TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: COUNCILMEMBER CASEY
SUBJECT: See Below DATE: February 23, 2026
Approved
Date:
02/23/2026
SUBJECT: Lower Income Voucher and Equity Program
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve staff recommendations.
2. Specify 50 units under the master-lease agreement for exclusive use by San José Police Department (SJPD) personnel, to be administered in coordination with the Housing Department and SJPD for recruitment and retention purposes.
BACKGROUND
The Lower Income Voucher and Equity Program represents a critical step in addressing San José's affordable housing challenges by master-leasing approximately 197 units at the corner of Reed Street and Market Street. This initiative will provide much-needed housing options for lower- and moderate-income households, leveraging Real Property Transfer Tax Funds and Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Funds.
ANALYSIS
High housing costs in San José have long been a significant deterrent to recruiting and retaining essential public safety personnel, including police officers. With ongoing vacancies in the San José Police Department, providing targeted affordable housing is a practical strategy to attract qualified candidates and support current staff. Specifying 50 units for SJPD will offer stable, below-market-rate housing, directly helping to fill these vacancies and enhance our community's public safety infrastructure. This specification aligns with the program's goals while ensuring equitable access for key city employees.
COUNCIL AGENDA: 2/24/2026
FILE: 26-166
ITEM: 8.5