It is important for San José residents to have confidence in their government. The special interest groups, the lobbyists, the influence peddlers, and the fixers will not run City Hall.
Open Government Resources
The following resources have been placed here to help you understand and navigate San José’s various open government policies. If you have additional questions, please visit the City Clerk’s website or contact their office at (408) 535-1260 or cityclerk@sanjoseca.gov.
San José has a strict Lobbyist Ordinance that governs individuals who seek to influence city policy. Most recently updated in 2007, the ordinance details registration criteria, disclosure requirements, prohibitions and penalties.
Visit the City Clerk’s Lobbyist Information page for FAQ’s, forms, lobbying/fundraising reports as well as the actual ordinance.
In August 2007, the San José City Council approved a proposal requiring the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and Redevelopment Agency Executive Director to maintain online calendars. View these calendars and find out who your city officials are meeting with and talking to.
To ensure that the public has an opportunity to participate in their local government, the city posts notices and agendas for all city meetings at least 10 days in advance. These meeting schedules and agendas can be found via the links below:
These pages also include links to previous meeting synopses and minutes. Individual documents also include links to staff reports/policy documents for the various agenda items.
Video recordings of City Council, Council Committee and other special meetings can be found at Civic Center Television.
The public has a right to access information concerning the conduct of the people’s business.
The City will respond to Public Records Act requests within 10 days and a record will not be withheld from disclosure unless:
it is clearly exempt under applicable laws, or
the public interest served by withholding the record clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure.
Visit the city’s Public Records Act webpage to learn more about the city’s policy on public records, the protocol for making requests and other FAQ’s.
Office of Mayor Chuck Reed
200 East Santa Clara Street San José, CA 95113
tel. (408) 535-4800 fax (408) 292-6422 mayoremail@sanjoseca.gov
The City of San Jose is committed to open and honest government and strives to consistently meet the community’s expectations by providing excellent service, in a positive and timely manner, and in the full view of the public.
or contact their office at (408) 535-1260 or 
