KQED's Forum San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan Takes Your Questions
Nov 3, 2025
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a proponent of practical solutions to homelessness and crime, discusses his ambitious plans to increase shelter beds and enhance partnerships with county services. He shares insights on the transition from temporary housing to permanent solutions, emphasizing the importance of consulting those with lived experience. Mahan also tackles the complexities of low-barrier shelters, collaborations with other Bay Area mayors on immigration issues, and the need for measurable outcomes in city governance.
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Interim Housing Shows Strong Outcomes
- San Jose's interim sites show about 70% of residents don't return to homelessness in measured timeframes.
- Around 20–25% increase income and 25% move to permanent housing or other exits.
Design Low-Barrier Interim Housing
- Design interim housing with low barriers: private rooms, locked doors, pets allowed, and in-suite bathrooms when possible.
- Pair sites with on-site security, case management, meals, storage, and animal care to increase uptake.
Columbus Park Outreach Success
- San Jose did repeated outreach before clearing Columbus Park and offered private interim housing to everyone.
- About two-thirds of people accepted and came indoors after that outreach campaign.