The City of San Jose has released its latest budget forecast, and while the projected shortfall has dropped from $60 million to $45.7 million, the threat of layoffs and service cuts is still very real.

Mayor Matt Mahan is pushing a false choice—he wants to permanently shift Measure E affordable housing dollars to fund his tiny home project, leaving essential services at risk. This is not the only option, and we must continue to apply pressure to stop cuts to jobs and city services.

What’s in the Five-Year Budget Forecast?

We are in a critical fight to protect jobs and public services in San Jose. The City’s $60 million budget shortfall threatens not only vacant positions but active employees and the vital services our community relies on. We have only weeks to ensure this budget does not include layoffs or additional cuts to City services.

What MEF-AFSCME Local 101 Is Doing to Fight Back

We are working in coalition with IFPTE Local 21 and Firefighters Union Local 230, which has been actively working to prevent layoffs and find responsible budget solutions:

✅ Regular Meetings with the Mayor’s Office – We’ve established direct discussions with the Mayor and his budget team to push for alternatives to layoffs.
✅ Exposing Flawed Cost-Saving Measures – The City administration has unilaterally and, in violation of our MOA, cut hours for some employees in a rushed attempt to save money. We are fighting back using the grievance and arbitration procedures and filing charges with the State Public Employees Relations Board (PERB).
✅ Identifying Real Savings – We have already identified millions in potential savings the City could use, including:

• $10 million in savings from hiring freezes and expenditure cuts (which came at the cost of our members being forced to do more with less).

• Millions in encumbrances within City contracts that could be freed up if properly accounted for.

✅ Pushing for Smarter Budget Choices – We are calling on the City to:

• Tap into the $61M Budget Stabilization Reserve

• Use the $14M Salaries and Benefits Reserve

• Increase the assumed vacancy rate from 2% to 5% – This simple adjustment would fully resolve the City’s budget crisis and put San Jose in a stronger position to hire and retain staff.

Here is What We Need From You…

The City of San Jose is facing a critical budget shortfall, and layoffs of active staff are on the table. You may have seen City Manager Jennifer Maguire’s January 30th email confirming that the City is implementing cost control measures to address an alleged $60 million General Fund shortfall. This includes exploring the possibility of cutting occupied positions, not just vacant ones.

As public service workers, we know firsthand that when staffing levels are reduced, our community suffers. Poor staffing leads to longer wait times, delayed services, and reduced support for the families who rely on us every day. That’s why, as a first step, we’re calling on you to sign the pledge to protect public services and fight against layoffs.

➡️ [Sign the Pledge Here] https://tinyurl.com/sanjose4us

By signing the pledge, you commit to: