A Snapshot from Councilmember Kamei
- Support maintaining compliant Housing Element
- Encourage resident participation in General Plan review
- Prioritize balanced housing growth with neighborhood context
- Support investment in community recreational spaces
- General Plan Four-Year Review
- Planning Commission recommendations on housing and land use
- Housing Element compliance with state law
- Residential density adjustments in land use designations
- City Council meeting on August 18
- Viva Parks summer events
- Emergency Management Month recognition
- Silicon Valley Pride celebration
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… Council is back in session! After the summer recess, we are back at City Hall and looking ahead to a busy fall of important decisions and community work. The General Plan 4-Year Review comes to Council next week. Council will consider recommendations from the Planning Commission on housing, land use, and how San José plans for future growth, and we encourage residents to continue sharing their feedback. Calabazas BMX Park got an upgrade! We celebrated new improvements to this unique District 1 recreation space and the continued investment in places for our community to get outside and stay active. Dear friends and neighbors, As summer begins to wind down, students across San José are heading back to school and City Council has returned to session. I hope you and your families have had a wonderful summer and are settling into the new school year as we look ahead to a busy Fall at City Hall and throughout District 1. There has already been plenty happening in our community. We have enjoyed spending summer evenings together at Viva Parks events across District 1, and last week at Council, we recognized Emergency Management Month and the work that goes into keeping our communities prepared and resilient. At the end of August, I also hope you will join us in celebrating Silicon Valley Pride and the LGBTQ+ community that contributes so much to the diversity and spirit of San José. As Council returns, we also have important policy decisions ahead. This week, Council will consider the General Plan Four-Year Review and proposals that could shape how San José plans for housing and growth in the years ahead. Our office has spent significant time engaging with residents, neighborhood leaders, City staff, and community partners on these issues, and I am grateful to all who have taken the time to share their perspective. As we approach the Council discussion, I encourage you to continue reaching out and participating in the public process. The coming months will bring many more conversations about the future of our neighborhoods and our city. Whether you join us at a community event, attend a Council meeting, submit public comment, or simply send our office an email, I hope you will continue making your voice heard. Your participation helps us approach the decisions ahead with a fuller understanding of the communities we represent. I wish all of our students, educators, school staff, and families a great start to the school year. I look forward to seeing you around District 1 this fall! 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, September 4th, 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, August 17th, at 4:00PM. 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, participate remotely and in-person, and send your input on any item by emailing cityclerk@sanjoseca.gov. What's Happening in District 1 General Plan Four-Year Review: What Comes Next On Tuesday, August 18, the City Council will consider recommendations from the Planning Commission regarding the General Plan Four-Year Review, a multi-year process that evaluates San José’s long-term land use policies and identifies changes needed to accommodate future housing and growth. The Planning Commission considered the proposed policy framework on June 24 and forwarded several recommendations to the City Council. Among the proposals presented are changes to residential density in several General Plan land use designations, many of which are intended to keep the City's Housing Element compliant with state law. The Planning Commission recommended changing Mixed Use Neighborhood density from up to 30 dwelling units per acre to 20–50 units per acre and Urban Residential from 30–95 to 50–95 units per acre, as well as allowing up to roughly 4 homes per parcel in Residential Neighborhood areas. The broader review also considers opportunities for housing on certain Public/Quasi-Public properties, protections for sensitive and protected properties, and potential land use changes along corridors including Winchester Boulevard in Council District 6. This work is also taking place within a rapidly changing state housing landscape. San José is required by state law to maintain a compliant Housing Element, which identifies how the City will accommodate its share of regional housing needs, while newer laws such as SB 79 establish additional housing development opportunities near major transit stops. Failure to maintain a compliant Housing Element would result in crippling financial penalties to the city and a loss of local control. Residents who would like more background can review the City’s General Plan Four-Year Review webpage, learn more about the Envision San José 2040 General Plan, and review the City's Housing Element for additional context. These policies can be complicated, but the central question before us is important: how does San José respond responsibly to our housing needs and the requirements being established by the State while making thoughtful decisions about how our own city grows? Our office has spent considerable time working through that question, looking closely at what these proposals would mean for District 1 and San José as a whole and working toward an approach that recognizes our need for more housing while considering neighborhood context, infrastructure, displacement protections, and the long-term consequences of the decisions we make today. Changes to the General Plan also do not mean that every affected property will immediately redevelop. The General Plan establishes what could be allowed on a property in the future; whether redevelopment actually occurs depends on property owners, market conditions, project feasibility, and applicable City and state requirements. That distinction is important as we talk about what these policies could mean for our neighborhoods over time. And there is still time to shape what comes next. I strongly encourage District 1 residents to participate in the City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 18, either by attending the meeting or providing public comment. You can also contact our office ahead of the meeting to share your questions, concerns, and ideas. We know San José needs more homes at different income levels and more choices for people at different stages of their lives. We also know that decisions about where and how our city grows deserve careful consideration and meaningful participation from the communities affected by them. Our office has been working hard to find that balance within an increasingly complicated state policy environment, and as we head into Tuesday’s discussion, I want to hear from you. Calabazas Park BMX Course Ribbon Cutting This month, my office was proud to join with staff from the PRNS Department, Santa Cruz Mountain Trails Stewardship, and Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers to officially welcome neighbors into the newly renovated Calabazas Park BMX Course! Many of you may know that the Calabazas Park BMX Course is one of few options in the Bay Area for riders and I am thrilled that District 1 continues to serve as one of the best places to enjoy the amazing sport of BMX for riders across the City and County. This project includes improvements to our beginner-friendly pump track. New signage and cleaned up pathways make the space a welcoming learning environment for new riders, young and old. Policy in Focus Read Councilmember Kamei's Bio Recent Council Actions August 11, 2026 Item 3.3 - Proposition 1 - Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 Council voted to support Proposition 1, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which would authorize $11.25 billion in statewide bonds to support affordable, student, and veterans housing programs. If approved by voters in November, the measure could provide significant new funding opportunities for affordable and student housing projects in San José. Meet the D1 Policy Team! Upcoming Council Actions August 18, 2026 Housing Department Loan Portfolio Audit Report County Jail Grand Jury: Animal Care and Services General Plan Four-Year Review Task Force Recommendations August 25, 2026 On-call Planning and Environmental Services at SJ Mineta International Airport County Civil Grand Jury: Pothole Damage Claims Process County Civil Grand Jury: VTA Management & Oversight of BART Silicon Valley Phase II Public Hearing on Tokay Energy Storage 1, LLC for Electric Services Long Term Geothermal Agreement Public Hearing on 210 Baypointe MHIP Approval Alura Inn Acquisition 71 Vista Montana RFP Land Use: 163 West Santa Clara Street (San Pedro Social) 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): August 12, 2026 The Rules Committee reviewed upcoming August City Council agendas and advanced several items, including a September study session on infrastructure financing tools for economic development and consideration of a temporary moratorium on private detention and custodial facilities. The Committee also considered additional direction for the City's development of data center standards, including community benefits, local investment, design standards, and the potential impacts of projects currently in the development pipeline. August 5, 2025 The Rules Committee reviewed upcoming City Council agendas and approved updates to the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee work plan, including future reports on the Children and Youth Services Master Plan and Parks and Recreation Plan. Community and Economic Development Committee (CED): June 15, 2026 The Community and Economic Development Committee received updates on the City's affordable housing loan portfolio, including recommendations to strengthen oversight, improve long-term monitoring, and modernize management systems. The Committee also reviewed third-quarter progress on the City's Building More Housing and Growing Our Economy focus areas, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand housing production, streamline development, support workforce initiatives, and strengthen San José's economy. Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support Committee (PSFSS): June 18, 2026 The Public Safety, Finance and Strategic Support Committee received the Third Quarter Financial Reports for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The Committee also reviewed status reports on increasing community safety, wildfire preparedness, and advancing equity efforts, including progress on emergency response improvements, climate resilience coordination, and citywide initiatives to strengthen inclusion and belonging. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors (VTA): August 6, 2026 - Board of Directors The VTA Board advanced several transportation investments, including funding for the next phase of US 101 Express Lanes, engineering work for the Lawrence Expressway Grade Separation, and property acquisition for the Bascom Complete Streets project. The Board also received updates on VTA’s growing transit-oriented development portfolio and the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension and considered its response to the Civil Grand Jury report on the project’s management and oversight. Association of Bay Area Governments Executive Board (ABAG): May 22, 2026 The ABAG Special Meeting proceeded with a Vice President election following a previously miscounted vote at the May 21, 2026 meeting, where corrected results showed a tied outcome. Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa Clara County (LAFCO): June 3, 2026 - Countywide Water and Wastewater Service Review Technical Advisory Committee The LAFCO meeting included approval of a Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District Sphere of Influence amendment and annexation for the City of Los Altos, adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget, and direction on a countywide Mosquito and Vector Control District service review, alongside updates on water and wastewater planning and regional administrative items. Cities Association of Santa Clara County August 13, 2026 The Cities Association of Santa Clara County discussed regional priorities including e-bike safety and regulations, the Connect Bay Area Act (SB 63) and its proposed regional transit funding measure, and several pieces of state legislation affecting local governments. The Board also considered new financial policies and the appointment of an Interim Executive Director while receiving updates from regional partners. Library and Education Commission: June 17, 2026 The Library and Education Commission met to receive updates on the Hillview Library branch, adopt its Fiscal Year 2026–2027 work plan, and elect officers for the upcoming year, alongside public comment and announcements from commissioners, the Library Director. Community Highlights Recent Events Follow @sjdistrict1 on Instagram National Night Out in District 1 National Night Out is always one of my favorite opportunities to get out into our neighborhoods, and this year our District 1 team visited 18 gatherings across West San José. I loved spending the evening connecting with neighbors, community leaders, and our public safety teams while celebrating the relationships that help keep our neighborhoods strong and connected. Thank you to everyone who welcomed us, organized a gathering, and spent the evening getting to know the people who call their neighborhood home! Upcoming Events August 19: Community Listening Session: Data Center and Large Energy Projects Uniform Standards August 22: Beautify Qmunity District in San Jose August 27: Adopt-a-Storm Drain Community Day August 29 & 30: 2026 SVPRIDE Festival and Parade September 12 & 13: West Valley Book Sale 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. 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