Homelessness and shelter
Where it standsSince 2025 the city has put most of its Measure E transfer-tax money into shelters and interim housing, and its encampment rules now include an expectation to accept shelter.
What's on the tableHow to split homelessness money between shelters and permanent housing, and whether to keep enforcing the responsibility-to-shelter rules.
- In June 2025 the council voted 8-3 to allocate up to 90% of Measure E revenue to homeless sheltering and support, with any remainder for affordable housing; Ortiz, Doan and Campos voted no. San José City Council minutes · Jun 10, 2025 ↗
- The council voted 9-2 to add an expectation of accepting shelter to the city's Code of Conduct for Encampments; Councilmembers Peter Ortiz and Pamela Campos opposed it. KQED ↗
- The new Measure E spending plan set aside 90% for shelter costs ($47 million in 2025-26) and 10% for homeless prevention programs. KQED ↗
Housing growth and the General Plan
Where it standsThe council in August 2026 directed staff to prepare General Plan changes, including study of more homes in single-family areas, with options due back in December 2027.
What's on the tableHow much new housing to allow in single-family neighborhoods and along corridors, and how hard to push the state for local control.
- In August 2026 the council voted 8-3 to direct General Plan changes, including environmental review of raising density in single-family (Residential Neighborhood) areas to 16, 24 or 32 homes per acre; Doan, Candelas and Casey voted no. San José City Council minutes · Aug 18, 2026 ↗
- The council will consider updates to its long-term land-use plans late next year as the city works toward its target of making space for 62,000 new homes. The Mercury News · Sep 30, 2026 ↗
- In September 2026 the council voted 9-2 to add support for legislation restoring local control over housing and land use to its 2027 legislative program; Kamei and Tordillos voted no. San José City Council minutes · Sep 22, 2026 ↗
- In September 2026 the council approved new mixed-financing frameworks for producing housing at all affordability levels (10-0, Cohen absent). San José City Council minutes · Sep 1, 2026 ↗
Data centers
Where it standsSan José has between 25 and 40 data centers operating and is drafting citywide rules on their energy, water, air quality and noise rather than pausing approvals.
What's on the tableWhat the data center rules require, and whether to approve more data centers.
Budget and household costs
Where it standsThe city closed an estimated $50 million budget shortfall this year through program and service cuts and delayed building projects, and voters approved a hotel tax increase in June.
What's on the tableHow to balance future budgets, and how much to raise city fees and utility rates.
Policing and license plate cameras
Where it standsAfter an officer was fired for misusing the Flock camera database, a council committee asked staff in September 2026 for a draft ordinance setting penalties for unauthorized use.
What's on the tableWhat safeguards to put on Flock license plate cameras, and whether to keep the contract.