Building more housing in San Jose is a top priority, as highlighted in the recent City Council meeting. The city is tackling the complex challenge of housing production with a strategic focus on three key problem areas: land use policy, development services, and financial feasibility.

The council discussed the need for innovative policy alternatives to facilitate housing goals, acknowledging that external factors like land and material costs, along with state regulations, complicate the building process. Despite being a regional leader in pro-housing policies, San Jose still faces a significant housing shortage. To address this, the city plans to explore new strategies during the upcoming general plan review, including a ministerial process for infill housing development.

In terms of development services, the council aims to improve project review processes and enhance communication with stakeholders. This includes performance management analysis and the introduction of fee estimators to set clear expectations for customers.

Lastly, the discussion emphasized the importance of linking land and capital to make housing development financially viable. Upcoming initiatives include a cost study on residential development and an analysis of existing financing programs.

The council's commitment to these goals reflects a proactive approach to overcoming barriers in housing production, with the aim of increasing both affordable and market-rate units in San Jose. As the city moves forward, these strategies will be crucial in addressing the ongoing housing crisis.