Senator Cortese’s Statement Regarding State Audit on San Jose’s Homeless Funding

Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) released the following statement regarding his recent request for the State Auditor to conduct a review of San Jose’s use of state and federal funds to combat homelessness:

As more of our neighbors die on our streets, it’s important that we take expedient action to ensure state funding to address this crisis is aligned to meet our local needs. This audit will sample the outcomes and efficacy of our state funding programs including Project Roomkey and Project Homekey, as well as federal stimulus funds.  I am pleased to see the City of San Jose respond to this request with efforts to improve transparency, and I’m sure that greater transparency will help expedite the State Auditor’s review.”

The City of San Jose’s Rules and Open Government Committee, on December 7th, moved forward with a proposal to launch a public webpage to display how the City is using its funds to address homelessness.

The audit will also review how the City, as well as other local agencies, has identified and addressed public safety and health issues, such as rodent infestations and the accumulation of trash, at local encampments. 

The audit request will go before the State’s Joint Committee on Legislative Audit for approval.