San Jose City Council
December 17, 2024

Public comment for agenda Item 2.21
How will the city’s emergency declaration on homelessness ensure that immediate housing solutions are implemented without compromising environmental sustainability, and what safeguards will be put in place to balance urgency with long-term impacts?
Does the council see this emergency declaration as an
opportunity to address systemic failures and environmental concerns simultaneously? How can the city make sure
emergency solutions today don’t create environmental burdens tomorrow?
What immediate actions will the city take under this emergency declaration to address the environmental impacts of
homelessness, such as waste management, pollution in
waterways, and damage to public lands, while providing
humane alternatives for those affected?
How does the council prioritize the dignity of unhoused individuals while addressing the visible environmental
consequences of homelessness? Can this emergency
declaration serve as a model for balancing human needs with environmental protection?
How will the emergency declaration on homelessness facilitate streamlined partnerships with state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private entities to secure funding and resources for solutions that align with both housing and environmental priorities?
Does the council view this declaration as an opportunity to advocate for innovative funding sources, such as federal emergency grants, to build sustainable and scalable housing solutions?
What specific measures will the city take under the emergency declaration to ensure that enforcement actions, such as encampment cleanups, prioritize both environmental
restoration and the rights of unhoused individuals, avoiding punitive approaches?
Does the council recognize the risk of deepening mistrust between the city and vulnerable populations if emergency actions are perceived as harmful or neglectful? How can the declaration ensure actions are compassionate and just?
How will the city’s emergency declaration integrate long-term solutions into its immediate response, such as eco-friendly transitional housing or expedited zoning changes, to create a legacy of sustainable, inclusive development?
Will the council use this emergency as a turning point to implement innovative policies, like green building initiatives or fast-tracked modular housing developments? How does the council see this declaration shaping the city’s long-term response to homelessness and sustainability?
How will the City of San José ensure that the renewed
proclamation of a local emergency leads to actionable,
measurable improvements in the availability and quality of emergency shelter options for those experiencing
homelessness?
What steps will the City take to address the environmental impacts associated with homelessness such as encampments in public spaces while ensuring that emergency shelter options comply with the Mitigated Negative Declaration for Emergency Interim Housing Programs?
How can the City ensure that emergency shelters and interim housing created under this resolution are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the unique needs of vulnerable populations, including families, individuals with disabilities, and those facing mental health or addiction challenges?
What partnerships will the City pursue with state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private entities to maximize the resources and funding available under this emergency declaration to ensure sustainable and scalable solutions?
How will the City monitor, evaluate, and publicly report on the progress and effectiveness of programs and policies
implemented under this resolution to ensure accountability and continuous improvement?
What actions will the City take to streamline processes, such as zoning adjustments and permitting, to ensure emergency
shelters and interim housing are delivered quickly without unnecessary delays?
How will the City address public concerns about the balance between safety, environmental preservation, and the rights of unhoused individuals under this emergency declaration?
What is the City’s long-term strategy to transition from emergency shelter measures to permanent housing solutions that prioritize affordability, sustainability, and equity?