Downtown
Wayfinding
Update
Community and Economic Development Committee
February 24, 2025
Item (d)2.
Jessica Zenk
Deputy Director
Department of Transportation
City of San José
[email protected]
Nathan Donato-Weinstein
Downtown Manager
Office of Economic Development
City of San José
[email protected]
Background: Introduction to Wayfinding
2 Background: State of Downtown Wayfinding
• Lack of signs connecting activity hubs Downtown.
• Existing signs focus on vehicles. Many are outdated
and poorly maintained.
• Walking map does not exist in a current revision that is accessible or usable Dy downtown visitors.
• Downtown will see a significant increase in visitors
for 2026 with Super Bowl 60, NCAA Men’s
Basketball Tournament, and FIFA World Cup.
3 Wayfinding Workplan (FY24-25)
1. Implement tactical grantfunded improvements to
Downtown’s sign portfolio
3. Collaborate with San José State
University to improve the
pedestrian experience along Paseo
de San Antonio
2. Refresh the Downtown Walking
Map
5. Explore digital wayfinding
6. Prepare for 2026 Major Events
4. Partner with Metropolitan
Transportation Commission on
wayfinding opportunities
4 1. Tactical Signs
• Installing now: 61 pedestrian-oriented signs
and 31 bike-oriented signs throughout
Downtown.
• Digitally enabled with QR codes to point
visitors to destination information.
• QR codes can be redirected as needed (such
as for large events or conferences).
5 1. Tactical Signs - Examples
6 2. Walking Map
• Currently updating the existing Downtown Walking Map in partnership with San Jose Downtown Association.
• 10,000 print maps will be distributed ahead of this year’s NVIDIA conference (March 16-21).
• The new map will be streamlined for ease of use.
• Staff will work with SJDA on annual map updates moving forward.
7 3 and 4: Partner Coordination
San José State University
• $25,000 allocated in FY 24-25 for
wayfinding and beautification along Paseo
de San Antonio.
• Funding to be matched by SJSU.
• Project planning in progress with SJSU with
funds to be allocated within the fiscal year.
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
• MTC has developed draft standards for
transit-oriented wayfinding that will
ultimately be deployed across all Bay Area
counties.
• Current MTC wayfinding pilots in progress
in El Cerrito and Santa Rosa.
• City staff continue to coordinate with MTC to
ensure local wayfinding initiatives can
integrate with broader transit goals.
8 5. Digital Kiosk Exploration
9 • Request for Information completed December 2024 and included substantial vendor outreach.
• Goal: To understand market, revenue generation, and
implementation timeline for ad-supported digital kiosks. • Received 1 responsive submission which suggested a
potential network of 30-50 kiosks and revenue of up to
$30,000 per kiosk per year.
• Staff estimate timeline of 27-36 months from RFP to
installation. Staff assignment to be determined.
Amend the
Municipal
Code/CEQA
Procurement Design and
Engineering Installation
9 6. Preparing for Major 2026 Sporting Events
Overall goal: Ensure seamless visitor experience during 2026 by enhancing wayfinding throughout Downtown.
Explore and pilot digital
options
Build on tactical
wayfinding
10 6. Temporary Digital Pilot Exploration for 2026
• Staff studied feasibility of temporary digital pilot for 2026. • Concept could include digital sign trucks or temporary kiosks at key locations.
• Included pilot question in RFI.
Challenges:
• Vendor interest.
• Business model for a cost-neutral deployment.
• Procurement timeline.
11 6. Building on Tactical Wayfinding
• Expand newly installed wayfinding sign network.
• Add temporary signs for special events.
• Install window clings on storefronts.
• Expand printing of the Downtown Walking Map.
• Install temporary sidewalk decals.
12 Preparing for 2026 Major Sports Events – Additional Examples 13 Staff Recommendations
• Continue to implement 2025 wayfinding
workplan (sign installation, SJSU partnership,
Walking Map).
• Prioritize building on existing work for 2026 and
adding on temporary signage for major events.
• Leverage partnerships with stakeholders (Bay
Area Host Committee, San Jose Downtown
Association, Team San Jose).
14 Thank You
Jessica Zenk
Deputy Director
Department of Transportation
City of San José
[email protected]
Nathan Donato-Weinstein
Downtown Manager
Office of Economic Development
City of San José
[email protected]