Please list three issues facing the City that you feel the Council should address.
1) If "Play" is a key priority for San Jose and this Mayor, we must dedicate more funding to the arts. With 80-90% of philanthropy leaving the region, more of the general fund has got to be carved out for artists and organizations that provide a return on investment in the form of visitors and hotel rooms. 2) Making San Jose more plug and play for artists and organizations. 3) Affordable housing. Without this, we lose talent, families and financial stability.
Describe recent San José arts activities you have participated in during the last twelve months (up to five activities) and what drew you to attend? 1) Levitt Pavilion San Jose performances. I'm working for Levitt, but also love free live music in the park. It builds community! 2) Anthropology play at City Lights. Original work that looked intriguing and had lots of great feedback online. 3) ICA. I'm a member / donor and love having cutting edge and experimental art in our downtown. 4) SJMA. I'm a member, and am impressed with the quality of exhibits in our hometown museum. I go because it inspires me! 5) Music in the Valley. Supporting my husband's band, and enjoying live music in my neighborhood.
Describe the ways in which you believe the arts bring value to the general community, and what role should the City of an Jose have in arts and cultural development.
The arts reflect our community's soul, and create joy and belonging. The arts are an intervention for our loneliness epidemic and mental health challenges as a country. They bring character, innovation and creativity to the general community. The City of San Jose should play a larger role (aka, bigger share of budget) in supporting arts and culture given the tiny philanthropic contributions that stay local, decrease in corporate sponsorships here at home, and the tremendous economic ROI that public arts activities can create when properly supported and marketed. The City of San Francisco is doubling down on their arts & culture funding because they understand that it improves civic and economic outcomes. We need to do the same.
Should the City of San José have an active role in arts and cultural development? If so, in what ways and why?
Yes. Create and implement, with funding, a public art master plan. I believe San Jose's is long overdue. Find new pathways for funding to artists and arts organizations that are not onerous (lengthy and complex grant applications and qualifications). Reduce barriers to entry to use theaters, parks, etc. for performances. Levitt Pavilion will help with this at least for outdoor producers.
How can you contribute to advising City Council on policy and programs related to cultural development in San José?
As a producer, musician, fundraiser and non-profit CEO, I can look at policies from all sides and make thoughtful suggestions as to how we can shape programs to achieve our goals.
Suzanne St John Crane
(Optional) Please upload a resume.
Can you provide examples of major public policy issues that you have been involved in and what your role was in the issue?
I organized support for the change in San José's Historic Preservation Ordinance in 2025 on behalf of Levitt Pavilion San Jose. In 2006, I was one of a six-person leadership group representing community media centers in California in getting protections for public media included in DIVCA, a massive digital infrastructure act. We were asked to testify, write copy to be included in the bill, and be at the negotiating table with cable companies.
What is a major issue facing San José’s older adults and what do you see as the Commission’s role in this issue?
N/A, but I would add that affordability and making San Jose user friendly for those that aren't as tech savvy would be major issues.
Please describe a leadership role you have assumed within the last five years.
Contracted as Executive Director of American Leadership Forum National. President of the Fountain Blues Foundation in San Jose.
How would you handle differences in opinions or positions on issues being heard at a Senior Commission meeting?
N/A
What makes you knowledgeable about senior issues in the community? N/A
Anything else you would like us to know?
Retirement Board Questions Only
Suzanne St John Crane