Dear Neighbor,

In our last newsletter, I told you about going up to Sacramento to stand alongside Senator Catherine Blakespear to announce a bold piece of legislation — one that would have made sure every level of government does its fair share to address homelessness. 

Less than two weeks later, the bill we championed was gutted.

We asked for something simple: if cities like San José step up to build shelter and interim housing, counties — who have the jurisdiction, the resources, and much larger budgets — should fund 50% of the operating costs. It’s only fair, and it’s the only way to move from endless process to a real outcome – an end to the era of encampments. 

Instead, Sacramento insiders watered the bill down to yet another study. Another layer of analysis while people continue to suffer on the streets, families continue to pay the price, and taxpayers continue to watch billions spent with too little to show for it.

We need better. We need more leaders like Senator Blakespear who are willing to challenge the status quo. And we need to keep fighting — not just for more investment, but for faster, smarter investment at every level of government. If you'd like to be part of that fight, you can sign up here.

While some in Sacramento were strategizing how to create less change, San Jose was moving forward with more. We celebrated the opening of Via del Oro — our newest interim housing community — and broke ground at Taylor Street, our first safe sleeping site. These projects are more than just beds — they are proof that when we are laser-focused on achievable outcomes (such as providing a safe, dignified bed for every person on our streets), we can deliver real results.

Via del Oro was built in less than one year on privately-owned land, at a lower cost than past interim housing sites, and will be more affordable to operate than any site we’ve opened yet. Already, over 70 people have moved in with access to case management and supportive services. Meanwhile, Taylor Street will open this summer, offering 56 placements with basic necessities like security, sanitation, and access to case management, with a focus on quickly moving people into longer-term solutions.

Together with other new sites that opened this year like Branham Lane and Berryessa Safe Parking, these projects are moving us toward our bold goal of opening 1,000 new safe, dignified placements by the end of 2025 — giving real alternatives to our unhoused neighbors and real relief to neighborhoods across the city.

But getting people indoors is only part of the solution. We’re also committed to reclaiming our public spaces for community use. At Columbus Park, once a hub for youth sports and families, unmanaged encampments and rising 911 calls have made it unsafe for everyone. That’s why we’re moving forward with a plan to decommission the encampment and break ground on a revitalized park — with new soccer fields, a playground, shaded paseos, and courts for pickleball, futsal, and basketball. By late 2027, Columbus Park will once again be a place for San José families to gather, play, and take pride in their city.

This work — opening shelter, reclaiming parks, restoring safety and dignity — is happening because San José has chosen action over excuses. But let's be clear: we can't solve this crisis alone. In fact, we’ve just about reached our limit. We cannot continue to build out a shelter system that will get us to functional zero without the support of other levels of government. We need the County to invest in mental health and addiction services. We need the State to create a framework that requires every city, big or small, to do their part. 

That’s exactly why Senator Blakespear and I pushed for SB 16 — to create a real, statewide model of shared responsibility. The insiders’ failure to even consider this bill as drafted means the burden continues to fall unfairly on a handful of cities willing to act, while others sit on the sidelines. That’s not leadership. That’s not sustainable. And it’s not fair to the people still suffering on our streets — or the taxpayers who are paying the price for political inaction.

San José is doing its part. It’s time Sacramento demands every city and county does theirs too.

Sincerely,

Mayor Matt

Over the past several months, residents and small business owners have reported a troubling vandalism spree — some gang-related, some the work of repeat graffiti offenders. Thanks to incredible detective work by the San José Police Department and strong collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, two suspects are now in custody and facing serious charges.

One individual is believed to be responsible for over 70 separate acts of vandalism — damaging businesses, public spaces, and private property across our downtown. But this suspect didn’t just target San Jose. Earlier this week, I was driving to speak at an event in San Francisco and saw the same moniker defacing the side of a building. The bad actors we hold accountable don’t just harm San Jose — they harm our entire region. And we are doing our part to end their crime sprees for our residents and for our neighboring cities. 

Another suspect, linked to at least 19 gang-motivated incidents, was found carrying both spray paint and a concealed firearm when arrested. Let’s be clear: this isn’t just graffiti — it’s illegal, dangerous, and corrosive to our community.

We take the sanctity of our shared spaces seriously. Graffiti may seem minor to some, but when it becomes constant — and when it’s driven by gang activity — it erodes public safety, community pride, and stacks up costs against our small business owners who are often operating on thin profit margins. But these arrests are about more than property damage — they’re about reclaiming our neighborhoods.

I want to thank Chief Paul Joseph, the Gang Investigations Unit, Captain Miri and our Central Division Patrol Officers, and the DA’s Office for their exceptional effort. I also want to thank the residents who submitted tips through our 3-1-1 system — your eyes and voices make a difference.

There has been a lot of talk about the governance failures plaguing big cities in many parts of the nation. While this discussion often turns partisan and contentious, I’m more interested in figuring out what works–what are the policies and programs that will deliver the outcomes we want? 

So it was a pleasure to join the Blue City Blues podcast last week to reflect on why many big cities are failing at the basics and how we might take a different path forward. Hosts Sandeep and David asked some great questions and shared their perspective from Seattle while I did my best to articulate how we are tackling problems in San Jose. I hope you’ll give it a listen and let me know what you think!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve visited Districts 5, 7, 8, and 10 to talk about what’s in the budget. I’ve heard great questions, received important feedback, and learned more about your top priorities through these town halls. 

Between now and June, I’ll be visiting every single district to give you as many opportunities as possible to have your voice heard. You can find the full list and RSVP right here.

Basking Ridge Park Beautification & Tree Planting

Saturday, May 10th at 8:30 AM

619-643 Chelsea Crossing

Join your neighbors and Team Mahan for a park beautification at Basking Ridge on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 8:30 AM. Plant trees, paint benches, pick up litter, and work with us to create a cleaner, safer San Jose! RSVP here. 

Education Day! San Jose Giants vs. Lake Elsinore Storm

Tuesday, May 9th at 11am 

Excite Ballpark 

The San Jose Giants' Education Day is a unique day for local schools to enjoy an educational and fun baseball-themed field trip. Tickets include educational learning stations, baseball-themed activities and a baseball game at Excite Ballpark! Buy tickets here.

San Jose State of the City 

Saturday, May 17th at 10am 

Arena Green East, 340 West Saint John Street San Jose, CA 95110 

Show your civic pride alongside your neighbors at our annual event focused on service and celebration! After a short formal program with performances and a speech by Mayor Mahan, we’ll paint art projects, plant trees and beautify the area before coming back together for a picnic with music, games and activities. Don’t miss out – tickets are running low! RSVP here. 

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest

Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 10th 

Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113

San José — you showed up for Fisher a couple weeks ago, but the party isn’t over! San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is back this August, with headliners like Mavis Staples and Common coming to visit Silicon Valley’s Downtown. Get your tickets here!

Often, when someone is deep in the throes of an addiction or mental health crisis, they can’t make a rational decision about their own well-being — but they are making a choice we can’t allow: to live and far too frequently die on our streets even when we offer shelter. Without accountability for coming indoors, recovery is rare. Thanks to Ellison Barber from NBC for having me on. This conversation is hard but necessary if we hope to end the era of encampments in California because the status quo has clearly failed our most vulnerable.

Happy Easter from the Mahan Family!

An Easter Surprise

This Easter, I met San José’s Lady Mayor! She was found scared and alone in the City Hall parking garage. Just before Easter, she returned — healthy, loved, and surrounded by the people who helped save her. As shelters overflow and impulse Easter adoptions rise, Lady Mayor reminds us: fostering saves lives. Thank you to SaveABunny for all you do!