San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan delivered his State of the City Address, where he recognized the community’s heroes, highlighted the importance of service, and discussed his efforts to tackle homelessness and public safety concerns.
In his remarks, he discussed his administration’s most strategic investment in ending unsheltered homelessness in the history of San Jose, sharing they are committed to moving more people out of unmanaged encampments than ever before. Over the next year, the city plans to help 500 people relocate out of the waterways. Additionally, San Jose is investing in safe sleeping sites by adding over 600 quick-build units and establishing a safe parking site with a capacity for 100 lived-in vehicles. The quick-build units have already helped produce the first significant reductions in unsheltered homelessness in San Jose in a decade.
Mayor Mahan also shared the progress the city is making in police recruitment efforts. For the first time in five years, San Jose has experienced a growing number of applicants to the San Jose Police Department academy. He credits the city’s investments in outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts with helping expand the numbers and build a safer city.
The Mayor concluded his remarks by urging residents to embrace the spirit of volunteerism and help make San Jose cleaner, safer, and more vibrant. Following his remarks, attendees put their service-minded efforts to work by dividing into various groups and completing projects around San Jose’s largest park, including planting trees, painting fences, and pulling weeds. After completing the service projects, guests reconvened to share a meal from local food trucks.
Watch the Mayor’s full address here.
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