"For now, the federal government's purpose looks to be skewed toward chaos, and that energy is raining on California and flowing downstream into Santa Clara County. It has forced officials to rework budgets to protect essential services due to hundreds of millions of dollars in federal cuts. The situation has driven county leaders to look for solutions that may force them to deviate from the initial purpose of enhancing - not reducing - services."
"Every decision over the next 12 months will impact the health, well-being and safety of people living in the South Bay - a daunting task. The same challenge falls on San Jose, the county's largest city, as it begins analyzing its budget priorities. How will Mayor Matt Mahan and 10 councilmembers define their direction? Will showcasing San Jose during major sports events be their purpose? Or will San Jose continue to prioritize homelessness and housing?"
"Officials have already committed $350 million to help the San Jose Sharks, during a time when the city is projecting a significant budget deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Fortunately, there are numerous organizations and people who have found an unshakeable purpose. Their work won't patch massive budget deficits and severe federal cuts to food and housing. But their efforts will make a difference for many people who need a roof over their head, clothes and warm meals."
Purpose shapes individual and governmental direction and can motivate pursuits of justice or personal gain. Federal priorities currently lean toward chaos, producing hundreds of millions in cuts that force Santa Clara County to rework budgets to protect essential services. County leaders may need to deviate from enhancing services to preserve core functions. Decisions over the next 12 months will affect health, safety and well-being in the South Bay. San Jose faces budget choices between promoting major sports events and prioritizing homelessness and housing after committing $350 million to the Sharks while projecting a 2026-27 deficit. Numerous nonprofits provide direct aid that helps people secure shelter, clothing and meals despite funding shortfalls.
Read at San Jose Spotlight
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]