San Jose City Council Meeting - October 6, 2026

The San Jose City Council convened on October 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM (time inferred from 'good morning') and, after roll call establishing quorum, heard extensive public testimony from city employees and union representatives regarding ongoing contract negotiations. No formal agenda or minutes were provided. Over 148 people participated online, with 10 in-person speakers and additional online speakers. The meeting adjourned to closed session without taking any public votes or decisions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ben (unidentified affiliation): Stated that San Jose Public Works employees' average wage of $128,000 per year is near the low-income threshold of $117,700, and questioned why the city's last best and final offer does not reflect the middle-class status these jobs once held.
• Francis (senior analyst, Finance Department, IFPTE Local 21): Expressed readiness to strike as a last resort, noting inflation has eroded wages and as a single mother she feels the financial strain.
• Unnamed speaker (self-identified as a Sharks fan): Criticized the city for making false promises and prioritizing investments like the Sharks over core services; urged council to show commitment through actions.
• Daisy (member of Aspen Local 101, Environmental Services): New employee from out of state, stated cost of living is unaffordable, turnover hurts service quality, and asked for fair contract to retain staff.
• Dylan Colman Haley (Public Info Rep, Beautify San Jose): 10-year employee, noted his wife also works for city; described living within dangerous margins and actively seeking jobs elsewhere; urged support to retain talent.
• Mary Morris (Senior Environmental Program Manager, Environmental Services Department, IFPTE Local 21, bargaining team member): 27-year employee, said she never expected to need enforcement skills with council; asked for leadership to get a fair contract.
• Maria Garcia (Housing Department employee): Reported significant turnover in the housing department, loss of institutional knowledge, and increased workload for remaining staff; noted asset management oversees millions in affordable housing investments.
• Cecilia Rios (20-year city employee, now manager): Former library page, said a former coworker left for Santa Clara County due to better pay and manageable workload; county closed an $800 million deficit while retaining staff; asked council to direct city manager to avert a strike.
• David Parker (Code Enforcement Inspector, MEF 101, Nigley Park, District Three resident): Nearly 5-year employee and former negotiating team member, described never seeing such a negotiation; members are desperate and leaving; warned council their actions will be remembered in future elections.
• Riley (Supervising Environmental Service Specialist, Local 21 Camp chapter bargaining team member): 8-year employee, said his salary is decent relative to colleagues but still insufficient; city's last best and final offer does not keep pace with inflation; strike is last option but will do it.
• Catherine Walsh (Environmental Services Specialist, MEF 101, District 6 resident): Moved to San Jose for the job and loves the city but struggles to budget month-to-month; cost of living is untenable; strike is last resort.
• Zita (Ira Bethanaz, Economy Intelligence, China Department Crime Analysis Unit): Only breadwinner, noted gas costs over $6/gallon; after three months without a contract, many cannot afford housing and family care; asked for fair contract.
• Rob Perrin (Environmental Services Specialist, MEF 101, District 9, 15-year employee): Seeking fair wages, no contingencies, restoration of pensionable pay; stated members voted yes to strike.
• Danielle (Planning Department employee, 9-year employee): Noted a cycle of employees staying five years and leaving due to cost of living and rigid work-from-home policy; many plan to leave; asked for fair contract.
• Moses Arroyo (25-year employee, voted to strike): Stated city employees provide vital services in housing, environment, public services, and health; requested a contract that supports retention and recognizes contributions.

Key Outcomes

• No votes or decisions were made during the public session. Mayor Mahan thanked speakers, acknowledged the importance of the workforce, expressed desire for a fair contract that avoids layoffs or service cuts, and adjourned the meeting to closed session for further negotiations. The council did not take any formal action on the contract or strike authorization.