MAY 13, 2026 | Rules & Open Government/Committee of the Whole

The City of San Jose's Rules and Open Government Committee met on May 13, 2026, to discuss several agenda items including the expansion of ministerial approval processes for housing development applications and the reinstatement of remote public participation in city council meetings. The committee reviewed a memo recommending citywide expansion of ministerial approvals to streamline housing development, but staff highlighted significant workload constraints that could delay implementation. The committee agreed to defer detailed prioritization discussions to the upcoming budget cycle and related committee meetings. Additionally, the committee unanimously approved a memo to reinstate remote public participation for council meetings starting with the June budget hearings, aiming to improve accessibility and inclusivity for residents, especially those with disabilities or other barriers to in-person attendance. The discussion included plans to implement the remote participation policy by July 1, 2026, in compliance with SB 707, with further consideration for extending this to advisory committees and commissions. Public comments strongly supported remote participation as a means to enhance civic engagement and equity. No contract awards or vendor selections were discussed, but the meeting addressed policy and procedural decisions that could impact future procurement and administrative priorities related to housing development and public engagement technology.