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.
Bringing Transparency and Sunshine to City Hall
“I, Chuck Reed, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California; that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I'm about to Enter.”
Mayor Reed has been committed to restoring integrity, transparency and public trust in City Hall. During his tenure, the City Council has approved more than 30 Reed Reforms, 40 sunshine reforms and more than a dozen biennial ethics review recommendations. Among these accomplishments:
The budget process has been opened to community input and participation.
Agendas, staff reports and policy documents are now posted at least 10 days in advance of Council meetings, ensuring that the public has time to make their voice heard before major votes. View Council Meeting agendas
Council members must disclose when they meet with lobbyists, as well as e-mails and text messages received during Council meetings from lobbyists and special interests. View the Mayor's & Councilmembers' online calendars
San José became the first major city to designate electronic communications regarding city business that are sent/received through personal devices or accounts as public records.
Featured Open Government News & Updates
Council Adopts Policy to Make Labor Negotiations More Transparent
UPDATED: 1/27/2011
The City Council unanimously adopted Mayor Reed’s modifications to the Council's labor negotiation policy, including a recommendation that the City Manager present labor proposals to the Council in open session. The change, which addresses concerns from city labor groups, will allow employee representatives to comment on their proposals and have confidence that they are being presented accurately to the City Council.Read the memo
Other Recent Open Government News
Memo on Non-Profit Advocacy - UPDATED: 9/20/2011
Mayor Reed has proposed new rules to increase transparency when non-profit organizations advocate for an expenditure or budget action of more than $100,000. Read the memo. The proposal has since been referred to the next Biennial Ethics Review.
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.
