San Jose allocates $55M in Measure E for homelessness and supportive services

San Jose City Council has outlined a significant funding strategy for homelessness services during their recent budget study session, focusing on the allocation of Measure E funds for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The council projected $55 million in Measure E funding for the upcoming year, with an increase to $60 million by 2026-2027.

A key decision made during the meeting was to maintain 10% of these funds for homeless prevention while proposing a policy change to adjust the allocation for homeless sheltering and supportive services. The baseline funding for these services will shift from a fixed 15% to a sliding scale that could reach up to 90%. This change aims to enhance the city’s capacity to address homelessness effectively.

For the fiscal year 2025-2026, the council has earmarked $25 million for interim housing, which is set to increase to $39.25 million the following year. This funding will support various outreach and sanitation services, particularly along waterways, ensuring that essential services like trash and waste pickup are provided at encampments. Importantly, no Measure E funds will be allocated for abatement work, focusing instead on maintaining health and safety standards in these areas.

Additionally, the council discussed a one-time funding shift to support the Beautify San Jose initiative, which includes encampment management services. This approach reflects a commitment to ongoing support for homeless individuals while also addressing immediate community needs.

The decisions made during this session highlight the city’s proactive stance on homelessness, aiming to provide more comprehensive support and resources to those in need. As the council moves forward, these funding strategies are expected to play a crucial role in shaping San Jose's response to homelessness in the coming years.