Local Ballot Measures

Measure A

Measure A is a City of San José initiated ballot measure that would amend the San José Municipal Code to increase the City’s General Fund portion of the Transient Occupancy (hotel) Tax from 4% to 6%. This is a tax paid by consumers, a "bed tax" or local lodging tax added to short-term stays on a hotel stay. If approved by voters, the additional revenue would support General Fund services such as police, fire, homelessness response, and park maintenance. We have included an image of page 21 from the City Manager’s Proposed Operating Budget that outlines the services supported if the measure passes, as well as those that could be reduced if it does not. 

Measure D

Measure D on the June ballot would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (SCVOSA) to levy a parcel tax of $0.02 per square foot of building area on qualifying parcels within its boundaries. If approved, the measure would generate funding to preserve and restore open space, waterways, and wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire and flood risks through land and creek management, and expand trail access. 



In District 6, the Open Space Authority has previously invested $3.2 million in the acquisition of the Three Creeks Trail corridor, more than $900,000 in environmental education programs (including $240,000 for the Guadalupe River Parks Conservancy), and over $400,000 in urban forestry projects across San José and surrounding communities. 

Exploring Policy Reforms for Vacant Storefront Activation

Residents and small business owners have consistently raised concerns about vacant storefronts and long-term empty commercial properties—abandoned, unkempt, or awaiting development—across San José. Whether in Downtown, neighborhood business corridors, or older commercial districts, these empty spaces contribute to blight, reduce foot traffic for nearby businesses, and make our communities feel less safe. In many cases, outdated processes and regulatory barriers make it difficult for new businesses to occupy vacant spaces or for properties to be repositioned for productive use. 

To begin addressing this challenge, my colleagues and I brought forward a Rules Committee Memorandum to explore new tools for activating vacant storefronts and underutilized commercial properties citywide. Specifically, we directed City Manager’s Office and relevant departments to explore: 

1. Reevaluating outdated permitting timelines so previously approved businesses have a longer window to reopen vacant storefronts without triggering costly new discretionary permits. 
2. Improving coordination between the City’s economic development and permitting departments to make it easier and faster for small businesses to move into vacant commercial spaces. 
3. Studying whether certain long-vacant or unsafe commercial and industrial buildings could be eligible for a more streamlined demolition process, while maintaining environmental, historic preservation, and property maintenance safeguards 

We are pleased that this item passed unanimously through the Rules Committee and was referred to the City Administration for further analysis and next steps. This is an important first step toward reducing blight, supporting small businesses, and reinvesting in our commercial corridors while maintaining strong environmental and neighborhood protections.  

At the same time, it is important to recognize that this is only the beginning of a broader conversation about how San José can do more to support local businesses, streamline processes, and create safer, more vibrant neighborhoods. Our goal is simple: create clearer, more predictable pathways that help bring vacant spaces back to life, hold property owners accountable for the conditions of their properties, and strengthen the communities that depend on them. 

Cost Estimate Requests

Below is a summary of select cost estimates our office submitted to City departments for evaluation as part of the budget process. 

Municipal Rose Garden (MRG) Pilot Extension & Expansion 

Last year, our office secured funding through the City’s budget process for a pilot Park Ranger and Parks and Recreation leader program at the Municipal Rose Garden (MRG). Since its launch, the “Municipal Rose Garden Assistant Pilot Program” has delivered measurable improvements by reducing unpermitted vending activity, increasing positive park activation, and improving accountability among maintenance contractors. The program has also supported partial cost recovery through improved vendor permitting compliance, contributing to a better visitor experience and overall park conditions.  



Building on these positive results, our office submitted a cost estimate to continue the program under its current framework while expanding services to Willow Street (Bramhall) Park during the same peak days and hours of operation. 

Reducing Illegal Dumping in West San Carlos Corridor

Last year our office secured funding for a BeautifySJ (BSJ) pilot program to provide proactive illegal dumping and graffiti abatement in the Buena Vista neighborhood. The pilot included twenty-four dedicated two-hour cleanup shifts over the fiscal year and has been successful in addressing persistent dumping concerns and improving overall neighborhood conditions. It is estimated the program picked up 10 tons of garbage that would have otherwise plagued this neighborhood. 



In light of this success, we are proposing to expand the model to the West San Carlos Street corridor, a key commercial connection between Stevens Creek Boulevard and Downtown San José. This corridor continues to experience ongoing illegal dumping and graffiti that negatively impacts small businesses, neighborhood appearance, and overall conditions. To support this proposal, we submitted a cost estimate request for a program similar to the Buena Vista pilot, with a defined service area generally extending from I-880 south to Highway 87. 

Arena Green Park Restroom Facilities

Recent investments and renovations at Arena Green Park have led to a measurable increase in park usage. However, during the renovation process, permanent restroom facilities were removed last year due to deterioration and safety concerns, leaving the park without essential sanitation infrastructure.  

The absence of restrooms in a high-use public space can deter broader community use and event programming, raise public health and safety concerns, and limit the City’s ability to attract visitors and host larger events. To address this gap, our office requested a cost estimate exploring multiple long-term options to install a restroom at Arena Green. This could include extending the semi-permanent restroom contract that is currently in place, the City installing a permanent structure, or working with an external partner to install a permanent structure.

Proposed Parking Policy Changes on Lincoln Avenue

The Council continues to face difficult conversations about how to address the City’s projected $55 million budget deficit and what service reductions may be necessary. Throughout this process, we have been exploring ways to minimize impacts on residents while identifying responsible sources of new revenue, including the TOT ballot measure you will see on the June ballot and other revenue-generating proposals. 

One proposal recently brought forward by the Department of Transportation is the implementation of paid parking along Lincoln Avenue. Candidly, this proposal came as a surprise to our office and is not something we advocated for. At this time it remains only a proposal, and additional details regarding timelines and whether it will ultimately move forward are expected as the budget process continues.

There are potential benefits to this implementation, such as increased parking enforcement presence along Lincoln Avenue. Since taking office, we have consistently heard concerns from residents and small business owners regarding unsafe driving behavior, double parking, and traffic issues, particularly involving food delivery drivers operating along the corridor.

Our office is in communication with DoorDash representatives, neighborhood stakeholders, and the Willow Glen Business Association to collaboratively pursue solutions that improve safety while continuing to support local businesses. While these conversations have been productive, it is clear that enforcement remains one of the most important tools for addressing this issue. 

SJPD staffing shortages and competing priority calls often limit the amount of dedicated traffic enforcement available citywide. Under a paid parking system, parking enforcement officers would have a more regular presence on Lincoln Avenue and would be able to cite illegally parked or non-compliant vehicles more consistently. 

This proposal is still being evaluated as part of the broader budget process, and we will continue keeping the community informed as more information becomes available. Our focus remains on ensuring that any decisions made support public safety, protect the vitality of our small businesses, and reflect the concerns of the neighborhoods we serve.  

General Plan 4-Year Review Update 

District 6 hosted one of the City’s General Plan 4-Year Review update open houses, where dozens of neighbors attended to speak with City staff and provide input on the process. As our office has shared, the focus of this update is to increase residential capacity.

In District 6, one of the proposals specifically includes reviewing properties along The Alameda and North Winchester Boulevard for potential increases in residential capacity. Additionally, the 4-Year Review body is working to interpret recently passed state laws, including SB 79 (which increases residential capacity along transit corridors), to ensure these policies are implemented in a way that still aligns with our objective standards. 

While the open house has already taken place, there are still opportunities to provide input. Residents are encouraged to review the open house materials online and submit virtual comments by clicking on any part of the presentation and entering feedback. Members of the Planning Department and the General Plan 4-Year Review team will review all public comments. Alternatively, please feel free to reach out to our office directly with your input. 

San José Mineta International Airport Park Perks Program

San José Mineta International Airport has launched its new parking rewards program, SJC Park Perks, following strong customer feedback and a successful soft launch. The free program allows travelers to earn points on qualifying online parking reservations—one point per dollar spent—with rewards that include discounts and exclusive offers across four membership tiers. Benefits increase as members move from Sightseer to World Traveler status, including enhanced savings and special perks for frequent users. Points are automatically tracked, remain valid for three years, and can be redeemed for future parking discounts. For more information or to sign up, visit flysanjose.com/parkperks. 

Reporting Issues

San José 311 is the city's one-stop service hub for reporting issues like graffiti, potholes, and illegal dumping. You can also request services such as streetlight repairs and abandoned vehicle removal.

To report an issue, we encourage you to download the 311 app or report online. The 311 App is available at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.