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3mo ago

San Jose to Debate Controversial Homeless Enforcement Policy

Mayor Mahan's 'Responsibility to Shelter' proposal includes expanded shelter options, a new police unit, and misdemeanor arrests for repeated shelter refusals.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, right, discusses California Gov. Gavin Newsom's, left, proposal to build 1,200 small homes across the state to reduce homelessness, during the first of a four-day tour of the state in Sacramento Calif., on Thursday, March 16, 2023.
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Overview

  • The San Jose City Council will review Mayor Matt Mahan's 'Responsibility to Shelter' initiative during Monday's budget hearings.
  • The policy proposes a specialized police unit to enforce no-encampment zones and issue trespassing citations for unhoused individuals who decline shelter offers three times within 18 months.
  • Mayor Mahan aims to partner with Santa Clara County to send cited individuals directly to rehabilitation centers without jail time or court approval, though this partnership remains unresolved.
  • The city plans to add 1,400 shelter beds, including tiny homes and safe sleeping sites, to accommodate its estimated 6,340 homeless residents.
  • Advocates argue the policy criminalizes homelessness and are urging investment in permanent affordable housing, while the San Jose Police Officers Association supports enforcement measures to address public concerns.