Yesterday, San Jose City Council approved the city's 2023-2024 operating budget. It details the spending of San Jose's $5.2 billion budget for the next fiscal year, which begins in July.

We know reading a ~1,000-page budget is not everyone's cup of tea, so we've crunched the numbers on some of the most significant projects under Mayor Mahan's three priorities — homelessness, crime, and blight.

🏘️ Homelessness

An allocation of $29 million for homelessness support programs + shelter construction and operations.
$5 million to continue San José Bridge, a program that helps individuals experiencing homelessness get entry-level jobs.
An additional $4.8 million towards homelessness prevention strategies, like the eviction help center.

🚨 Public safety

About $1.3 million to hire 31 new roles, including six community service officers.
$1.6 million to fund a new Firefighter/Paramedic Recruitment Academy to help with paramedic shortage within the SJFD.
About $660,000 to expand security at Happy Hollow, Emma Prusch Park, and Lake Cunningham, and $616,000 for libraries' security.
Allocating a total of $90,000 towards Camera Pilot Programs at the Tully/Eastridge Business Corridor + Alum Rock Village.
Around $120,000 to staff up the Vision Zero Task Force.

🤝 Community

Investing ~$6.7 million to fund Youth Empowerment Alliance grant-making programs + community organizations.
Continue BeautifySJ by allocating $12.3 million towards programs like the Waterways Trash Pilot + Clean Gateways Pilot.
$500,000 to upgrade the 311 service.
Providing grants and establishing community groups with $150,000 as part of Beautify Your Block program.
Allocating $1 million towards small business recovery, specifically within arts + culture.
$750,000 towards the Storefront Activation Grant Program to fill up to 20 vacant storefronts in downtown.