San José

An Ecosystem for Thriving Civic Life, Downtown

San José is cultivating an ecosystem of public spaces downtown, reimagining them as inclusive, dynamic and enriching hubs of civic life for the city’s nearly 1 million diverse residents. The local collaboration is transforming an underutilized park with new landscaping, site furnishings, programming and active transport connections; turning a neglected lot into a local food destination; and maximizing the potential of a historic civic square by turning it into an inviting urban hub. These investments will reinvigorate downtown with the heartbeat of community – and demonstrate the power of investing strategically in a network of civic assets.

"The best cities have the best public spaces — and our downtown spaces, streets, and Guadalupe River Park are key in achieving this world-class vision. Through intentional investment, San Joséans will have clean, activated public spaces for neighbors to connect and a gateway to the restaurants, parks, art, and experiences our Downtown has to offer."

–Mayor Matt Mahan, City of San José

In San José, we are connected by our shared spaces woven through downtown. We believe in the power of dynamic parks, streets and public spaces to bring us together and invigorate our city.

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A Collaborative Effort

Convener

Guadalupe River Park Conservancy

Collaborators

City of San José
- Office of Economic Development & Cultural Affairs
- Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services
- Department of Transportation
San José Downtown Association
SPUR
Veggielution

The JPB Foundation
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
The Kresge Foundation
William Penn Foundation

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