San Jose City Council Meeting - June 23, 2026

The San Jose City Council met on June 23, 2026, to address a range of items including a controversial parking rate increase, a proposed charter amendment for ranked choice voting in special elections, approval of airport billboards, and several housing and homelessness initiatives. The meeting featured extensive public testimony and council debate, with key decisions including deferral of the parking increase and advancement of a ranked choice voting ballot measure.

Invocation & Ceremonial Items

• Invocation: Drew Lloyd, president of BAMEC, delivered remarks on Pride Month, emphasizing inclusion, democracy, and local government's role in protecting LGBTQ+ rights.
• Proclamation: Councilmember Kamei recognized June 24th as Día de San Juan, honoring Puerto Rican heritage, and presented a proclamation to Tony Estramera for his community service.
• Climate Smart Champions: Councilmember Cohen recognized seven awardees in categories including mobility, energy, water conservation, youth, equity, business, and champion of the year (posthumously awarded to John Brazil).
• Adjournment in Memoriam: The meeting was adjourned in memory of Chris Berticelli, co-owner of Berticelli's La Villa Delicatessen, who passed away on February 25, 2026.

Closed Session Report

• The council voted to direct the city attorney to support litigation filed by the California Attorney General and Santa Clara County opposing the construction of an ICE detention facility in Gilroy, by contributing to amicus briefs.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2.21 (Pulled): A proposal to increase downtown parking meter rates to $4/hour and extend paid hours to 9 p.m. was pulled for separate discussion (see Discussion Items).
• Remaining Consent Items (Approved Unanimously): Routine approvals including minutes, contracts, and other items, approved via voice vote with Councilmember Ortiz absent.
• Land Use Consent (Items 10.1A, 10.1B, 10.1C): Approved unanimously. Councilmember Mahan recused from 10.1A due to campaign contributions; Vice Mayor Foley recused due to property ownership.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 2.21 (Parking Rate Increase): Over 15 speakers, mostly small business owners, employees, and downtown residents, opposed the increase. They argued it would harm working-class employees, deter visitors, and undo recent downtown momentum. Speakers noted the lack of public outreach and urged deferral for further engagement.
• Item 3.3 (Ranked Choice Voting): About 12 speakers presented mixed views. Supporters cited cost savings, reduced voter fatigue, and successful use in other cities; opponents argued complexity, lack of transparency, and questioned the one-person-one-vote principle.
• Item 5.1 (Airport Billboards): Three speakers from "No Digital Billboards in San Jose" opposed the project, citing environmental concerns, lack of detail in the memo, and prior airport commission opposition.
• Item 7.1 (Animal Services Contract with Milpitas): Two speakers expressed concerns about shelter capacity and spay/neuter availability for large dogs.
• Item 8.1 (Homelessness Grants): One speaker criticized the city's encampment sweeps, alleging a nonexistent waitlist.
• General Public Comment: Carmen Bramer (Global Majority Consulting) urged the council to protect Black voters' representation, requesting meetings with council members.

Discussion Items

• Item 2.21 – Downtown Parking Rate Increase: Councilmember Casey moved to defer the item to August after hearing public concerns. The motion included directions for enhanced outreach (including door-to-door engagement) and analysis of citywide alternatives to concentrated downtown impacts. Staff acknowledged insufficient early outreach. The city manager committed to treating future major rate increases like utility rate notices. Deferral approved unanimously.
• Item 3.3 – Ranked Choice Voting Charter Amendment: Councilmember Cohen proposed placing on the March 2028 primary ballot (instead of November 2026) to save $2 million in election costs. Amendments added an informational memo (including data from other jurisdictions) and a return to council for a vote before final placement. Debate centered on complexity, voter education, and equity for monolingual and first-time voters. Approved 8-2 (Foley and Casey opposed).
• Item 5.1 – Airport Billboards: The airport director presented two digital billboards on Highway 101, with a minimum $600k/year revenue (estimated $20M over 10 years). Compliance with city policy includes 100% renewable energy and 12 billboard removals in low-income areas. Council despite public opposition approved unanimously.
• Item 7.1 – Animal Services Contract Extension: The 9-year contract with Milpitas was revised to reflect proportional costs (~30% increase). Councilmember Duan verified cost coverage. Approved unanimously.
• Item 8.1 – Homelessness Grant Agreements: Director Sullivan outlined programs (showers, outreach, youth housing, SJ Bridge jobs, DV support, transit passes) totaling $6.2M. Councilmember Campos moved approval. Approved unanimously.
• Item 8.3 – Multifamily Housing Incentive (Zero Selee Building B): A 50% tax reduction and $4.5M fee waiver for 372 units (19 affordable) as part of a 1,400-unit master-planned community. Staff noted improving market conditions. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Parking Rate Increase (Item 2.21): Deferred to August 2026 with directions for enhanced outreach and analysis of citywide alternatives. Approved unanimously.
• Ranked Choice Voting (Item 3.3): Referred to March 2028 primary ballot; informational memo from city clerk to be returned before final placement. Approved 8-2.
• Airport Billboards (Item 5.1): Contract awarded to Outfront Foster Interstate. Approved unanimously.
• Animal Services Contract (Item 7.1): Amended agreement with Milpitas for $551,000/year over 9 years. Approved unanimously.
• Homelessness Grants (Item 8.1): $6.2 million in grant agreements approved unanimously.
• Housing Incentive (Item 8.3): Tax and fee waiver for Zero Selee Building B approved unanimously.