While Mahan courts wealthy special interests, San Jose working families continue to be priced out

THE FACTS

Under Mahan’s watch, the City of San Jose topped the list of the least affordable housing markets in the world. His repeated opposition to state housing reforms designed to increase supply and lower costs like SB9 and SB79 have garnered him support from NIMBYs in San Jose. The same groups that have promised to preserve single-family zoning and block new housing in existing neighborhoods.

San Jose has also fallen behind on building new homes, permitting only a small fraction (approximately 9%) of the housing it needs to meet its 2031 state-required goals. Experts have cited that the city would need to exponentially increase its pace to catch up, even as production continues to lag.

The pattern of stagnation in the Mahan administration continues as broader regional trends have shown the same results: the steepest drop in homebuilding permits of any major metro area in the country in recent years.

Even as voters supported Measure E in the hope of building more affordable homes, Mahan directed those funds be shifted away from permanent housing. All the while Mahan touted his commitment to hold the state accountable for housing affordability.

As mayor, Mahan said he would not raise taxes, then changed his position, supporting a sales tax increase.

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