November 1 , 2007
Chu and Deputy City Manager to Discuss Process for Membership on Commission
(San José, CA) –On Thursday, Councilmember Kansen Chu joined Deputy City Manager Mark Linder to discuss the process surrounding the formation of the citywide Neighborhoods Commission. City staff, Redevelopment Agency staff have begun the process of identifying and recruiting key neighborhood and community organizations.
“One of the key-elements to becoming a member of the Neighborhoods Commission is that they need to be active in their neighborhood.” said Chu. “I hope those that have been thinking about getting involved will use this opportunity to actually get involved with their neighborhood.”
The Neighborhoods Commission would provide a neighborhood voice to City leadership in prioritizing neighborhood spending, infrastructure, and quality of life issues. There will be three representatives from each of the ten Council Districts, for a total of thirty members. To empower neighborhoods, membership on the commission will be determined by an application process, screening process, and nomination by the neighborhood caucus in each council district.
“The Neighborhoods Commission aligns well with the work of building strong neighborhoods in San Jose -- as the commission and caucus framework have the potential to significantly shape the City’s culture of civic engagement and to support the development and growth of neighborhood organizations citywide,” said Mark Linder.
On September 25, 2007, the Mayor and City Council unanimously approved the creation of a two-year Neighborhoods Commission pilot project subject to approval of the commission work plan. The Neighborhood Commission is expected to be appointed in 2008.
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Cary Chien, Councilmember's Office
office 408-535-4904
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