TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TONI J. TABER, MMC
CITY CLERK
SUBJECT: CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
INTERVIEW
DATE: October 5, 2026
SUPPLEMENTAL
REASON FOR SUPPLEMENTAL
This supplemental memorandum provides additional context regarding residency and voter registration requirements for appointment to the Civil Service Commission, including 2022 updates based on changes to the City Charter.
UPDATE
Membership requirements for the Civil Service Commission are established by City Charter Section 1001, with additional provisions contained in San José Municipal Code Sections
2.08.2000 et seq. The Civil Service Commission consists of five members appointed by the City Council. Members must be residents of the City of San José at all times during their terms of office.
The Conflict of Interest memorandum includes discussion of voter registration. Since San José voters amended City Charter Section 1001 to remove the “qualified elector” requirement for Civil Service Commissioners in November 2022, the Office of the City Clerk confirms that voter registration is no longer part of the eligibility criteria. Current review therefore focuses solely on the residency requirement.
The Office of the City Clerk has verified that the applicants (Thomas Cochran (incumbent), Lisa Pate, Nick Finan, Allan Jones, and Lynden Price) for this appointment meet the applicable residency requirements. None of the applicants have been nominated for appointment to another City board or commission.
Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Clerk
For questions, please contact Toni J. Taber, City Clerk, at (408) 535-1260.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: 10/6/2026
FILE: 26-1066
ITEM: 3.3