San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has positioned himself as a rising political figure, drawing attention beyond city limits with a mix of controversial proposals and bold policies. However, the future of his career depends heavily on the state of San Jose at the end of his term and whether his ambitious promises translate into tangible results. His leadership has been marked by efforts to address homelessness, improve public safety, and stimulate economic growth, yet these policies have sparked both support and criticism across the city.

Mahan has built his political image around “common sense” solutions to homelessness, a pressing crisis that continues to define San Jose’s challenges. His strategy emphasizes temporary shelters over permanent affordable housing, a move that has increased the number of people brought indoors but has not reversed the rise in overall homelessness. Recent counts show 6,503 homeless residents, an increase from the previous year, though the number of sheltered individuals has improved. Under his leadership, San Jose has nearly reached its 95% shelter utilization target and is on track to open 1,400 new shelter beds by year-end, including spaces for households living in RVs. Mahan argues that focusing on interim housing allows the city to respond faster, and his policy to arrest homeless individuals who repeatedly refuse shelter has added a controversial edge to his approach.

Critics accuse the mayor of criminalizing homelessness and focusing on optics rather than long-term solutions. Advocates argue that without permanent affordable housing, temporary shelters only provide short-term relief while wealth inequality continues to drive the crisis. On the other hand, supporters believe his policies offer hope, citing positive results from programs targeting RV parking and encampments. The debate over his methods underscores the larger struggle of balancing compassion with enforcement in addressing homelessness.

In terms of public safety and accountability, Mahan has implemented initiatives aimed at increasing transparency, including a public data dashboard tracking progress on issues such as street cleanliness and safety. Surveys show a slight uptick in residents’ perceptions of safety and cleanliness, while code enforcement caseloads have declined. However, satisfaction with services like graffiti removal, illegal dumping, and abandoned vehicle cleanup has fallen. His proposal to link pay raises for city officials to performance was rejected by the council, highlighting the limits of his influence in a system where the mayor has no extraordinary power over other council members.

Economic development has remained a central focus of his administration as he seeks to energize downtown San Jose, attract businesses, and boost the city’s tax base. Downtown vibrancy ratings have stagnated below targets, reflecting the challenges of revitalizing the area. With major international events such as the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl approaching, Mahan aims to ensure San Jose benefits economically, avoiding a repeat of previous missed opportunities when nearby cities drew most of the revenue and attention.

Critics of his economic policies point to lengthy permit approval times that discourage small business growth, while supporters highlight achievements such as a historic power agreement with PG&E, paving the way for infrastructure improvements, new data centers, and high-voltage transmission lines capable of powering 1.5 million homes. This deal represents a significant milestone for the city’s future growth and tax revenue potential.

Mahan’s leadership has been characterized by a CEO-like approach that blends business-minded policies with political ambition. His willingness to challenge state leaders and pursue policies that sometimes clash with progressive agendas has boosted his profile but also invited scrutiny. As San Jose continues to grapple with homelessness, public safety concerns, and economic uncertainty, the outcomes of his policies will determine not only the city’s direction but also his own political trajectory. Whether his strategies ultimately deliver sustainable results or remain divisive experiments will shape his legacy in the years to come.