San Jose council declares El Niño emergency and approves $3 million for struggling housing nonprofit

The San Jose City Council unanimously declared a local emergency Tuesday ahead of a forecast strong El Niño storm season, the meeting recording shows.  A staff memo says it lets the city buy supplies and sign contracts faster, matching the governor's Sept. 21 state emergency.

Members also unanimously approved $3 million for First Community Housing, an affordable-housing nonprofit.  Staff said its roughly 20 properties house about 4,000 people.  The city has lent it and its affiliates about $125 million, the Housing memo says.  Up to $1.5 million pays outside advisers through June 30, 2027; the memo's stated goal is to wind down the group within 18 months while keeping residents in their homes.  Another $1.5 million covers about a year of costs at Curtner Studios, a 179-unit building that ran a $585,586 deficit from January through July.

By 9-1, with Bien Doan opposed and Vice Mayor Pam Foley recused, the council amended Apple's 2016 agreement for its North San Jose land.  Apple will pay $2.5 million toward a trail crossing at West Trimble Road, build protected bike lanes and pay $90,000 for transit signals.  By 8-2, with Doan and Rosemary Kamei opposed, it conditionally gave up part of Orchard Parkway.

Source:  City Council meeting recording, Nov. 10, 2026; Amended agenda; staff memos