☆ Advice to Mahan: Discuss SJ's “results-driven” homelessness initiatives—and, you know, the results

Image by Wikimedia Commons

Campbell mayor Sergio Lopez, former Gilroy mayor Marie Blankley, and Manhattan Institute fellow Tim Rosenberger request that SJ Mayor Mahan analyzes the regional homelessness situation (especially post-Prop 36)—and what San Jose's doing about it—in his 5.17 State of the City address. An Opp Now exclusive.

Sergio Lopez, Campbell mayor: As Mayor of Campbell, I'm making sure we're doing our part to reduce homelessness, build housing, and create economic opportunity. I look forward to hearing about opportunities to partner and collaborate on our shared regional challenges in Mayor Mahan's State of the City.

Marie Blankley, former Gilroy mayor: I hope Mayor Mahan further addresses his efforts to support SB 16 and SB 606, which would require Santa Clara County (in our case) to provide 50% of the operating costs of public shelters in cities, a hurdle that cities like Gilroy without funding for health and human services cannot overcome.

I'd like him to also address how we hold accountable our unhoused neighbors who refuse shelter and services made available to them.

Regarding Proposition 36, I hope he'll share how/if it is showing signs of positive impact in San Jose.

Go Deeper:

• Even LA starts to ramp up homeless encampment cleanups
• Updated: San Jose’s homeless and sensitive creek environments – can they both be saved?
• Big lobbying group lets CA counties (like Santa Clara) continue to avoid responsibilities re: homelessness crisis

Tim Rosenberger, Manhattan Institute fellow: I hope Mayor Mahan uses his State of the City address to affirm a clear commitment to public safety, fiscal discipline, and durable solutions to homelessness—like results-driven housing programs that prioritize accountability and independence. But I’d caution against empty gestures or shifting long-term housing funds toward short-term optics. San Jose needs real reform, not rhetoric. I’d like to hear him speak plainly about where past strategies have failed and how he’ll do better. If he wants to lead, he must be honest with residents—and unapologetic in pursuing policies that actually work.

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