Taxation without realization
Forty-five million dollars.
That’s the shortfall SJ City is facing–and it’s why this year’s upcoming City budget negotiations really, really matter.
Putting on my financial analyst hat – two quick points:
1.) Farewell to Housing First.
These negotiations will test whether or not the Council finally puts the deeply flawed and brutally expensive Housing First homelessness strategy in our rear view mirrors. We should all support Mayor Matt on his proposed strategic shift and the reassignment of Measure E funds to Shelter First.
2.) Honest Fiscal Discipline.
These negotiations will also be a test of the Council’s executive and fiscal courage. It’s one thing to move money around and demand dashboards. But all of that means nothing if there isn’t action that ensues. The really hard–the really important–decisions are when executives face facts and say:
- “This project is not delivering”–and then redirecting it.
- “This team is chasing the wrong goals”–and then reorganizing it.
- “This idea (especially an idea a politician once supported) simply isn’t panning out”–and then shutting it down.
The City spends D3 taxpayer’s money with the stated commitment that it will do so carefully, and with an eye toward palpably delivering what D3 residents want. If the City doesn’t do that, we are in the Fiscal Dysfunction Zone. In which special interests stop us from fulfilling resident demands. And in which bureaucratic inertia blocks a pivot to this year’s needs.
I encourage all of us to communicate with interim D3 CM Carl Salas and with Mayor Matt to support aggressive changes to the city’s financial priorities.
We deserve city services that actually deliver on what we pay for, not Taxation without Realization.
Forward with smart, honest management,
Irene
(Above photo from D3 meet & greet on 2/19.)
Campaign update:
- If you’ve been waiting for yard signs, the order just came in (Yippee!) so let us know:
Get Involved — Donate, Volunteer, Yard Signs
- Our next forum 3/6 At San Jose Women’s Club.
- And ICYMI – The Merc profiles our D3 campaign
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Irene Smith for San José City Council D3 2025, FPPC# 1477385