TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND FROM: Mayor Matt Mahan
CITY COUNCIL Vice Mayor Pam Foley
Councilmember Rosemary Kamei
Councilmember Pamela Campos
Councilmember Carl Salas
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: 2/21/25
Approved: Date: 2/21/25
SUBJECT: Establishment of a Pedestrian Mall on Post Street
RECOMMENDATION
Approve staff’s recommendation and direct staff to collaborate with the San Jose Downtown Association, Project More, and Post Street property owners and businesses to implement pedestrian enhancements to the Post Street Pedestrian Mall.
BACKGROUND
Permanently establishing Post Street as a pedestrian mall significantly enhances the vibrancy and economic vitality of downtown San José’s Historic District. The success of the Post Street closure under the San José Al Fresco initiative and subsequent pilot programs has demonstrated that businesses thrive in a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Restaurants, bars, and retail establishments have benefited from increased foot traffic, and the additional outdoor space has allowed for creative activations such as pop-up fairs and community events. By eliminating the need for weekly closures and infrastructure movement, businesses can plan more effectively, invest in permanent outdoor enhancements, and provide a safer, more inviting experience for residents and visitors.
Activating the space with features such as decorative lighting and public art — when funding is available — can further enhance the area’s appeal and sense of community. Post Street is quickly emerging as a vibrant destination for the LGBTQ+ community, nightlife enthusiasts, artists, creatives, and San Joseans from all walks of life. By approving this permanent closure, the City Council has an opportunity to solidify Post Street’s role as a dynamic, people-centered destination that fosters economic growth, cultural activation, and a greater sense of place in downtown San José.
COUNCIL AGENDA: 2/25/25
FILE: 25-153
ITEM: 8.1
The signers of this memorandum have not had, and will not have, any private conversation with any other member of the City Council, or that member’s staff, concerning any action discussed in the memorandum, and that each signer’s staff members have not had, and have been instructed not to have, any such conversation with any other member of the City Council or that member's staff.