The City of San Jose is in the priority-setting phase of its budget priorities. Why do their budget decisions matter? Because it takes money to implement the policies we want. We are deeply concerned about several items in the mayor’s budget proposal. See this budget overview for more info. Here is the mayor’s full budget message from last week.
Budget Highlights–our YESes
Further public safety reform by moving forward key and achievable priorities identified in the Reimaging Public Safety (RiPS) report and investing in violence prevention and intervention.
As described in the Mayor’s message, fund and move forward with a planning process to implement a community-based interpersonal violence prevention and response pilot, and work with Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence and the Racial Equity Action Leadership (REAL) Coalition to design a plan, with a budget of $400,000 to ensure a robust community-centric approach.
Double down on the City’s investment in prevention and intervention of violence by adding $5 million to the San José Bringing Everyone’s Strengths Together City-Wide Appropriation.
Budget Lowlights–our EMPHATIC NOs
Do not move forward language in the Mayor’s Message that seeks to criminalize homelessness by creating no encampment zones.
Do not move forward language in the Mayor’s Message that seeks to give Measure E or other City funds to develop an additional locked psychiatric facility in San Jose. Work with the County to understand its inpatient and outpatient capacities, and focus on solutions that are less restrictive alternatives.
How To Join The Meeting
IF YOU CAN JOIN IN PERSON, PLEASE DO. The meeting starts at 1:30pm and the budget discussion is Item 3.5. We are not sure exactly when this discussion will begin. This link will give you more information about how to join the meeting. Here is the meeting agenda. Here is the memo from city staff to the council about the budget implications of the priorities that got discussed at an earlier city council meeting. Here is a civics primer on budget and policy processes.
LOGIN to the meeting on a computer:
https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/j/88957084529
Use a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30+, Firefox 27+, Microsoft Edge 12+, Safari 7+. When you log on, you will be asked to enter an email address and name. The name will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. Mute all other audio before speaking. Sandra Asher (maybe)When the Mayor calls for Item 1, click on “raise hand.” Speakers will be notified immediately before they are called to speak and asked to unmute.
LOGIN to the meeting by phone:
(888) 475-4499. Webinar ID is 889 5708 4529. Click *9 to raise a hand to speak. Click *6 to unmute when called. . Click *9 to raise a hand to speak. Click *6 to unmute when called.