San Jose planners address housing crisis with urban village strategy adjustments

September 19, 2025 | San Jose , Santa Clara County, California


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San Jose planners address housing crisis with urban village strategy adjustments
The City Council of San Jose held a study session on September 18, 2025, focusing on the General Plan and Land Use Overview. The meeting aimed to assess the city's economic indicators, housing production, and transportation improvements, as well as to discuss climate strategies and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

One of the key topics addressed was the jobs to employed resident ratio, a crucial measure of the city's economic health. Currently, San Jose's ratio stands at approximately 0.79 to 0.8, significantly below the target of 1.1 and the original goal of 1.3 set in the General Plan. This low ratio indicates that San Jose functions primarily as a bedroom community, with many residents commuting outside the city for work. The discussion highlighted the challenges posed by cyclical construction markets, which can impact development rates.

The council also reviewed housing production statistics, noting that in the previous year, 2,674 housing units were permitted. This figure represents a decline from historical averages, which hover around 2,666 units annually. The council emphasized the ambitious goal of producing 62,000 housing units, estimating that at the current rate, it would take approximately 23 years to meet this target.

As the meeting progressed, planners expressed enthusiasm for exploring various land uses within the city, indicating a commitment to comprehensive urban planning that addresses both current needs and future growth. The session concluded with a call for continued focus on improving economic indicators and housing availability to better serve the San Jose community.

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