The county is trying to find what land it already owns on which to build below-market-rate housing for the region’s poorest residents. 

Supervisor Joe Simitian called the spending plan a “smart, humane and cost-effective” way to prevent homelessness.

As state lawmakers debate measures that would allow homeless students to park overnight on campus, dorms offers an alternate path.

Last month, Cecilia Martin became one of more than 140 once-chronically homeless tenants to move into the first-of-its-kind complex.

The question of whether to raise taxes forged an unlikely alliance between the most conservative and most progressive council members. 

If elected officials had the political will, they’d address the issues with the seriousness it deserves rather than platitudes like “we can do better.”

San Jose’s homeless population went from 4,350 in 2017 to 6,172 this year. For Santa Clara County, it grew by 31 percent.

Such an emergency facility would provide basic shelter, showers, food, storage of belongings, and should permit animal companions.

The first-term councilwoman, who represents the city’s affluent and politically active Willow Glen district, says she welcomes the challenge.

The program would make San Jose eligible for state funds to incorporate minority and lower-income dispensary workers into the local industry.