Plan 3.0: Uniting San José: A City of Inclusion and Belonging 2025-2030 Welcoming San José
Zulma Maciel, Director of Office of Racial and Social Equity Our Vision is a City of San José in
which all people in our community
and organization thrive and where no
racial or social disparities exist.
Our Mission is to support the City in
embedding a racial and social equity
practice and embody a culture that
sustains it.
2 Summary: SWOT Analysis
Strengths
• Solid reputation of City Staff and current
programs as “welcoming” by Community
leaders and internal workforce
• Noticeable influence and organizing
impact of ORSE and progress across all
Welcoming America standards
Opportunities
• Multiple, clear action steps exist to
improve experience quickly
• Focus on targeted partnerships, especially
to support small businesses and economic
mobility for all can also have a noticeable
impact
Weaknesses
• Current administrative process and
systems come across as daunting,
especially without language support
• Misperceptions and lack of information on
changing federal policy, such as on the
public charge rule, negatively impacts
seeking appropriate services
Threats
• High levels of uncertainty and fear
surrounding the policies and practices of
the new Federal Administration
• Lack of clarity regarding how rapid
communication is managed and what
supportive resources are available.
• City leaders concerned about growing
anti-immigrant sentiment
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Welcoming
San José
Plan
2025-2030
GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP 1
Build clarity, confidence, and trust in City
Leadership’s commitment to prioritizing
and implementing strategies that actively create
spaces where all people, regardless of origin, feel
welcome, valued, and able to participate fully.
EQUITABLE ACCESS
Ensure immigrant communities can easily
navigate and access City services, helping new
arrivals find resources in all aspects of daily life—
such as housing, transportation, and legal aid—
for a smooth transition to becoming securely
rooted in San José.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Support immigrant workers and businesses by
simplifying business startup processes,
improving access to City contracts and
resources, and creating inclusive and fair
work environments.
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EDUCATION
SAFE COMMUNITIES
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
Reduce prejudice and strengthen relationships
among communities by creating opportunities
for all residents, including immigrants, to connect
across various backgrounds and identities,
enhancing San José’s reputation as a “Crossroads
of the World.”
Support children, youth, and adult learners,
including those from immigrant families, to
thrive in and out of school and feel connected
to the larger San José community.
Enhance opportunities for effective and
accessible community engagement, so that all
residents, including immigrants, are able to fully
participate in civic life.
Increase the sense of physical and
psychological safety resulting from strong,
trusting relationships between immigrant
residents and local safety services.
5 Implementation Timeline
Internal to City of San José
• ORSE integrates feedback to
Welcoming Plan
• ORSE reviews Departmental plans
to align REAPs, Accessibility, and
Welcoming initiatives
With Cross -Sector Partners
April - May 2025 June - December 2025
• ORSE reviews Departmental plans with leaders to highlight Welcoming lens and strengthen alignment across departments
• ORSE provides technical assistance and coordination support as needed for multi- departmental initiatives and goals
• ORSE provides quarterly updates on progress and success metrics • Public release of Welcoming San
José Plan
April - May 2025 Community Collaboration and Refinement • Welcoming Plan Highlights/Update section added to ORSE Community Briefings & Annual Year in Review publication
• Regular, informal conversation and collaboration with the Immigrant Protection and Empowerment Network (I-PEN)
• Regular briefings, as directed, to City Council.
• Highlighting strength-based narratives on social media 6