Measuring What Matters in Downtown San José 

John Doerr says that you have to “measure what matters.” The Downtown Management Team is doing exactly that. Over the years, previous downtown management strategies have focused on different priorities, often centered around making downtown safer, cleaner, or more vibrant. While those priorities remain part of our work today, the Downtown Management Team is now one year into a two-year work plan built around four very specific and measurable goals: 

• Generate 10 commercial lease renewal commitments of 5,000 square feet or more 
• Facilitate 10 new commercial business attractions 
• Achieve a 10% year-over-year increase in Downtown daytime foot traffic 
• Receive a 10% year-over-year increase in positive sentiment in the Focus Area Community Survey 

So how are we doing? 

When it comes to commercial lease renewals, we are making progress, but there is still work to do. As of May, 2026 we have three renewal commitments and are working on several more. What we are learning is that many companies located downtown want to stay, but they are also evaluating other office options within the urban core, especially as some property owners become more competitive on pricing and lease terms. Retaining companies remains just as important as attracting new ones. 

On the attraction side, there has been a notable amount of momentum. Recent business openings include Lucid Motors and BKF Engineers as well as exciting new eateries like Pretty Good Advice and Strāta. These wins matter because they diversify and strengthen the ecosystem that makes downtown active and economically resilient. 

Perhaps one of the clearest indicators of momentum is our daytime foot traffic data. Daytime foot traffic matters because, in the post-pandemic era, it serves as a key indicator of return-to-office patterns and the overall economic health of our office and retail sectors. While nighttime foot traffic has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, daytime activity provides a clearer measure of how downtown is recovering during traditional working hours. Year-to-date, Downtown has already recorded more than 18 million daytime visits, surpassing our YTD goal and keeping us on pace toward nearly 24.5 million visits this year. These numbers reflect continued momentum in Downtown activity and reinforce that more people are choosing to work, visit, dine, attend events, and spend time in Downtown San José.  

We hope this year-over-year increase in downtown foot traffic will result in an even more positive community sentiment rating. Community sentiment is measured by a quarterly Citywide survey in partnership with True North Research. The survey polls residents on the City’s most critical needs. The latest Focus Area Community Survey shows positive sentiment of Downtown at 51% year-to-date, representing improvement over the prior year baseline of 49% and continued progress toward our annual goal of 54%. The data suggests that ongoing investments in safety, cleanliness, activation, and public realm improvements are beginning to resonate with residents, workers, and visitors alike. 

My call to action is simple. 

Do you know a company whose lease is about to expire? Please connect them with me.  

Do you know of a company outside Downtown San José that may be looking for office space? Please connect them with me. I'd love to share information on the Downtown Office Leasing Incentive Program. 

And perhaps most importantly: Bring new people downtown. 

Grab lunch at one of downtown's 200+ restaurants. Attend an event. Visit a museum or gallery. Spend time in our public spaces. 

What we continue to see is that when people come downtown, they enjoy it. Perception matters, and over the past several years Downtown San José has changed significantly. It is becoming brighter, safer, more active, and there’s more to do and see than many of us might even remember.  

In Community,  
Michael Lomio, Downtown Manager