San Jose

San Jose is California's third-largest city and Silicon Valley's capital — a city of 1 million governed by a council-manager system with a 10-district City Council, where City Hall and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors share authority over daily life.

CivicCause organizes meetings, issues, elections, and public activity around San Jose so residents can follow local decisions and see how city and county systems connect.

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Daily Summary

2026-06-08

San Jose City Council Hosts Public Hearing on 2026-27 Budget Amid Mayor Mahan’s Gubernatorial Run

San Jose’s City Council meets tonight at 6 PM for a public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 operating and capital budgets, including fees and charges. This hearing invites public comment and will shape how the city addresses a $56 million budget shortfall driven by weak sales tax revenue and rising pension costs. The budget discussion is especially timely as Mayor Matt Mahan’s recent announcement to run for California governor has sparked mixed reactions among residents, highlighting political divisions in the city.

Tomorrow, the City Council will continue budget deliberations, focusing on balancing priorities like housing, homelessness, and public safety amid limited resources. Recent council actions include discussions on zoning code updates and major street resurfacing contracts, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage infrastructure and neighborhood development. While county budget hearings are scheduled later this month, tonight’s city hearing is the critical next step for San Jose residents to weigh in on fiscal decisions that directly impact local services and community investments.

News: Will San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan face fallout after running for governor?Meeting: City Council • City Council Meeting: Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors • Board of Supervisors - Continued Budget Hearing

Top Issues in San Jose

All tracked issues

Priority issue threads currently being tracked across meetings, agencies, and public records.

Transportation & Transit Future (VTA)

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The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is navigating a dual mandate — running a regional transit system while developing affordable housing on underutilized land near stations. Ten VTA projects currently in active developmen…

Federal Funding Threats to County Services

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The county is confronting $70 million in anticipated lost federal funding it will need to backfill, with the Office of Supportive Housing facing the largest losses of $29 million. Federal Medi-Cal cuts are driving multiple departmental sho…

Mental Health Services Budget Crisis

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The Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Department is facing a $100 million deficit for fiscal year 2026–27, driven by federal Medi-Cal cuts triggered by H.R. 1, changes in state funding, the end of one-time COVID-19 dollars, and…

San Jose 2026 Major Events & Economic Momentum

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San Jose is preparing for a series of major national and global events in 2026. This issue tracks how those events impact tourism, downtown activity, infrastructure, and long-term economic momentum.

School Closures on San Jose's East Side

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Several school districts serving East San Jose are grappling with significant closures and budget cuts, driven by two overlapping pressures: declining enrollment and fiscal deficits. Why closures are being considered: California has seen a…

Community Pulse

Mental Health Services Budget Cuts

The Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Department is facing a $100 million deficit in the coming fiscal year, driven by federal Medi-Cal cuts, changes in state funding, and rising costs — threatening recently expanded mental health treatment programs. Do you support or oppose reducing mental health services to help balance the county budget?

Vote once per email. CivicCause Poll results are directional, not scientific.

Civic Insights

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2026 is a turning point for San Jose’s event-driven economy

San Jose’s 2026 event cycle represents more than a series of high-profile moments. It is a test of whether the city can translate global attention into long-term economic momentum. The opportunity is not just increased visitation, but sustained growth in tourism, business activity, and downtown vitality. That outcome will depend on how effectively city policy, infrastructure, and local organizations align during and after this period. Decisions around hospitality, transportation, public safety, and tax policy—including discussions tied to Measure A—may shape how competitive San Jose remains in attracting future events.

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