewardship and activation of the Heritage Rose Garden at the northern end of the park along Heading Street. Their work reflects the broader effort to create cleaner, safer, and more vibrant public spaces for generations to come. Please join me in welcoming the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy. Thank you, Councilmember Mulkey. My name's Ash Nandar, and I'm the interim executive director at the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy. The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy is responsible for managing and activating the three-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, which includes spaces like the Rotary Playgarden, the historic orchard, and the Rose Garden, the Heritage Rose Garden. With me today, I have Jay Thompson, our horticulturist, and Hilary Trang, our volunteer coordinator, who are going to give you a demonstration of one of our activations, which is Deadheading the Roses at the Heritage Rose Garden. Jay. Hello, everyone. This is a very, very brief uh generalized demonstration of Deadheading.
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