San Jose Mayor Urges Gubernatorial Candidates to Combat Homelessness

UPDATE: San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is calling for urgent collaboration from California’s next governor to address the escalating homelessness crisis as the state gears up for a highly competitive gubernatorial race. With several candidates in the running to replace Gavin Newsom, Mahan showcased San Jose’s significant strides in reducing unsheltered homelessness during a tour of the newly opened Cherry Avenue Emergency Interim Housing site on October 27, 2023.

Mahan’s leadership is pivotal as the city prepares to nearly triple its shelter capacity this year, moving away from the traditional Housing First model. He stressed that the streets should not be a waiting area for those in need of permanent housing solutions. However, frustration is mounting over Sacramento’s budgetary decisions that threaten to hinder local progress.

During the tour, Mahan hosted five gubernatorial candidates, including billionaire Tom Steyer, former Rep. Katie Porter, former state Controller Betty Yee, state Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and former Assembly majority leader Ian Calderon. These candidates acknowledged San Jose’s advancements but highlighted a concerning disconnect between state priorities and local needs.

“We have to re-evaluate the programs that are working and the ones that are not working,” Calderon stated, criticizing the lack of coordination with local governments. He emphasized that cuts to critical funding are detrimental to initiatives making a tangible difference in homelessness.

Porter and Steyer echoed these sentiments, arguing for increased focus on interim housing and prevention resources to safeguard vulnerable populations. Porter emphasized the need for comprehensive prevention measures, including eviction assistance and rapid rehousing to combat rising homelessness rates.

Mahan insists that strong partnership is essential for sustained solutions. He revealed that a significant portion of the funding for San Jose’s homelessness initiatives came from the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, which faced elimination in the recent budget. “I’m just asking for partnership,” he said, highlighting the importance of state funding in enabling local governments to tackle homelessness effectively.

Amid these discussions, Mahan hinted at potential gubernatorial ambitions of his own. He recently launched a coalition focused on his “Back to Basics” agenda, which prioritizes unsheltered homelessness, housing development, and public safety reforms.

Mahan has not hesitated to criticize members of his own Democratic party for their handling of homelessness, underscoring the need for accountability and collaboration. He condemned the decision to cut HHAP funding, which previously allocated $1 billion annually to combat homelessness. Furthermore, he expressed disappointment over the veto of a bill intended to empower local governments with more resources to address unsheltered homelessness effectively.

The crowded Democratic field, including notable figures like Xavier Becerra and Antonio Villaraigosa, alongside Republican candidates such as former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton, is intensifying as the election approaches. A recent Emerson College poll indicates the race remains competitive, with Chad Bianco leading at 13%, followed closely by Swalwell and Hilton at 12%, and Porter at 11%.

With a significant portion of voters still undecided, Mahan recognizes the influence of local endorsements in shaping the race. He aims to ensure that candidates align with pressing local issues, as their leadership could be pivotal in driving the changes necessary to effectively combat homelessness in California.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the candidates’ responses to Mahan’s urgent call for action. The future of San Jose’s homelessness strategy could hinge on the outcome of this critical election.