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San Jose officials highlight $550 million park maintenance backlog and discuss 2026 funding options
Summary
City staff told the City Council at a study session that San Jose faces roughly $550 million in deferred park maintenance, detailed multiple funding streams and barriers, and endorsed further community engagement and polling toward a possible 2026 ballot measure for dedicated park operations funding.
John Cicero, director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, told the City Council on Oct. 27 that San Jose’s park system carries about $550,000,000 in deferred maintenance and that the city is exploring options for dedicated funding, including additional community engagement and polling aimed at a possible 2026 ballot measure.
Cicero emphasized why the issue matters: parks provide environmental, health and economic benefits, but the city’s funding and staffing levels have not kept pace with needs. "Parks matter a lot," he said, describing parks as places that "inspire belonging" and noting the public reaction to improvements such as Emma Prusch Farm Park.
City staff presen…
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