New community advisory commission for Google grants in San Jose, CA

On Tues., August 16, City Council voted unanimously to create a new 13-member commission that will distribute $155 million in Google grants to local communities. 💰

We’re breaking down the commission’s goals + how to get involved.

💵 Where’d this money come from?

It’s not everyday that a tech giant decides to move into town. In case you missed it, Google’s Downtown West development was approved last year — which will transform a huge area between Downtown + Midtown.

The project will include :

• 7.3 million sqft of offices
• Up to 5,900 housing units
• 15 acres of plazas + green spaces
• 500,000 sqft of retail, art space, hotels, and more

As part of this huge move, Google agreed to invest up to $200 million to minimize community displacement.

🏛️ What’s this commission?

Get ready — the name’s a bit of a mouthful: The Community Stabilization and Opportunity Pathways Fund Commission.

This commission’s job will be to distribute Google’s investment to communities at risk of being priced out of San Jose — as outlined in Google’s Social Infrastructure Plan . Funding will focus on areas including affordable housing, small business support, occupational skills training, scholarships, and more .

Commission members must be San Jose residents or workers + reflect our city’s diversity . They will receive a $200/month stipend across two consecutive four-year terms. Of the 13 members:

• Five must have had lived experience with homelessness
• Eight must have professional experience within affordable housing, mental health, health care, STEAM education, or other community services

The commission will also include non-voting members from city government, Google, and major project funders.

✋ How can I be involved?

Applications to serve on this commission are now open , and must be submitted by 12 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 24. Set aside 1-2 hours to complete the application. 📝

A virtual meeting will take place on Thurs., Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. to address application questions.

The City hopes to seat commission members by December. The group will then develop a five-year strategic plan next year, and by 2024, Google will deliver the first $15 million in grants.

We’ll be updating you through this process.