
Advocacy
A message about Measure A Vote in the Special Election by Nov. 4
October 13, 2025
Advocacy, Elections, Legislation
SJAA Team
If it seems like our last election alert was just a few months ago, that’s because it was. On the heels of the race to fill a vacant seat on the San José City Council, a special statewide election is underway. Ballots are landing in mailboxes, and voters have until November 4 to return them....
Support Affordable Housing for Artists Speak up or send an email!
September 29, 2025
Advocacy, Policy
SJAA Team
If you’ve been to the SoFA District in the past few years, you’ve probably seen posted notices of the Gateway Tower development at the confluence of South First, Market, and William Streets. This project received approval from city officials a number of years ago, but stalled out due to COVID and rapidly changing economic factors....
Mayor's March Budget Message FY25-26 We have thoughts!
March 14, 2025
Advocacy
Peter Allen
On Tuesday, March 18, at 4:00pm, the San José City Council will consider Mayor Mahan’s March Budget Message. This is the first step in the budget process, when the Mayor provides direction to the City Manager for how to structure the City’s budget for the coming fiscal year. You can read the full message here....
District 3 Candidate Forums
February 13, 2025
Advocacy, Elections
SJAA Team
ICYMI: We’re hosting a District 3 Candidate Forum for the creative community at 7pm on March 3, and you’re invited! You can learn more and register to receive a Zoom link here. Want to do a deeper dive on the folks vying for this important seat on the City Council? A number of community organizations...
Mayor's March Budget Message FY 24-25 Our budget advocacy begins today!
March 19, 2024
Advocacy, Policy
Today, the San José City Council will be considering Mayor Mahan's March Budget Message, which includes directions to the City Manager for how to structure the City's budget for the coming fiscal year beginning in July. We just sent a letter to the City Council letting them know where we stand!
Speak Up for SJAA Priorities! Attend the Study Session or Send an Email
February 15, 2024
Advocacy, Policy
SJAA Team
As avid readers of our newsletter know, the San José City Council is holding a study session on Arts, Destination Marketing, and Destination Events tomorrow, February 16, beginning at 9:00am. In advance of this special meeting more than a year in the making, SJAA’s Core Team has been educating the Mayor, Councilmembers, and their staffs about...
That’s a wrap for the City budget! Hits and misses for the creative community.
June 16, 2023
Advocacy
The City budget process for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 more or less wrapped up on June 13, when the Council approved the Mayor’s June Budget Message — with a few modifications. While the debate mostly centered around housing issues, there were some big wins for the creative community, as well as a few disappointments. Here’s a quick breakdown for arts advocates.
Final City Budget Hearing Monday, June 12, 2023, 6:00pm
June 12, 2023
Advocacy
The Mayor has released his June Budget Message, and the time has come for final City Council deliberations on how the City will spend its money in the year ahead. But first, they want to hear from you. So we're asking you to READ UP, SPEAK UP, and SHOW UP for the creative industry.
Let's get advocating! Watch our Community Briefing and TAKE ACTION!
March 20, 2023
Advocacy, Policy
With six brand new City Councilmembers and a fresh face in the Mayor’s chair, it’s time for us to come together and refocus our advocacy as they begin to set a path forward. We can’t wait to get started with you!