First elected to the San José City Council in a special election in March 2001, Councilmember Nora Campos has twice been overwhelmingly re-elected to represent the 97,000 residents of District Five in East San José. Building strong and safe neighborhoods, supporting and promoting vibrant business districts and increasing the availability of and access to affordable housing have been the continued vision of Councilmember Campos.
Believing strong, equitable neighborhoods are the foundation to great, sustainable cities, the Councilmember has worked hard to bring state-of-the-art facilities and quality infrastructure to the community. Residents enjoy the new Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock and Hillview libraries and young people play safely at the youth-designed Plata Arroyo Skate Park and Alum Rock Youth Center. Additional street lights and an upgraded sanitary sewer system have also improved the quality of life for all residents.
During the FY 08-09 budget process, Councilmember Campos fought to ensure that public safety remains our city’s priority. Residents of the City of San José will benefit from 25 additional police officers patrolling their streets, protecting their children and keeping their neighborhoods, their parks and their schools safe. Councilmember Campos also succeeded in adding over $700,000 to combat gang violence and provide invaluable after- school and summer programs to at-risk youth. The approved $1 million increase in funding for gang intervention and prevention services provided by community-based organizations will also provide ongoing funding to keep youth centers around the city open late on Friday and Saturday nights.
Fire Station No. 2 is the oldest and busiest fire station in the City of San José. Previously funded for a full-rebuild, Fire Station No. 2 was downgraded to a remodel in the FY06-07 budget. Recognizing that this fire station is imperative to the safety of residents in Alum Rock, Berryessa, Evergreen, Downtown and the East Foothills, Councilmember Campos found and fought for funding to fully rebuild the station so that it met seismic standards and essential facility status. The rebuild of Fire Station No. 2 is scheduled to be completed in February 2010.
 
Councilmember Campos’s commitment to economic development has led to unprecedented public and private investment in East San José’s neighborhood business districts. In Alum Rock, an exciting fusion of new transit-oriented mixed-use developments and established, landmark businesses has lead to a renaissance on the Alum Rock corridor. On Story and King Roads, Plaza de San José is a $73.5 million shopping center revitalization that has become the gateway to the Story Road Neighborhood Business District. Major national retailers and financial institutions that previously had little interest in East San José now operate side-by-side with local and ethnic businesses.
Helping people achieve the dream of homeownership remains a priority for Councilmember Campos. Working with the non-profit and development communities, the Councilmember has delivered over 1500 rental, for-sale, and affordable housing units, providing new homes for families, seniors and first-time home buyers.
In addition to her goals for economic and community development, Councilmember Campos has also focused on improving the environment with legislation and capital improvements. In October 2007, Councilmember Campos collaborated with some of her colleagues, Councilmembers Kansen Chu, Judy Chirco and Sam Liccardo, on a memo in support of the development of a workplan to create a citywide policy that mandates a minimum green building standard level of LEED Silver be achieved for projects in the private sector. Green building mandates will ensure that new developments are constructed in an environmentally friendly manner. In January 2008, Councilmember Campos partnered with Mayor Chuck Reed and Councilmember Kansen Chu to put forth a memo urging the City Council to ban the use of single-use, carry-out plastic bags in San José as part of the Green Vision “Zero Waste” goal. These single-use plastic bags are not only harmful to the environment; they also litter our highways, streets and creeks, ultimately blighting our communities.
While legislation that helps minimize San José’s environmental impact are necessary, Councilmember Campos understands that what matters to residents are things that they can see, touch and experience. This is why she has made the completion of the Lower Silver Creek Trail one of her top priorities while in office. The Councilmember knows that it is important for the health of her community and the health of the environment to have access to trails as it encourages active lifestyles and emphasizes District Five’s natural resources.
Councilmember Nora Campos’ vision for her community continues beyond her term as the elected representative for East San José. By developing a foundation of success, Councilmember Campos believes future leaders will be empowered to continue to build a strong, vibrant community for all residents to have the opportunity realize their dreams.
Background
Councilmember Nora Campos was raised in East San José. As a young person, in the company of her parents, she marched side-by-side with Cesar E. Chavez. Councilmember Campos’ early experience with the Farm Worker Movement influenced her decision to enter public service as an adult. Councilmember Nora Campos began her work in the public sector as Community Relations Coordinator, then Chief of Staff for a San José City Councilmember prior to running for office.
Councilmember Nora Campos earned a Bachelor of Arts from San Francisco State University and is an alumnus of the Alum Rock and East Side Union school districts.
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