The San Jose City Council meeting on October 1, 2025, focused on critical budget priorities, particularly the recruitment and retention of police officers, and the introduction of a new performance management model for city initiatives.

City officials emphasized the importance of workforce stability within the police department, highlighting a recently negotiated agreement that aims to provide meaningful raises and incentives for officers. This agreement is seen as essential in addressing recruitment challenges and ensuring that San Jose remains a safe city. Council members expressed gratitude to the San Jose Police Officers Association and the city's negotiation team for their collaborative efforts in reaching this agreement.

Councilmember Ortiz raised concerns about rising gang activity in East San Jose, noting that while the city is recognized as one of the safest large cities in America, this perception does not reflect the experiences of all residents, particularly in areas with high crime rates. He stressed the need for fair pay for law enforcement as a strategy to attract and retain officers who reflect the community's diversity.

The meeting also introduced a new model for managing the city’s focus areas, which aims to enhance accountability and transparency in city operations. City Manager Jennifer McGuire presented this revised model, which is designed to improve performance management and community engagement through enhanced data dashboards. The model seeks to address complex challenges, referred to as "wicked problems," by fostering collaboration across departments and integrating community feedback into decision-making processes.

The council unanimously approved the police agreement, signaling a commitment to public safety and the well-being of both officers and residents. The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of continuous improvement in city services and the need for innovative solutions to address ongoing challenges in public safety and community well-being.