Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Milpitas public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues with critical priority
South Main Street Property Consolidation and Food Pantry Future
The city is combining five properties along South Main Street into a single 5.78-acre site for future development, raising questions about where the Milpitas Food Pantry will go when the land is sold. Residents and pantry leaders urged the council to keep rent affordable and help find a new home.
Milpitas Community Center Facility Condition and Repairs
The 44-year-old community center faces severe roof and HVAC deterioration, prompting the city to fund immediate band-aid repairs while exploring long-term replacement or major renovation options.
Business Tax Modernization Measure
Milpitas is asking voters to update its 50-year-old business tax system, shifting from an employee count model to a gross-receipts tax. Officials say it will create a fairer system for small businesses while raising an estimated $3 million annually for city services.
Pulte Townhomes Development at S. Main Street
Pulte Homes is proposing to replace the South Bay Tech Center with 272 townhomes and stacked flats, including 41 below-market-rate units. The project has sparked strong community pushback from neighbors worried about privacy and loss of trees, as well as business owners facing displacement.
Goodman Innovation Center Industrial Redevelopment Project
A developer is planning to tear down vacant older buildings on a nearly 17-acre site and build three modern industrial facilities designed to attract advanced manufacturing and high-tech companies, bringing hundreds of jobs to Milpitas.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget and Structural Deficit
The council reviewed mid-year budget adjustments and ongoing fiscal strategies, including contract reviews and overtime assessments, to address structural deficits.
Appointment of Permanent City Manager
Following administrative changes, the city appointed Jared Hernandez as Acting City Manager and initiated recruitment for a permanent executive.
Final Phase Development at The Fields (1320 McCandless Drive)
Lyon Living is seeking approval to transform the long-vacant 5.49-acre site at 1320 McCandless Drive into 109 townhomes, 10 ADUs, and 9 live/work units surrounding a public plaza. The project replaces previously approved high-density apartments and a hotel that proved economically unfeasible.
FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program and Unfunded Infrastructure
The city is planning $206 million in capital investments over the next five years to maintain streets, upgrade parks, and improve water and sewer systems, though a funding gap of over $22 million remains for backlog projects.
Council Vacancy Ordinance Amendment
To prevent special elections that cost up to $3 million, the council introduced an ordinance allowing vacancies to be filled via appointment or a special election within 60 days.
FY 2027-2031 Five-Year General Fund Financial Forecast
The city presented its preliminary financial forecast, showing a reduced structural deficit due to ongoing cost-saving measures and structural reviews. Councilmembers questioned staff extensively regarding overtime costs, workers' compensation claims administration, vacancy rates, and interest earnings on city reserves.
City Attorney Appointment
The city concluded a thorough recruitment process and appointed a new permanent city attorney.