San Jose officials, led by Mayor Matt Mahan, voted to redirect a significant portion of affordable housing funds to address homelessness, amidst a projected budget shortfall. The City Council approved a plan to allocate up to 90% of tax-derived funds from Measure E to temporary shelters rather than permanent housing. This decision sparked debate over funding priorities and the controversial 'responsibility to shelter' initiative, pushing for law enforcement involvement in homelessness solutions, while acknowledging coordination challenges with county mental health services.
Councilmember David Cohen expressed concerns about the pay-for-performance model, saying it risks creating perverse incentives and prioritizing short-term gains over long-term goals.
Mayor Mahan acknowledged the state's failure to effectively address homelessness, citing legal restrictions that hinder efforts to compel individuals into shelters.
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