Skip to main content
San Jose Civic Gallery City Hall agenda intelligence

Matter 26-667

Public Hearing on the 2026-2027 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets and the 2026-2027 Proposed Fees and Charges for the City of San José.

Budget & Finance City Council Agenda Ready Introduced 19 May 2026
10 Documents on file 112 MB · 10 extracted · 10 AI summaries
File
26-667
Type
Strategic Support
Status
Agenda Ready
Requester
Unknown
Introduced
19 May 2026
Last synced
12 Jun 2026 · 16:14

The papers

01 5.95 MB

2026-27 Proposed Operating Budget

5.95 MB Extracted AI Summary
file Unknown sha 6dac3fb8d218 source Open source document ↗
Generated summary AI-assisted

The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.

The document is the 2026-2027 Proposed Operating Budget prepared by the Office of the City Manager. It includes a budget message from the City Manager, a table of contents outlining various sections such as awards received, budget policies, and details on city departments and service areas. The document also contains financial summaries and comparisons, as well as a glossary of terms and an index of acronyms.

Key points
  • Prepared by the Office of the City Manager.
  • Includes a budget message from the City Manager.
  • Contains awards for budget excellence.
  • Outlines various sections including budget policies and city departments.
  • Includes financial summaries and comparisons.
Limitations
  • The document appears to be a draft as indicated by the repeated mention of 'Proposed Operating Budget'.
  • Specific financial figures, dates, and outcomes are not provided in the text.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 492,736 chars
2026-2027 PROPOSED MID-BIENNIAL CAPITAL BUDGET & 2027-2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Prepared by the Office of the City Manager April 2026 2026-2027 PROPOSED MID-BIENNIAL CAPITAL BUDGET 2027-2031 PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TABLE OF CONTENTS Page CITY MANAGER’S 2026-2027 BUDGET MESSAGE .......................................................1 SUMMARY INFORMATION Summary of Capital Program Source of Funds (Table) ............................................. 21 Summary of Capital Program Use of Funds (Table) .................................................. 23 Summary of Revenues and Expenditures by Fund (Table) ....................................... 27 Summary of Capital Fund Activity for 2026-2027 (Table) .......................................... 30 RECOMMENDED BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND CLEAN-UP/REBUDGET ACTIONS ................................................................................ 33 Recommended Budget Adjustments Summary ......................................................... 35 Recommended Budget Adjustments and Clean-up/Rebudget Actions ...................... 85 2027-2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM SOURCE AND USE OF FUNDS Community and Economic...
02 5.95 MB

2026-27 Proposed Mid-Biennial Capital Budget & 2027-31 CIP

5.95 MB Extracted AI Summary
file Unknown sha 6dac3fb8d218 source Open source document ↗
Generated summary AI-assisted

The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.

The document presents the 2026-2027 Proposed Mid-Biennial Capital Budget and the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the City of San José. It outlines the budget's purpose to rehabilitate and expand critical city infrastructure, including streets, sewer systems, parks, and public safety facilities. The proposed budget reflects a significant increase compared to the previous budget, primarily due to rebudgeting funds. The document also discusses funding sources, anticipated revenue changes, and the ongoing infrastructure backlog faced by the city.

Key points
  • The proposed budget totals $1.2 billion for 2026-2027, a 75.7% increase from the previous budget.
  • The 2027-2031 CIP totals $3.3 billion, an 8.5% decrease from the previous five-year plan.
  • The budget includes adjustments for capital funds in response to revenue changes and project costs.
  • The document highlights the need for additional resources to address a $2.6 billion infrastructure backlog.
  • Funding sources include local taxes, grants, and contributions, with some revenues projected to increase but still below previous highs.
Limitations
  • The text appears to be truncated, missing some details on specific capital programs and funding allocations.
  • Some placeholders and unresolved sections were noted, which may affect the completeness of the summary.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 492,736 chars
2026-2027 PROPOSED MID-BIENNIAL CAPITAL BUDGET & 2027-2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Prepared by the Office of the City Manager April 2026 2026-2027 PROPOSED MID-BIENNIAL CAPITAL BUDGET 2027-2031 PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TABLE OF CONTENTS Page CITY MANAGER’S 2026-2027 BUDGET MESSAGE .......................................................1 SUMMARY INFORMATION Summary of Capital Program Source of Funds (Table) ............................................. 21 Summary of Capital Program Use of Funds (Table) .................................................. 23 Summary of Revenues and Expenditures by Fund (Table) ....................................... 27 Summary of Capital Fund Activity for 2026-2027 (Table) .......................................... 30 RECOMMENDED BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND CLEAN-UP/REBUDGET ACTIONS ................................................................................ 33 Recommended Budget Adjustments Summary ......................................................... 35 Recommended Budget Adjustments and Clean-up/Rebudget Actions ...................... 85 2027-2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM SOURCE AND USE OF FUNDS Community and Economic...
03 2.89 MB

2026-27 Proposed Fees and Charges Report

2.89 MB Extracted AI Summary
file Unknown sha 3b058cffe979 source Open source document ↗
Generated summary AI-assisted

The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.

The 2026-2027 Proposed Fees and Charges Report outlines the fees and charges associated with the City’s General Fund and selected other funds. It projects total revenue of approximately $148.6 million, with $53.0 million for the General Fund. The report indicates a cost recovery rate of 88.9% for Category I fees, an increase from the previous year. Significant contributions to revenue are expected from the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Fire, and Public Works Departments. The report also discusses various departmental fee programs and anticipated changes in development activities.

Key points
  • The report documents fees and charges for the City’s General Fund and selected other funds.
  • Projected total revenue for 2026-2027 is approximately $148.6 million.
  • $53.0 million is expected to accrue to the General Fund.
  • The overall cost recovery rate for Category I fees is 88.9%, up from 82.8% in the previous year.
  • Major revenue sources include Planning, Building and Code Enforcement ($63.1 million), Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services ($24.9 million), Fire ($21.5 million), and Public Works ($20.5 million).
  • Development-related fee activity is projected to decline in 2026-2027 due to various economic factors.
Limitations
  • The text appears to be truncated, missing some details and sections.
  • Specific unresolved placeholders and unfilled form options were not provided.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 524,204 chars
PROPOSED 2026-2027 Fees & Charges Report Prepared by the Office of the City Manager May 2026 2026-2027 PROPOSED FEES & CHARGES REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS MEMORANDUM Summaries Page Department Fees and Charges Summary A-1 List of Fee Programs by Department/Cost Recovery Category B-1 Summary of Proposed Fee Changes C-1 Departmental Fees & Charges Page City Clerk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1 Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Economic Development and Cultural Affairs. . . . 7 Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Environmental Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Finance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Planning, Building and Code Enforcement. . . . 81 Police. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Public Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....
04 11.7 MB

Letters from the Public - 1 of 7

11.7 MB Extracted AI Summary
file 9c633c02-6283-44dc-a0cf-cb5701f2bdd9.pdf sha 2e40cead8c8c source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.

The document is a solidarity letter from the REAL Coalition, signed by 65 community-based organizations and leaders, urging the San José City Council to prioritize affordability, equity, and community stability in the FY 2026-27 budget. The letter outlines specific priorities for funding, including eviction representation, youth empowerment services, immigrant protection services, and support for older adults. It emphasizes the need for the city to protect essential services that help vulnerable populations during a challenging budget year.

Key points
  • The letter is addressed to Mayor Mahan, Vice Mayor Foley, and the San José City Council.
  • It calls for the protection and strengthening of programs that help residents remain housed and economically stable.
  • The coalition urges funding for an eviction representation pilot, youth empowerment services, immigrant protection services, and support for older adults.
  • The letter highlights the disproportionate impact of budget cuts on marginalized communities, including Black and Latino residents.
  • The coalition emphasizes the importance of community stability and equity in budget decisions.
Limitations
  • The document appears to be a draft, as indicated by the formatting and incomplete sections.
  • Some placeholders and unresolved sections are present, which may affect the completeness of the summary.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 199,237 chars
Outlook Fw: REAL Coalition Solidarity Letter Calling to Protect Affordability, Equity, and Community Stability in the FY 26-27 Budget From City Clerk Date Thu 4/23/2026 3:08 PM To Agendadesk ® 1 attachment (153 KB) Solidarity Sign On Letter Protect Affordability FY27 San Jose Budget (1).pdf; Office of the City Clerk I City of San Jose 200 E. Santa Clara St., Tower 14th Floor San Jose, CA 95113 Main: 408-535-1260 Fax:408-292-6207 How is our service? Your feedback is appreciated! From: City Clerk Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 8:10 AM To: Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas Subject: Fw: REAL Coalition Solidarity Letter Calling to Protect Affordability, Equity and Community Stability in the FY 26-27 Budget Office of the City Clerk I City of San Jose 200 E. Santa Clara St., Tower 14th Floor San Jose, CA 95113 Main: 408-535-1260 Fax:408-292-6207 How is our service? Your feedback is appreciated! From: Gianella Ordonez Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 5:59 To: The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan Districtl District2 < < District 6 < District9 < Cc: Kolander, Grace < Hughes, Scott < < < < < < < < < < District3 < District4 < District7 < District 10 < Tordillos, Anthony District5 <...
05 13.3 MB

Letters from the Public - 2 of 7

13.3 MB Extracted AI Summary
file bd739025-c2bc-4584-aa2a-9ba567172171.pdf sha 06b400110ada source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.

The attachment contains letters from various individuals expressing their concerns about the potential closure of the California Room, a resource within the San José library system. They emphasize the importance of this facility for historical research, education, and community engagement. The letters argue that cutting funding for the California Room would negatively impact access to local history and cultural heritage, particularly as the city approaches its 250th anniversary. Several authors highlight the unique resources available in the California Room and the invaluable assistance provided by its staff.

Key points
  • The California Room is a vital resource for researching San José's history.
  • Closure of the California Room is seen as a short-sighted decision that would harm public access to historical materials.
  • The facility supports educational projects and fosters community pride among students and residents.
  • The letters advocate for the preservation of the California Room and its staff, who provide essential guidance and support to researchers.
  • Concerns are raised about the long-term impact of closing the California Room on historical documentation and community engagement.
Limitations
  • The text appears to be a draft as it contains multiple incomplete sections and messages from various individuals.
  • Some placeholders and unfilled sections were present, affecting the completeness of the summary.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 151,014 chars
Susan Kossow, San Jose resident and California native This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Sincerely, Janice Zelaya, Council 3 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. My husband and I have used this invaluable resource to research many areas of San José, including our own home's history. As researchers, we know that this work is ongoing—it is never truly done, as new information is constantly being discovered. Closing this public resource to save just 0.6% of the overall City Library budget would be a devastating and short-sighted decision. As San José prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2027, cutting the very department that houses our city's, history is illogical. I ask you to protect the California Room, preserve public access to our shared history, and demonstrate that San José values its cultural heritage and civic memory. If you cannot support this request, please explain to me your justification for eliminating it. Sincerely, Elizabeth & Gregory Winslow This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links...
06 12.5 MB

Letters from the Public - 3 of 7

12.5 MB Extracted AI Summary
file 017a0d70-b2be-46e3-b7ad-bbed8afa3222.pdf sha 9c267e62c548 source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

The document contains public comments regarding the importance of funding for community events such as Viva CalleSJ and Viva Parks, highlighting their positive economic impact and community benefits. It emphasizes the need for these programs, particularly for low-resource neighborhoods, and argues against proposed budget cuts that would reduce the number of events. Additionally, concerns are raised about proposed changes to the operation of Arcadia Ballpark, which could negatively affect community access and program quality.

Key points
  • Viva CalleSJ attracted over 150,000 attendees and had an economic impact of $4.7 million.
  • 93% of participants in Viva CalleSJ reported an increased sense of belonging.
  • Viva Parks targets neighborhoods with the fewest resources, providing essential free wellness programming.
  • Proposed budget cuts would disproportionately affect low-income families who rely on free community events.
  • Total savings from proposed cuts amount to $301,984, which is a small fraction of the overall budget.
  • Concerns about changes to Arcadia Ballpark operations include reduced maintenance and potential increased costs for community leagues.
Limitations
  • The text includes multiple signatures and comments from different individuals, making it difficult to summarize a single cohesive message.
  • Some sections are repetitive, particularly regarding the benefits of Viva CalleSJ and Viva Parks.
  • There are unresolved placeholders and incomplete sentences in the text, affecting the clarity of some points.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 177,569 chars
The September 2025 Viva CalleSJ drew over 150,000 people. A study by the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State found the economic impact of that single event was $4.7 million. Nearly 80% of attendees discovered a local business they hadn't visited before, and 78.5% planned to spend money along the route that day. That kind of neighborhood activation is genuinely hard to replicate through other means. The community numbers are just as striking. 93% of participants said the event increased their sense of belonging in San Jose. 84% said they talked to someone they otherwise wouldn't have. These aren't abstractions. This is a program that makes people feel like they live somewhere worth caring about. Viva Parks matters for a different reason. It was designed specifically for neighborhoods with the fewest resources, using the Healthy Place Index to target where free wellness programming is needed most. Cutting 25 events doesn't distribute the loss evenly. It falls hardest on people who don't have alternatives. There's also a cost-of-living dimension worth naming directly. San Jose sits inside one of the wealthiest metro areas in the world, and yet a large share of its...
07 14.9 MB

Letters from the Public - 4 of 7

14.9 MB Extracted AI Summary
file 5f70d7d5-1845-455c-8320-7646582f38c9.pdf sha c82e99cb4fb0 source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.

The text discusses proposed changes to the operations of Arcadia, a sports facility in San Jose, which could significantly impact various community groups, including youth and adult sports leagues. The proposed model would replace dedicated on-site staff with a shared park maintenance district, potentially leading to slower response times for maintenance issues. It also suggests the elimination of city-managed leagues, which could force teams to seek more expensive private alternatives. The centralized reservation system may result in less responsive scheduling and field time allocation, affecting access for different user groups. Concerns are raised about the future of concession services under the new model. The text advocates for the preservation of the current operating model, emphasizing the importance of dedicated staff and services that have been built over time.

Key points
  • Arcadia serves a diverse community with various sports programs.
  • Proposed changes may lead to slower maintenance response times due to a shared park maintenance model.
  • Elimination of city-managed leagues could increase costs for teams seeking private alternatives.
  • Centralized scheduling may result in less responsive service and potential scheduling conflicts.
  • Concerns exist about the future of concession services under the new operational model.
  • The text urges the Mayor and City Council to maintain the current operating model for Arcadia.
Limitations
  • The text is a draft and contains unresolved placeholders regarding specific details.
  • Some sections are truncated, leading to incomplete information.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 139,297 chars
describes as a "full onsite operations model with dedicated reservation and programming, concessions, and maintenance staff" to a facility where reservations are managed through the Citywide Sports Program field reservation system and maintenance is incorporated into a park maintenance district. Arcadia serves a wide and diverse community, including youth baseball, senior softball, adult recreational leagues, and competitive fastpitch programs. The proposed changes could affect all of these groups in meaningful ways. Facility upkeep and on-site presence - Today, Arcadia has staff on site who are accountable for the condition of the fields, the playground, the bathrooms, and the surrounding landscaped areas. Under the proposed model, maintenance would be handled by a park maintenance district responsible for multiple parks across the city. While those teams do important work, a shared district model means Arcadia would be one of many facilities competing for attention rather than having a dedicated team whose primary focus is this facility. Users should expect that response times to issues, including field conditions, restroom maintenance, and equipment problems, may be slower...
08 22 MB

Letters from the Public - 5 of 7

22 MB Extracted AI Summary
file eab8a262-3acc-4060-996f-93845108114d.pdf sha 401e0b09124e source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

The attachment contains letters from the public expressing concerns about proposed budget changes affecting the California Room at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library and the operations of Arcadia Ballpark. Various individuals and groups advocate for the preservation of these resources, emphasizing their importance for community access to history, culture, and recreational activities. The letters highlight the potential negative impacts of budget cuts on public access and the quality of services provided.

Key points
  • Stacy Farr expresses concern about budget cuts affecting CEQA compliance documentation and cultural heritage.
  • A user of Arcadia Ballpark raises issues regarding proposed budget changes that would alter facility operations and management.
  • The proposed changes at Arcadia Ballpark could lead to slower maintenance response times, increased costs for leagues, and less effective scheduling.
  • Multiple letters advocate for the preservation of the California Room, citing its importance for historical research and community engagement.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential closure of the California Room and the loss of knowledgeable staff.
Limitations
  • The text contains multiple letters but lacks specific details about dates, votes, or dollar amounts related to the budget changes.
  • Some sections are truncated or incomplete, which may affect the understanding of the full context.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 197,783 chars
Outlook Fw: California Room - library Department Budget From City Clerk Date Wed 5/13/2026 10:09 AM To Agendadesk Office of the City Clerk I City of San Jose 200 E. Santa Clara St., Tower 14th Floor San Jose, CA 95113 Main: 408-535-1260 Fax:408-292-6207 How is our service? Your feedback is appreciated! From: Stacy Farr Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 10:08 AM Subject: California Room - Library Department Budget [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is imP.ortant Hello. I am an architectural historian and a historic preservation planner. I have worked with municipalities all over the state of California and specifically with San Jose in the past few years as a CEQA consultant. The aim of my work is to help communities preserve important components of their heritage while complying with state law. As part of my work I regularly use the collection of the California Room, which is truly unparallelled in its breadth of historic materials related to San Jose and Santa Clara County. Additionally, the librarians who staff this collection are so kind, so...
09 9.45 MB

Letters from the Public - 6 of 7

9.45 MB Extracted AI Summary
file 42fedc6a-de59-4773-a6d4-f37236342e01.pdf sha 9c2948337d63 source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

The document discusses concerns regarding the proposed closure of Ewert Road near San José International Airport. It argues that the closure violates previous funding commitments and city policies aimed at maintaining bicycle access and safety. The author, Greg Ripa, urges the City Council to redirect funds from the closure project to enhance community mobility and safety instead.

Key points
  • Airport funds should be used responsibly for community projects, not for closing Ewert Road.
  • Closure violates Resolution No. 65037 and TDA Article 3 commitments to maintain bicycle access.
  • Ewert Road is a critical detour for cyclists during flooding of the Guadalupe River Trail.
  • Closing the road contradicts the City Manager's budget priorities and negatively impacts community mobility.
  • The closure undermines several San José General Plan goals and Vision Zero objectives aimed at enhancing safety for vulnerable road users.
Limitations
  • The text does not provide specific dates for the funding commitments or resolutions mentioned.
  • There are unresolved placeholders related to the City Council meeting and budget priorities.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 38,688 chars
Even if allocated airport funds are restricted to airport property and cannot be redirected to the General Fund, they should be used responsibly. Instead of building a barrier, the airport should use these funds to restripe Ewert Road and install a two-way shared use path to safely separate cyclists and staff vehicles. Obligations of Resolution No. 65037 and TDA Article 3 The proposed closure directly violates the spirit and terms of the city’s historical funding commitments. In 1993, the San José City Council passed Resolution No. 65037, approving Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA3) Funding specifically to design and construct the "San José International Airport Bike Path" along this northern perimeter. By accepting these funds, the City agreed to abide by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) Resolution No. 875, which created policies including that "a jurisdiction agrees to maintain the facility." This is similar to the Council adopted agreement made for the current round of TDA3 funding at the June 2, 2026 City Council meeting: MTC requires the City Council to adopt a resolution, which it did 11 0, making certain findings such as that "the City...
10 13.6 MB

Letters from the Public - 7 of 7

13.6 MB Extracted AI Summary
file 88beb515-fc96-4b5e-b1a4-d8b3c05b63c8.pdf sha a1dc9909c71f source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

This attachment contains letters from various individuals and organizations addressing budget priorities for the City of San Jose. Key topics include support for the MLK Library's California Room, concerns about encampment sweeps and housing affordability, opposition to increased police funding, and requests for funding for mental health resources and the Children and Youth Services Master Plan. The letters emphasize the importance of preserving historical resources, addressing homelessness, and ensuring public safety without compromising community trust.

Key points
  • Mark Hoag advocates for maintaining budget and staffing for the MLK Library's California Room, highlighting its importance for historical research.
  • Silicon Valley De-Bug families express opposition to encampment sweeps and demand transparency regarding their costs, urging the city to focus on affordable housing.
  • Concerns are raised about the police budget, with calls for reallocating funds to mental health resources and community programs instead of law enforcement.
  • The San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce supports fiscal discipline and investments in public safety, housing production, and economic development.
  • Grail Family Services requests continued funding for the Children and Youth Services Master Plan to support families in East San Jose.
Limitations
  • The text includes multiple letters with varying topics, making it difficult to summarize a cohesive message.
  • Some sections of the text are truncated or incomplete, affecting the clarity of certain points.
  • There are unresolved placeholders and missing information in the text, such as specific budget addendum details.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 98,868 chars
Dear Concerned Legislators and Citizens, June 5, 2026 My name is Mark Hoag, I live in Santa Clara. As a historian, writer and concerned citizen I am writing to implore you to maintain the necessary budget and staffing to ensure full public access to the wealth of materials contained within the MLK Library’s California Room. During research for my first book, I found the California Room to be indispensable for a diverse cross-section of historical materials. The Directories, Thompson Maps, Aerial Photographs, Extensive collection of books, Old Maps, Period Photographs and Letters all offered unique glimpses and priceless gems of our areas storied history. A mention needs to also be made for the incredible support staff and their attention to the visiting public. I was constantly amazed by the helpful and engaged manner in which all employees supported my research in every visit to the California Room. This collection needs continued professional stewardship. I urge you to support its full inclusion in the 2026-27 budget. Historic preservation is an essential element of an educated and socially enriched population. How can we possibly know where we are going if we can’t fully...