TO: RULES AND OPEN FROM: Jon Cicirelli
GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
SUBJECT: See Below DATE: March 4, 2025
Approved Date
3/7/2025
SUBJECT: Parks Maintenance and Capital Funding Study Session
RECOMMENDATION
Set a City Council Study Session Meeting entitled Parks Maintenance and Capital Funding for Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers and approve the Study Session agenda.
PURPOSE
The goal of the Study Session is to educate and engage the City Council on funding for park maintenance, capital projects, and a preliminary work plan for a 2026 parks funding ballot measure.
OUTCOME
City Council will:
• Understand the primary funding sources for the Parks and Capital Divisions within the Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department. • Have a renewed perspective on park maintenance and funding challenges. • Gain insight into how San José’s parks system compares to other cities. • Learn about opportunities to improve park funding in the future, including a potential 2026 parks funding ballot measure.
RULES COMMITTEE: 3/12/2025
ITEM: B.2
RULES AND OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
March 4, 2025
Subject: Parks Maintenance and Capital Funding Study Session
BACKGROUND
This Study Session will address the approved Rules and Open Government Committee directive as recommended in the October 30, 2024 memorandum from Councilmember Ortiz1 which included the following:
“Direct the City Clerk and City Manager to schedule a City Council Study Session on parks maintenance, capital funding, and preliminary work plan for a 2026 Parks Funding Ballot Measure in January or February of 2025.”
Given the large scope of work to prepare for this Study Session, the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department was granted a deferral to April 15, 2025.
The City of San José officially established its Parks and Recreation Department in 1942.
Now called the Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) Department, the Department’s Core Services include:
• Community Facilities Development (Create uniquely San José places that foster relationships with people and nature and offer a civic presence), • Community Services (Empower and support residents, schools, and local organizations to make the City more livable, safe, and clean), • Parks Maintenance and Operations (Ensure the proper maintenance and operation of City parks, trails, and open spaces that provide opportunities for residents to connect to nature and lead active, healthy lifestyles, • Recreation Services (Through recreation, promote play and health, strengthen communities, and enrich lives), and
• Strategic Support (Budget and Financial Management Services, Contracting Services, Employee Services, Marketing and Public Information, and Emergency Response and Recovery).
The PRNS Department has evolved to address diverse community needs through various initiatives, but at its core, the Department is focused on creating healthy communities that inspire belonging. Through the Parks Maintenance and Operations Core Service, maintaining safe and thriving parks is critical to this vision.
For years, the PRNS Department has been exploring opportunities to create more permanent funding for San José parks, including a tax or bond measure. On August 6, 2024, the City Council directed staff to defer consideration of a measure from the 2024 election to the 2026 ballot so staff can educate and engage the community on the topic.
On October 30, 2024, the Rules and Open Government Committee approved a recommendation from Councilmember Ortiz to hold a City Council Study Session on 1 https://sanjose.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13397050&GUID=7D79D101-731B-4FB9-87DBB2B8CA064B74
RULES AND OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
March 4, 2025
Subject: Parks Maintenance and Capital Funding Study Session
park maintenance and capital funding. The goal of the Study Session is to educate and engage the City Council on funding for park maintenance, capital projects, and a preliminary work plan for a 2026 parks funding ballot measure.
ANALYSIS
The Study Session will cover the following topics:
• Department history
• How parks are funded
• How parks are maintained
• How San José’s parks compare to other cities
• Opportunities to improve how parks are funded, including a 2026 parks funding ballot measure.
/s/
Jon Cicirelli
Director of Parks, Recreation and
Neighborhood Services
For questions, please contact Kari Davisson, Assistant to the Director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services at [email protected].
Attachment: Draft Study Session Agenda
City Council Meeting
Agenda
Study Session
Parks Maintenance and Capital Funding
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
1:30 p.m.
To be heard immediately following the regular City Council Meeting LOCATION:
Council Chambers-200 E Santa Clara Street
City Council Study Session Draft Agenda April 15, 2025
City of San Jose Page 2
• Call to Order and Roll Call
1:30 p.m. – Study Session – Parks Maintenance and Capital Funding, City Hall, Council Chambers *To be heard immediately following the regular City Council Meeting
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Purpose
The goal of the Study Session is to educate and engage the City Council on funding for park maintenance, capital projects, and a preliminary work plan for a 2026 parks funding ballot measure.
Outcome
City Council will:
• Understand the primary funding sources for the Parks and Capital Divisions within the Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department. • Have a renewed perspective on park maintenance and funding challenges. • Gain insight into how San José’s parks system compares to other cities. • Learn about opportunities to improve park funding in the future, including a potential 2026 parks funding ballot measure.
1. Department History
2. How Parks are Funded
3. How Parks are Maintained
4. How San José’s Parks Compare to Other Cities
5. Opportunities to Improve How Parks are Funded, including a 2026 parks funding ballot measure.
• Public Comment
Members of the public may comment on agendized items only at this Special Meeting. There will be no Open Forum. Cal. Govt. Code §54954.3(a). • Adjournment