Ortiz said East San Jose has historically lacked a coordinated economic development strategy, resulting in investments that are often disconnected from one another.<\/p>\n
\u201cEconomic development is not separate from public safety, or parks or infrastructure,\u201d Ortiz told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight. \u201cIt\u2019s what makes those investments possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
The city has traditionally concentrated economic development efforts in downtown and North San Jose, Ortiz said, while East San Jose has lacked a strategy designed specifically for its needs.<\/p>\n
The framework would include a consultant-led process involving community meetings with residents, business owners, nonprofit groups and other stakeholders. Ortiz said the effort would examine underutilized properties, commercial corridors and potential funding sources from city, county, state, federal, philanthropic and private partners.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I hope this framework to be as a deliverable is essentially a guiding document for a place-based, East San Jose focused economic strategy,\u201d Ortiz said.<\/p>\n
His office helped push forward the Alum Rock Santa Clara Street Business Association<\/a> and supported the creation of a business improvement district along the corridor. Ortiz also worked with community partners to establish an entertainment zone near Mexican Heritage Plaza<\/a>, which is intended to encourage events and attract more visitors to the area.<\/p>\n The city also funded a series of public murals<\/a> throughout East San Jose, including projects near Story and King roads and in the Mayfair neighborhood<\/a>. Ortiz said his office helped secure funding for the expansion of Mexican Heritage Plaza, which is expected to add new community and cultural amenities.<\/p>\n While Ortiz envisions a long-term strategy focused on economic growth, some business owners said they continue to face immediate challenges.<\/p>\n \u201cThings have improved since 2023. The city has cleaned up the homeless situation, but the real problem is the unlicensed street vendors,\u201d a business owner at La Placita, who asked to remain anonymous to protect his privacy, told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight. \u201cWe have the right to earn a living, but we also have the responsibility to adhere to the rules and regulations of the city.\u201d<\/p>\n Business owners at the shopping center said street closures for Sunday lowrider events<\/a> can affect sales during one of the busiest business days of the week. These store owners told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight they would like the city to seek more input from small businesses when planning events that impact access to commercial areas. They pointed out that East San Jose would benefit more from community events that attract customers.<\/p>\n
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