A bill that would’ve offered a lifeline to behind-schedule projects—like Google’s San Jose mega-campus—never made it to the governor’s desk.

Commercial developments in San Jose just got a little more expensive to build, but the extra costs will go to new affordable homes.

The linkage fee on commercial developments—offices, warehouses, hotels and retail shops—would fund affordable housing in the city.

Downtowns have taken a beating during the pandemic, but South Bay developers and investors say San Jose still feels like a safe bet.

City leaders on Tuesday will consider placing a measure to extend an about-to-expire library parcel tax on the June ballot.

The thriving arts scene in San Jose appears to be helping the local economy rebound from the recession. The San Jose nonprofit arts sector provided more than $122 million in economic activity, according to the “Arts and Economic Prosperity IV” study released by the city Friday.

Last week, the City Council made a change to suspend two construction taxes for a limited time in an attempt to encourage commercial property owners to provide improvements for their existing buildings. The hope is that if owners can improve their buildings at a lower cost, they may find tenants—which is a win for them and for San Jose. 

Last year, Mayor Reed’s budget, which most of the councilmembers supported, gave warning to the city-funded “Art” groups that they would no longer receive funding from the city starting on July 1, 2012. As we know, the budget deficit continues. But one idea discussed at a recent Economic Development committee meeting was to simply away buildings in lieu of continued fiscal subsidies, allowing art groups the potential to increase fundraising.

San Jose is currently looking to find a Director of Economic Development.  As The City embarks on this search, what qualities do you feel this person should have? Should they have a background of some particular flavor like commercial real estate, a housing developer, former elected official, lobbyist, economist, academic, small business, large business, tech background, etc? Should they be currently employed at another city? Should it be a local city or further away? Should it be a young person with a limited track record but strong potential or someone with a strong track record making San Jose their final stop?