Neighborhoods Commission

STFNA Admin — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:06:59 GMT

The San Jose City Council approved creation of a two-year Neighborhoods Commission pilot in autumn 2007. Since that time, work has been in process to prepare for Commissioner selection (the Neighborhoods Commission will have neighborhoods directly select those who will represent their District through a formal caucus, which will then be ratified and appointed by Council).

Here are the timelines that all neighborhoods, and individuals interested in applying for the role of Neighborhoods Commissioner, should be aware of:

Neighborhood Group Registration submission deadline: April 4, 2008

Neighborhood Group Delegate Designation deadline: seven (7) days prior to the District Caucus. If this date falls on a weekend, the deadline shall be the end of business (5:00 PM) the Friday prior.

Neighborhoods Commissioner Applications will be accepted starting: March 3, 2008

Neighborhoods Commissioner Applications submission deadline: April 4, 2008

District Neighborhood Caucus Period: May 17, 2008 through June 14, 2008

Neighborhoods Commission seated: Fall 2008

Our new San Jose Neighborhoods Commission will advocate for all San Jose neighborhoods. The mission of this body is to integrate the voice of neighborhoods into the City of San Jose’s decision-making processes. This includes the study, review, and evaluation of issues, courses of action, and policies/ programs affecting San Jose neighborhoods, and making recommendations to the City Council and Redevelopment Agency. The City Council will look to this body as a resource when reviewing matters with an impact on neighborhoods, and the Neighborhoods Commission will be consulted on matters of significant community interest that may come before the Council.

The Commission will be a forum for the following:
· Provide a neighborhood voice to City Leadership in prioritizing neighborhood spending, infrastructure, and quality of life issues.
· Consult with appropriate City Department/ Staff regarding documentation of best practices and to support the development of vibrant neighborhood organizations.
· Receive information from City Staff and offering advice and consultation on inter-neighborhood issues.
· May accept petitions from recognized neighborhood groups that request review.
· Promote enhanced communication and resolution of issues between neighborhoods and the City of San Jose.

The Neighborhoods Commission will also request that the City Council (through the Neighborhood Services and Education Council Committee) provide yearly input regarding work plan items that the Commission may review and in doing so, add the benefit of our neighborhood voices for robust and comprehensive civic engagement.

Neighborhoods Commission Frequently Asked Questions »

City of San José Neighborhoods Commission Overview and Caucus Process »

Link to Neighborhoods Commission Information and Application/ Process at the San Jose City Clerk website: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/Clerk/commissionboard/NC/NC.asp

The San Jose Neighborhood Development Center can also be contacted for information at (408) 723-4114. The NDC is also in the process of posting a webpage which will be available shortly.

Please contact Lynne Paulson if you need further information. Email: LynneP@stfna.org

STFNA (Santa Teresa Foothills Neighborhood Association) Neighborhoods Commission

Neighborhoods Commission