New Fees, Fee Increases in the City of San Jose

Despite a severe economic downturn, the City of San Jose continues to enact new fees and increase existing fees on businesses at an alarming rate. This paper reviews the fee structure and increases enacted by the city’s major departments over the 2008-09 and 2009-10 budget years. Additionally, the paper reviews what other cities have done with regard to fees to spur economic growth, and outlines the Chamber’s proposals to address the city’s out-of-control fee increases.
To read the full New Fees, Fee Increases Position Paper click on this link

Pension/Benefit Reform in the City of San Jose

Since 1999 the City of San Jose has granted generous enhancements to public employee pensions and health benefits, particularly for police and fire fighters, that the city can no longer afford. Current estimates show that nearly 50% of total staff costs go to pensions and benefits. This paper outlines the problems with the current pension benefit system in the City of San Jose and provide the policy justification for enacting a series reforms.
To read the full New Fees, Fee Increases Position Paper click on this link

Contracting Out Process in the City of San Jose

The City of San Jose is expected to face a $116 million budget deficit next year and must reduce costs for the provision of public services. Contracting out services to the private and non-profit sectors has been used successfully by other metropolitan cities in California and across the nation to reduce costs while improving or maintaining the quality of public services. This papers outlines problems with the city’s current process and offers solutions to make contracting out for services a viable option for the City of San Jose.
To read the full New Fees, Fee Increases Position Paper click on this link

Attracting and Retaining Jobs in the City of San Jose

The City of San Jose’s unemployment rate has doubled in just one year – rising from 6.7% in 2008 to 13.2% in October 2009, according to Mayor Chuck Reed’s Office. Attracting and retaining jobs in the City of San Jose should be the city’s top priority. This paper outlines numerous proposals and programs that can help the local economy. Additionally, the paper outlines existing programs San Jose is using – and existing programs the city should take advantage of or adopt to create jobs here in San Jose.
To read the full New Fees, Fee Increases Position Paper click on this link