San Jose 2025 Recap

Urban Development and Housing

Major projects advanced downtown revitalization, including new renderings for the Fountain Alley mixed-use towers designed by Bjarke Ingels Group—featuring 768 apartments, retail space, and bike-focused amenities.

Tech and Economic Growth

2025 marked a significant year for San Jose's role in the AI boom, driven by massive investments in data centers and infrastructure. The city planned to double its power capacity with two gigawatts over five years, supported by $2.4 billion from PG&E, to accommodate surging demand from AI computing. Nvidia advanced its presence by converting an office building in North San Jose into a data center and expanding its campus.

Tourism, Business, and Downtown Vitality

Downtown San Jose saw record momentum, with 15.9 million visitors in the first half of the year alone. Business growth included 16 new food and beverage spots, 933 new business tax certificates citywide, rising hotel occupancy, and food sales tax revenue exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 21%. The year built excitement for major 2026 events like the Super Bowl and World Cup.

Safety Improvements

San Jose earned recognition as America's safest major city in a SmartAsset study of the 50 largest U.S. cities, topping metrics for low violent crime, property crime, and emergency response. Local reports noted a nearly 12% drop in crimes against persons in the first ten months. Other analyses showed mixed results, placing the city around average nationally.

Cultural Events and Community Highlights

The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest stood out with performances, crowds, and giant Alebrijes folk-art sculptures at Plaza de César Chávez. Holiday traditions like the Blinky’s Drive-Thru lights at Christmas in the Park drew families, alongside exhibits celebrating the South Bay's musical heritage.

San Jose's Momentum Builds: Record Visitors and Business Growth in 2025

Downtown San Jose welcomed 15.9 million visitors from January to June this year, marking a clear increase from the previous period. This surge reflects growing interest in the area's attractions, from new restaurants to public events that draw crowds. Sixteen food and beverage spots opened in the past 12 months, adding fresh options for dining and gathering. Events like DJ performances by Fisher and Steve Aoki on Santa Clara Street brought thousands together, fostering a sense of community pride against the backdrop of City Hall.

Public art installations have also played a role in enlivening the spaces. Giant folk-art sculptures known as Alebrijes appeared around Plaza de Cesar Chavez during the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, offering unique experiences that encourage exploration. City leaders emphasize activating public areas creatively to attract more people, building on the organic energy from local developers and restaurateurs who shape the Downtown vibe from within.

Safety remains a priority, with San Jose earning recognition as the safest large U.S. city in a recent study. Crime against persons dropped nearly 12 percent in the first ten months compared to last year, while efforts to address homelessness have cleared encampments along the Guadalupe River and improved areas like Arena Green. These steps contribute to a cleaner, more welcoming environment that supports the return of office workers and boosts visitor confidence.

Business activity shows strong progress citywide, with 933 new business tax certificates issued this year, including 104 in Downtown. Hotel occupancy rose about 3 percent, and food and beverage sales tax revenue hit an all-time high, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 21 percent. This growth positions San Jose as a dynamic hub ready for major events in the coming year, like the Super Bowl and World Cup matches.

Source: SVBJ

New Renderings Showcase Innovative Tower Design for Downtown San Jose

Fresh renderings have emerged for the Fountain Alley mixed-use project at 35 South Second Street in Downtown San Jose, revealing a pair of residential towers designed by the renowned Bjarke Ingels Group. The development sits along South Second Street between Santa Clara and San Fernando Streets, near the historic Bank of Italy tower. This project forms part of a broader master plan led by developers Westbank and Urban Community, aiming to enhance the urban fabric with modern housing and community spaces.

The two towers reach heights of 279 feet and 289 feet, featuring balconies lined with trees to integrate greenery into the skyline. Materials such as aluminum, terracotta-toned glass-fiber-reinforced concrete, and curtainwall glass create a distinctive facade that blends contemporary style with the surrounding environment. Bionic handles the landscape architecture, while Kier and Wright serve as civil engineers, and Glotman Simpson oversees structural engineering, ensuring a thoughtful approach to the site's integration.

Inside, the project includes 768 apartments with a mix of 177 studios, 413 one-bedroom units, 152 two-bedroom options, and 26 three-bedroom residences. About 38 units will offer affordable housing for very low-income households through state density bonus provisions. Ground-floor retail spans 10,700 square feet, complemented by a pedestrian plaza, 45,000 square feet of basement parking, and space for 417 bicycles in a four-level subterranean garage. The total built area covers 831,600 square feet, primarily dedicated to housing.

This addition promises to bring more residents and activity to Downtown San Jose, supporting the area's evolution into a lively hub for living and leisure. Six projects in total are underway from the same developers in Downtown San Jose, including one already in early construction stages.

For more details, visit https://sfyimby.com/2025/12/new-renderings-for-big-designed-tower-in-downtown-san-jose.html.

San Jose's Energy Surge: Doubling Power Capacity for Data Center Boom

San Jose is preparing to double its current power usage with two gigawatts of new capacity arriving over the next five years. This expansion targets areas ripe for development, including greenfield sites and empty warehouses ready for transformation. PG&E is committing $2.4 billion to upgrade infrastructure, ensuring reliable energy delivery that supports rapid growth in the tech sector.

Data centers emerge as a key focus, with city leaders highlighting their potential to benefit everyone. These facilities could generate utility tax revenue to fund essential services like police, fire departments, and libraries. At the same time, the added load from data centers might reduce residential utility rates by spreading infrastructure costs across a broader base, preventing hikes for existing customers.

To streamline progress, San Jose has formed a dedicated data center development team. This group guides developers through city processes, accelerating projects across the city's 180 square miles of available land. The initiative invites investment, positioning San Jose as a competitive alternative in Silicon Valley despite past challenges like high costs and power limits.

As neighboring areas like Santa Clara also enhance their capacities, the region as a whole strengthens. For residents and businesses, these developments promise jobs, economic vitality, and a forward-looking city embracing the demands of advanced technology.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose's Musical Heritage Takes Center Stage: South Bay Flashback Exhibit

History Park's Leonard and David McKay Gallery hosts an exhibit that dives into San Jose's pivotal place in rock history. Titled South Bay Flashback: Riffs, Rhythms, and Revolution, the display features '60s rock posters from concerts that shaped the era. Icons like Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane performed here, laying groundwork for cultural shifts that extended beyond music into technology and innovation.

San Jose played a key role in the counterculture movement, influenced by figures from the Beat generation such as Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Ken Kesey. While places like Haight-Ashbury and Monterey gained wider fame, the South Bay quietly fueled these transformations. This collection reminds visitors of the city's contributions, encouraging a fresh appreciation for its archives preserved through efforts like those of the McKay family.

Recent events build on this legacy, including the December 4 unveiling of a Grateful Dead plaque at City Hall by San Jose Rocks. Such markers honor the band's ties to the area and draw attention to ongoing stories. Meanwhile, the independent live music scene thrives at unexpected spots like AJ's Bikini Bar and Jade Cathay Cantonese restaurant, where performers keep the spirit alive despite venue changes.

For more on the exhibit, visit https://historysanjose.org/

Source: San Jose Inside

Goodwill's New Collaborative Space will Boost San Jose Nonprofits

Goodwill of Silicon Valley recently purchased a $17 million office building at 1600 Technology Drive in San Jose. This acquisition not only provides a new home for Goodwill, relocating from their previous location at 1080 North Seventh Street, but also opens up opportunities for other organizations to join in. The nearly 200,000-square-foot facility is designed to become a shared environment where nonprofits can operate together, fostering stronger community ties.

The first organization to move in is Abode Services, a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to homeless services and affordable housing. They have secured a five-year lease for one entire floor at a below-market rate. Starting next week, Abode will consolidate operations from four different sites, including their administrative office in Fremont, into this San Jose location. This setup promises efficiency and closer collaboration with like-minded groups.

By turning the building into a hub for nonprofits and innovators, Goodwill aims to encourage the exchange of ideas, build partnerships, and create effective solutions for local challenges. San Jose benefits from this kind of initiative, as it strengthens the network of support services available to residents. More organizations are expected to join, expanding the impact on issues like housing and community development.

This development underscores San Jose's potential as a leader in social progress, where collaborative spaces help address pressing needs. As these nonprofits settle in, the city gains another asset in its efforts to support vulnerable populations and promote inclusive growth. Residents interested in getting involved can explore volunteer opportunities with these organizations to contribute directly.

Source: SVBJ

Merry Christmas 2025!

We hope that you and your family have the best holidays this year!

If you feel like driving through neighborhoods to find the best decorated homes in San Jose, there is a handy website for that over here. Some of the homes have been featured on TV shows and even have light shows synced to music. It's a handy guide for a holiday adventure!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄🎅🎁

Blinky's Drive-Thru Holiday Lights: San Jose's Sparkling Tradition Glows Brighter in 2025

San Jose welcomes back a beloved holiday staple with Blinky's Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show at Christmas in the Park, transforming the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds into a wonderland of festive illuminations. This drive-thru experience invites families and friends to cruise through elaborate light displays from the comfort of their vehicles, creating memorable evenings under twinkling arches and animated scenes. Open through December 31, the event runs on weeknights from 6 to 10 p.m. and weekends from 5 to 11 p.m., with a special Black Friday start on November 28 from 6 to 11 p.m.

The Fairgrounds location, accessible via Gate F on Umbarger Road, makes it easy for anyone in the South Bay to join the fun, whether coming from Downtown San Jose or further south. As cars wind through the path, guests encounter vibrant setups that highlight holiday themes, from classic winter motifs to playful surprises. This year's iteration builds on the tradition's appeal, drawing crowds eager for a low-key yet enchanting outing that supports local festivities. Donations through the Christmas in the Park Annual Giving Campaign help sustain these efforts, ensuring the lights shine for generations.

For tickets starting at $25, visit https://christmasinthepark.myshopify.com/pages/blinkys-drive-thru-2025

Nvidia is Building a Data Center in North San Jose

An office building in North San Jose gains new purpose as Nvidia transforms it into a data center. The company began leasing the nearly 100,000-square-foot property at 300 Holger Way late last year. Owned by a Menlo Equities affiliate, the site undergoes exterior renovations now, with full data center work set to start in December 2026 and finish by July 2027.

This move aligns with the rising demand for AI infrastructure across the Bay Area. Data centers form the backbone for advanced computing, and Nvidia's expansion highlights San Jose's role in this sector. Recent deals nearby include a $97 million purchase of a data center in Santa Clara and plans for mixed-use development with a data center in Downtown San Jose.

Operations at the facility will run around the clock every day, including holidays. Security measures feature on-site staff, cameras, and badge-only access for authorized personnel. The setup ensures smooth integration with the neighborhood through adherence to local codes on noise, lighting, and environmental standards.

Nvidia's commitment also extends beyond this project, with recent acquisitions of office space in Santa Clara for further expansion.

Source: TheRealDeal

Sutter Health's Building a New Hospital Campus in Santa Clara

Sutter Health plans to build an eight-story, 272-bed hospital near Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, marking the centerpiece of a $2.8 billion investment in the region. This development, alongside a recently opened east campus and new ambulatory centers focused on cancer and women's health, represents the organization's largest facilities commitment ever. Set for completion in 2031, the project occupies 13.6 acres along Mission College Boulevard, close to Highway 101 and Great American Parkway, enhancing access for San Jose residents and the broader Silicon Valley community.

The new facility will feature private patient rooms with capacity for 30 additional beds, a full-service emergency department, intensive care units, labor and delivery suites, operating rooms, and a rooftop helipad for rapid transports. Two existing buildings on the site will be demolished, while three others remain for quicker adaptation into care spaces, potentially ready for patients within a few years. This expansion builds on Sutter's longstanding presence through the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, which has served the area since 1993 and now recruits 100 more physicians.

By opening, the campuses will employ around 3,000 staff and clinicians, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy. The initiative addresses the region's shortage of hospital beds, easing strain on facilities like Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and fostering competition with providers such as Kaiser Permanente and Good Samaritan Hospital. Faster critical care becomes possible, meeting residents where they live and work in this growing tech hub.

This project completes Sutter's network on the Peninsula, offering integrated services from Burlingame to Sunnyvale and beyond. For San Jose, it means elevated healthcare options, drawing top talent and positioning the city as a leader in medical innovation amid Silicon Valley's dynamic landscape.

For more details on Sutter Health's expansion, visit https://www.sutterhealth.org/

Source: SVBJ