San Jose Mayor Urges Next Governor for Urgent Homeless Solutions

UPDATE: San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is calling for immediate action from California’s next governor to tackle the state’s homelessness crisis. With a highly competitive gubernatorial race underway, Mahan seeks to highlight San Jose’s significant strides in reducing unsheltered homelessness and secure vital funding from prospective candidates.

Just hours ago, Mahan showcased the city’s newly opened Cherry Avenue Emergency Interim Housing site to five gubernatorial candidates, including billionaire investor Tom Steyer and former Orange County Representative Katie Porter. Mahan emphasized that while San Jose is on track to triple its shelter capacity this year, state support is crucial to maintain this momentum.

Mahan expressed frustration over Sacramento’s budget decisions, claiming they threaten local progress. “A third of all funding for the system we built out was from the state’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program,” he stated. “My disappointment that HHAP was zeroed out in this year’s budget is significant. We need partnership to give people dignity and make our community safer.”

On Friday, gubernatorial hopefuls acknowledged San Jose’s progress but emphasized the need for improved state coordination and funding. “I feel like there’s just not been enough coordination with local governments,” said candidate Ian Calderon. Meanwhile, Porter stressed the necessity for enhanced homelessness prevention resources, citing the adverse health effects of leaving individuals on the streets.

Mahan’s criticisms extend to his own party, targeting California Democrats for their handling of homelessness. He condemned lawmakers for cutting funding while demanding progress on the issue. “We have to re-evaluate the programs that are working,” Calderon added, reflecting a growing consensus among candidates on the need for state-level change.

The Emerson College poll released Thursday indicates a tight race among candidates, with Chad Bianco leading at 13%, followed closely by Steyer and Eric Swalwell at 12%. The urgency of the situation is evident, with 31% of voters still undecided.

Mahan has not ruled out a gubernatorial run himself, making it clear that local endorsements will be pivotal as candidates vie for support. “I want to see how the candidates align with pressing local issues,” he stated.

As the race intensifies, the focus remains on how state leadership will address the homelessness crisis. With San Jose’s innovative strategies at stake, the upcoming governor’s decisions could have lasting implications for the city’s future.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.