San Jose City Council Meeting – June 16, 2026

The San Jose City Council met on June 16, 2026, to approve labor agreements, oppose a statewide ballot measure that would retroactively lower the threshold for local tax increases, adopt business improvement district budgets, and fund interim housing sites. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations for Myositis Awareness Month, the San Jose Sports Authority's 35th anniversary, and Juneteenth.

Ceremonial Items

• Myositis Awareness Month: Councilmember Cohen recognized Myositis Awareness Month, noting the disease affects 50,000–75,000 people in the U.S., with 70% of patients being women. Patient advocate Shauna Nielsen spoke about her journey and the need for research funding.
• San Jose Sports Authority 35th Anniversary: Vice Mayor Foley and Councilmember Mulcahy honored the Sports Authority for bringing major events (FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl 60, NCAA basketball) to San Jose. Executive Director John Poach accepted the commendation.
• Juneteenth Proclamation: Councilmember Tordillos introduced LaVere Foster of the African American Community Services Agency, who accepted the proclamation recognizing Juneteenth celebrations.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2.7: Councilmember Campos pulled this item to register a no vote. The item was approved 10–1 (Campos dissenting).
• Item 2.10 (Urban Catalyst Property Acquisition): Mayor Mahan and Councilmembers Ortiz and Mulcahy recused themselves due to campaign contributions. The council approved the acquisition of a South First Street parcel at a 60% discount from its 2019 purchase price, linked to an incentive for the Gifford Apartments project. Three public speakers (Kathy Sutherland, Rebecca Spitz, Richard Mason) opposed linking the two projects, citing concerns about community engagement and rushed approval. Eric Sullivan, Director of Housing, clarified the linkage does not limit community input. The motion passed 8–0 (3 recused).
• The remainder of the consent calendar passed unanimously.

Labor Agreements (Items 3.5–3.8)

• City Manager Jennifer Maguire presented tentative three-year agreements (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2029) with three bargaining units: San Jose Police Dispatchers Association (SJPDA), Association of Building, Mechanical and Electrical Inspectors (ABMEI), and Association of Legal Professionals (ALP). Each agreement includes wage increases and enhancements to the city's AI policy. The council also approved comparable compensation changes for unrepresented employees (Unit 99, Units 81/82).
• Public comment on Item 3.8: Chris (no affiliation stated) criticized the city's $5.5 billion budget and urged restraint in spending. Councilmember Duan requested delaying the unionization discussion for Unit 99 but was advised it is a separate matter.
• All four items passed unanimously.

Discussion Item: Opposition to Local Taxpayer Protection Act (Item 3.9)

• The council debated a memo opposing a statewide ballot measure that would require a two-thirds vote for local special taxes and retroactively invalidate existing taxes. Public comment was split: opponents (Enrique Navarro, Elizabeth Briarly, and others) argued the measure enhances taxpayer power; supporters (Jordan, Lena from Open Space Authority) emphasized the retroactive harm.
• Council discussion highlighted the potential loss of $98–$130 million annually from Measure E (real estate transfer tax) and the construction and conveyance tax. Budget Director Jim Shannon said losing Measure E would eliminate the interim housing program and homeless prevention funding. The motion to oppose the measure passed 9–2 (Councilmembers Dewan and Casey dissenting). Councilmember Casey argued for taxpayer protections; Councilmember Cohen and Vice Mayor Foley stressed the retroactive damage.

Business Improvement Districts (Items 8.1–8.4)

• The council held public hearings and unanimously approved annual budgets and assessments for the Alum Rock Santa Clara Street, Downtown, Japan Town, and Alameda Business Improvement Districts for FY 2026-2027. No written protests were received.

Interim Housing Sites (Item 8.5)

• Eric Sullivan, Director of Housing, presented the funding plan for 22 interim housing sites with approximately 2,200 beds and 2,500 individuals served. Key metrics: ~900 pets, average occupancy >90%, overall turnover rate ~40%. The plan includes $69 million in services contracts and $79 million total all-in costs, funded by Measure E, HAF, general fund, and state sources. A transition of operator for the LifeMoves HomeKey site was also approved.
• Public comment: Elmer Martinez Saballos of LifeMoves thanked the council and supported the investments.
• Councilmember Campos noted the ongoing general fund exposure and asked about permanent housing exits. Sullivan clarified that transitions from safe parking and motels to interim housing are tracked separately from exits to permanent housing. The item passed unanimously.

Open Forum

• Jim Gray (Akron Way resident) complained about a motorhome illegally parked for months and a parking ticket for a minor curb infraction. He was referred to his council office. No other comments.

Key Outcomes

• Approved labor agreements with SJPDA, ABMEI, and ALP for FY 2026-2029, plus compensation changes for unrepresented employees.
• Opposed the Local Taxpayer Protection Act (ballot measure) by a 9–2 vote, citing retroactive revenue loss of $98–$130 million annually.
• Approved Urban Catalyst property acquisition (8–0) with an incentive for the Gifford Apartments project.
• Approved FY 2026-2027 budgets and assessments for four business improvement districts.
• Approved $69–$79 million in contracts for interim housing sites and operator transition for LifeMoves.
• No changes to the printed agenda; closed session report noted evaluation continued to next Tuesday.