A Snapshot from Councilmember Kamei
- Support community input in budget process
- Preserve historic sites like Sakauye Farmhouse
- Recognize Farmworkers’ Day to honor farmworker families
- Prioritize equity and dignity in city policies
- FY 2026–2027 City Budget
- Relocation of Sakauye Farmhouse
- Resolution recognizing Farmworkers’ Day
- Study Session on Deferred Maintenance and Infrastructure Backlog
- District 1 Budget Town Hall (April 13)
- Rules and Open Government Committee hearing (April 15)
- City Council meeting to consider Farmworkers’ Day resolution (April 21)
- City Council Budget Study Sessions (May 6–14)
Email from City of San Jose Council District 1 News and updates from San José City Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, representing Council District 1 in West San José. Here’s the Snapshot… The District 1 office hosted a Budget Town Hall with City Budget Director Jim Shannon, and community input continues to play a key role in shaping the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget process. The historic Sakauye Farmhouse has been relocated to History Park, preserving an important piece of Japanese American history and community resilience in San José. A proposed resolution recognizing Farmworkers’ Day and honoring the contributions of farmworker families is moving through Council consideration, reinforcing the City’s commitment to equity and historical recognition. Dear friends and neighbors, Happy spring! I’m excited to share our latest District 1 newsletter, highlighting recent work in our community, upcoming opportunities to get involved, and continued efforts across San José to invest in our neighborhoods, our history, and our shared public spaces. This edition reflects the many ways our office is working alongside residents, City departments, and community partners to strengthen our parks, elevate community voices in the budget process, and advance initiatives that honor and reflect our city’s diverse history. From community gatherings and volunteer efforts to policy discussions shaping our future, there is a lot of meaningful work underway—and even more ahead. Thank you for staying engaged and connected. I hope you enjoy this update and find ways to join us in the work ahead. Sincerely, Stay up to date with my office at the Council District 1 Website. If you would like to share any questions, comments, or thoughts with me, you may reach my office at district1@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4901. This month's office hours: In-person - The next in-person office hours will be held on Friday, May 1st, at 9AM at Coffee & Water Lab, 603 Saratoga Avenue, Unit 40, San Jose. Virtual - The next virtual office hours will be held on Zoom on Monday, April 20th, at 4:30PM. Access the Zoom here. City Council meetings take place every Tuesday at 1:30 PM and are always open to the public. You can watch meetings live here, find agendas and details here, and send your input on any item by emailing cityclerk@sanjoseca.gov. What's Happening in District 1 District 1 Budget Town Hall Recap On Monday, April 13, the District 1 office hosted a Budget Town Hall with the City of San José Budget Director, Jim Shannon. Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their priorities, questions, and perspectives. If you weren’t able to attend, you can download the presentation here. Community input is a critical part of the budget process, and we encourage you to share your feedback with our office at any time to help ensure your voice and needs are reflected in the upcoming fiscal year. Where We Are in the Budget Process The City Council approved the Mayor’s March Budget Message on March 17, which outlines spending priorities and policy direction for the upcoming fiscal year. This includes identifying cost efficiencies, preserving core services—especially those serving marginalized communities—and planning for potential revenue changes, including Measure A. Here's what's next: Release of City Manager’s Proposed Budget Documents (late April through early May) City Council Budget Study Sessions on the Proposed Budget (May 6 -14) Initial Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget (May 12) Community Budget Meetings (April and May) Final Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget (June 15) Review and approval of the Mayor’s June Budget Message and Proposed Budget (June 16) What to Know San José is currently facing a projected General Fund shortfall of approximately $56 million for FY 2026–2027, with an additional $27 million projected deficit the following year. These challenges are driven by slowing revenue growth and rising costs, alongside limitations on how much of the budget can be reduced due to fixed expenses and already lean staffing levels. At the same time, local revenue growth remains constrained, with stagnant job growth, high office vacancies, and softer performance in key revenue sources like property and sales tax. Stay Involved You can review more information about the City’s budget and follow updates by visiting the Budget Office website. If you have feedback you would like to share about City priorities or the budget, please reach out to our office at district1@sanjoseca.gov. Your input plays an important role in shaping how resources are allocated across our community. Sakauye Farmhouse Preservation We’re excited to share that the historic Sakauye Farmhouse has been relocated to History Park, following City Council approval earlier this year. Originally located on the future Seely Avenue development site, the farmhouse holds deep historical significance as one of the few properties a Japanese American family was able to return to after World War II incarceration. The move is thanks to strong collaboration between the Sakauye family, History San José, the broader community, and successful fundraising efforts. Now relocated and restored, the farmhouse is part of History Park’s educational and cultural offerings, helping tell a more complete story of San José’s agricultural and Japanese American history for future generations. Honoring the Women and Families of the Farmworker Movement Thank you to Vice Mayor Foley and Councilmember Campos for co-authoring with me a memorandum to recognize the women and families who have been foundational to the farmworker movement and to proclaim March 31 as Farmworkers’ Day in the City of San José. The item will be considered by the Rules and Open Government Committee on Wednesday, April 15, and by the full City Council on April 21. If approved, the resolution will formally align the City with the State of California’s recognition of Farmworkers’ Day and affirm San José’s commitment to equity, dignity, and a more complete telling of this history. Read the memorandum here. En colaboración con la vicealcaldesa Foley, la concejal Campos y yo hemos presentado una memoranda para reconocer a las mujeres y familias que han sido fundamentales en el movimiento campesino y para proclamar el 31 de marzo como el Día de los Trabajadores Agrícolas en la Ciudad de San José. El tema será considerado por el Comité de Reglas y Gobierno Abierto el miércoles 15 de abril y por el Concejo Municipal en pleno el 21 de abril. De ser aprobado, la resolución alineará formalmente a la Ciudad con el reconocimiento del Estado de California del Día de los Trabajadores Agrícolas y reafirmará el compromiso de San José con la equidad, la dignidad y una comprensión más completa de esta historia. Lea la memoranda aquí: Policy in Focus Read Councilmember Kamei's Bio Recent Council Actions April 13, 2026 - Study Session on Deferred Maintenance and Infrastructure Backlog April 7, 2026 Item 8.2 - Actions Related to the Loan Commitment for the Valley Transportation Authority Capitol Station Affordable Housing Development The City Council is considering a $8.4 million construction-permanent loan commitment to support MidPen Housing’s development of 203 affordable homes at the Valley Transportation Authority Capitol Station site, including 51 permanent supportive housing units serving households earning between 30% and 60% of Area Median Income. The action advances a long-term affordability partnership on VTA-owned land, strengthening transit-oriented housing opportunities while preserving affordability protections through extended covenants and financing terms. March 31, 2026 - CANCELLED for Farmworkers' Day March 24, 2026 Item 8.3 - Multifamily Housing Incentive Program Residential Tax and Fee Waiver for the El Paseo de Saratoga Development Located at 1777 Saratoga Avenue The City Council approved a tax and fee waiver of up to $2.4 million for the El Paseo de Saratoga development at 1777 Saratoga Avenue, in alignment with the City’s Multifamily Housing Incentive Program (MHIP). The program is designed to encourage housing production by reducing certain construction taxes and fees for qualifying projects. This action supports ongoing efforts to accelerate housing development while balancing the City’s broader affordability and economic goals. March 17, 2026 Item 3.3 - Approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Mayor’s March Budget Message The City Council approved the Mayor’s March Budget Message, which sets spending priorities and policy direction for the upcoming fiscal year in the context of limited resources. The message directs the City Manager to identify efficiencies, plan for potential revenue changes, preserve core services—especially those serving marginalized communities—and phase in reductions over time to minimize impacts. Meet the D1 Policy Team! Upcoming Council Actions April 14, 2026 Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds and the Loan of the Proceeds for the Financing of Berryessa TOD Living Wage Policy Revisions 2026 Regional Transporation Measure Agreement with Brown and Caldwell for Advisory Services for Aeration Basin Modifications Project at RWF Arena Hotel Subsidy Layering Agreement for SCCHA Funding 2026 Housing Authority Moving to Work Plan April 21, 2026 Retirement Plans' Actuarial Valuations Data Centers and PG&E Partnership Update Living Wage Policy Revisions Adoption of Connect North San Jose Multimodel Transportation Improvement Plan East Village BID - Public Meeting Update on CalAIM Implementation and PATH CITED Funding April 28, 2026 Police Staffing, Expenditures, and Workload Follow-up Audit Report Intergovernmental Relations Spring Report Comprehensive Revision to the Policy for Multifamily Revenue Bonds Land Use: Camden Ave Visit the City Clerk’s Meeting Participation Guide to watch and participate in public meetings. Visit City Clerk's Guide to Council Meetings to learn how our form of government operates. Committees, Boards & Commissions See More D1 Projects & Policy Councilmembers are also appointed to serve on other committees, boards, and commissions. View all of my appointments at Council Appointments Webpage. See below some highlighted actions that my appointed committees, boards, and commissions recently took: Rules and Open Government Committee (ROGC): April 8, 2026 The Rules and Open Government Committee reviewed draft and final City Council agendas, the public record, and multiple consent items including ceremonial recognitions, a Councilmember travel authorization, and retroactive approval of a community emergency preparedness event. April 1, 2025 The Rules and Open Government Committee heard a proposal to develop an Emergency Interim Housing Siting Policy to formalize how sites are placed across the city, with an emphasis on reducing clustering and improving equitable distribution. The Committee also considered “Al Fresco 2.0,” which explores permanently reinstating and modernizing the outdoor dining program by streamlining permitting and improving coordination to support small businesses and activate public spaces. Community and Economic Development Committee (CED): February 23, 2026 The Committee received several major reports, including the annual Housing Catalyst Team Work Plan update outlining progress on implementing the City’s 2023–2031 Housing Element. Staff highlighted continued efforts to address affordability, including expansion of the Multifamily Housing Incentive Program and movement on thousands of new housing units now in the pipeline and reviewed updates on improving coordination and customer service for special event permitting through new centralized software, as well as a status report on the City’s first Entertainment Zone activation during Super Bowl weekend. The next CED Committee meeting will be held on April 27, 2026. Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support Committee (PSFSS): February 19, 2026 The Committee received key updates on the City’s finances, including the Second Quarter Financial Report showing increased debt issuance, strong investment returns, and a stable General Fund balance. Members also reviewed the Fire Department’s Communications and EMS annual reports, and updates were provided on the Police Department’s Neighborhood Quality of Life Team and the Housing Department’s Enhanced Engagement Program. The Committee also reviewed the City’s Investment Policy, including guidance on corporate bond holdings and alignment with Council priorities. The next PSFSS Committee meeting will be held on April 16th, 2026. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors (VTA): April 1, 2026 - Board of Directors The VTA Board of Directors considered the FY2026 budget augmentation, received updates on transit security and BART Silicon Valley Phase II, and discussed a Transit Signal Priority policy template to support faster and more reliable transit across member agencies.. March 19 - Finance, Audit, and Administration Committee The VTA Finance, Audit, and Administration Committee received updates including authorization to implement new teleconferencing procedures under SB 707, a consultant usage assessment, and financial reports covering revenues, investments, and procurement activity. The Committee also reviewed a FY2026 budget augmentation and amendments totaling $63.34 million, along with legislative and government affairs updates and the Committee’s monthly work plan. Association of Bay Area Governments Executive Board (ABAG): April 16, 2026 - CANCELLED March 19, 2026 - ABAG Executive Board The ABAG Executive Board met to elect its President and Vice President, consider consent items including a major watershed restoration contract and teleconferencing authorization for advisory bodies, and receive committee reports and updates on regional legislative and housing activities. The Board also advanced the Final Plan Bay Area 2050+, including certification of its Environmental Impact Report and adoption of final resolutions to guide long-range regional planning for transportation, housing, and climate resilience. Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa Clara County (LAFCO): April 1, 2026 The Commission met to consider its Fiscal Year 2027 Work Plan and Budget, including staffing, services, reserves, and projected operating expenses, and to provide direction on ongoing organizational priorities. The Commission also advanced key administrative and governance items, including authorization for virtual meetings for a technical advisory committee, approval of a website accessibility services agreement, and planning for a strategic planning workshop and countywide service review process. Cities Association of Santa Clara County April 9, 2026 The Executive Board of the Cities Association of Santa Clara County approved the Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget, considered the process to fill the vacant Second Vice President/Legislative Action Committee Chair position, and took action on several state legislative positions. The Board also received presentations on county emergency preparedness and updates from the Legislative Action Committee, County staff, and member agencies.. Library and Education Commission: March 18, 2026 The Library and Education Commission of the City of San José received updates on the San José Public Library’s Learning and Development initiatives and Volunteer Services program, along with routine administrative items and commissioner announcements. Community Highlights Recent Events Follow @sjdistrict1 on Instagram City of San Jose Day of Service The District 1 team joined staff from across City departments in the City of San José Day of Service to help beautify our local parks and strengthen our shared public spaces. At Starbird Park in District 1, volunteers came together to paint and add tan bark, reflecting the power of collaboration in making our parks cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for the community. Daffodil Planting Update A huge thank you to our neighbors and to PRNS for helping us plant daffodils across parks throughout District 1. If you visit one of our parks—including Starbird Park pictured above—you may now see the daffodils we planted in late January beginning to bloom. Stay tuned as our office looks forward to planting even more daffodils across District 1 this Fall! Upcoming Events To celebrate Earth Month, the Moreland West NA is partnering with BeautifySJ to host thier annual Neighborhood Litter Pick Up & Plant Swap on Saturday, April 25 from 9-11 a.m. Both activities will take place near the Moreland Community Garden on Student Lane. Litter Pick Up: The Moreland West NA is looking for 50 neighborhood volunteers to help remove trash from every street and sidewalk in our community! Trash bags, gloves, safety vests, litter pickers and refreshments will be provided. All ages welcome! California Scholarship Federation service hours available. Neighbors may retain and use litter pickers throughout the year. Plant Swap: Bring indoor or outdoor plants, seeds, cuttings, seedlings, pots, gardening books, or other plant-related items to share! Plant Swap materials will be left out until Sunday at noon to give neighbors and community gardeners ample time to peruse. Meet neighbors, pick up litter, grow plants — help keep our community strong & beautiful! April 25: Neighborhood Litter Pick Up & Plant Swap Community Open Houses about the General Plan: Sunday, April 19 at Viva Calle from 10am to 3pm (Mexican Heritage Plaza Hub) Thursday, April 23 at Southside Community Center from 6pm to 8pm Wednesday, April 29 at Bascom Community Center from 6pm to 8pm Monday, May 4 at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center, located in Shirakawa Community Center from 6pm to 8pm Have you ever wondered how the City plans for housing, transportation, parks, and jobs? San José’s General Plan guides those decisions and residents play an important role in shaping it. City planners are currently in the middle of our General Plan 4-Year Review, taking a closer look at several parts that may need an update. The goal of the 4-Year Review is to check the City’s progress toward key goals and make changes to the General Plan as our city welcomes more people and jobs to the community. Want to learn more about the General Plan 4-Year Review? Check out these videos. General Plan Open Houses Join us for an Earth Day celebration at Santana Row with Open Space Authority! Sunday, April 19, 2026 Event time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Locations: Central fountain and surrounding area of Santana Row, with kids’ area at Plaza de Valenzia Free Activities include: Nature face paint and live music from about noon to 2 Children activities all day including arts and crafts, animal games and exploration, and wildlife exhibits (live animals too!) PLUS Interactive booths featuring Coyote Valley Conceptual Designs and Feedback, and will have the opportunity for family photo ops with a selfie station and large earth globe! April 19: Earth Day Celebration at Santana Row April 25: Rosemary School Community Resource Fair May 1: Growing Together Community Event Coyote Valley Discovery Days April 19: VivaCalleSJ May 16: AANHPI Heritage Festival To stay up-to-date on events, visit the City’s online calendar. Get Involved Adopt-a-Storm Drain Program Exciting News: Adopt-a-Storm Drain Program Expands Citywide on Earth Day 2025 Learn more about the program, what it means to adopt a storm drain, and how to apply at Environmental Services Department Adopt-A-Storm Drain. As part of California Arts, Creativity, and Culture Month in April, the San José Office of Cultural Affairs is challenging San Joséans to use their creative powers. Working with local artists, creative businesses, and arts organizations, creative challenges will be sent out each week in April, designed to inspire your creativity. Throughout April, you will get a chance to participate in the themed weeks: Play, San José Love, Nurture and Nature. These weekly prompts include creative actions you can do on your own and links to events and activities in San José that day. Sign up to receive the weekly prompts by email and share your responses on social media with #WeCreate408. Respond to creative actions with our partners and receive special giveaways and discounts. Details - https://bit.ly/WeCreate408enews Get CERT Trained San José’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program is back for 2026! CERT training is a 20-hour program that teaches residents how to prepare for and respond to local disasters, from earthquakes to fires and other emergencies. By completing the training, you’ll gain the skills to help your family, neighbors, and community when it matters most. Spaces are limited, so sign up today and become a CERT-ready community hero! Learn more and register here: San José CERT Program. Volunteer with Parks Our City's Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department holds regular volunteer events to clean up and maintain our parks, trails, and community centers. Visit sanjoseca.gov/prns-volunteer to find upcoming opportunities. Here to Help Key Community Resources If you see issues or needs in your community, report it to the appropriate department or agency and loop in our office by emailing or calling us. See contact information for key services and resources from the City of San José and other agencies below. From the City of San José: Homelessness resources: Visit the new Homelessness Hub for finding services, reporting encampments, answering questions, and viewing data about the City’s homelessness response. San José 311: Please contact San José 311 for these specific services: vehicle concerns, graffiti, illegal dumping, illegal fireworks, potholes, and streetlight outages. Code violations on private property: Code Enforcement Service Request Form or call (408) 535-7770. Parking violations by non-lived-in vehicles: parking.compliance@sanjoseca.gov, (408) 277-8900. Rental assistance and eviction protections: Visit the Eviction Help Center, open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, on the first floor of San José City Hall Tower. Call (408) 975-4444 or email evictionhelp@sanjoseca.gov. Neighborhood Watch: Interested in forming a neighborhood watch? Visit SJPD Neighborhood Watch for more information. To schedule a meeting with a crime prevention specialist call (408) 277-4133. From Other Agencies: Homelessness prevention: If you are unable to pay rent, contact the County of Santa Clara's Homelessness Prevention System at preventhomelessness.org or call (408) 926-8885. Issues on freeways: Visit Caltrans Customer Service Request Portal to report issues on State-owned roads (like freeways) online. Crisis and suicide prevention: Go online to the 988 Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or call or text 9-8-8. This is a 24/7 free text and call lifeline from the County of Santa Clara. Energy infrastructure hazards: Report hazards related to PG&E energy infrastructure and equipment on the PG&E Report It web app. Download the mobile version at PG&E Report It mobile app instructions. If you would like help in contacting departments or agencies, or want help finding other services and resources, reach my office by email at district1@sanjoseca.gov, or give us a call at (408) 535-4901. Rapid Response Network The Rapid Response Network in Santa Clara County is a community defense project developed to protect immigrant families from deportation threats and to provide support during and after a community member’s arrest or detention. Visit Amigos de Guadalupe Rapid Response Network to learn more. 18th Floor, 200 East Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113 district1@sanjoseca.gov (408) 535-4901 City of San Jose Council District 1 | 200 East Santa Clara Street 18th Floor | San José, CA 95113 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice