About Us

Six Years of Unwavering Grassroots Advocacy for San José Neighborhoods

Families & Homes SJ (FHSJ) was founded in 2020 by a small group of passionate residents. Over the past six years, our organization has grown into a powerful, citywide coalition of neighbors, families, and community leaders standing shoulder-to-shoulder to preserve the unique fabric and quality of life in San José’s residential neighborhoods.

Who We Are:

• 100% Volunteer-Led & Staffed: We are your neighbors. Our leadership, board, and members receive absolutely zero financial backing from developers, corporate special interest groups, or outside endowments.

• A True Citywide Network: We actively partner with localized neighborhood groups spanning across the majority of San José’s council districts.

• Your Watchdog at City Hall: For over six years, we have worked directly with city staff, monitored complex regulatory mandates, and brought community voices straight to elected officials.

OUR EVOLVING MISSION: From SB9 to the 2040 General Plan

When we originated, our mission was centered on championing local control and supporting sensible single-family zoning. With the passage of statewide mandates like SB9—which effectively overrode local single-family zoning across California—our focus rapidly expanded.

Today, as the city faces radical, permanent up-zoning proposals under the Envision 2040 General Plan Update, our mission is more critical than ever. We believe housing growth should be smart, sustainable, and transparent. We proudly support the city’s established Urban Village housing strategy, which is designed to produce large volumes of both affordable and market-rate housing along transit corridors where infrastructure can support it—protecting quiet residential neighborhoods from unchecked "by-right" developer gridlock.

WHAT WE DO EVERY DAY

• Track & Decode Legislation: We cut through the dense bureaucratic jargon of staff proposals and state laws (such as SB1123 and SB79) to give residents clear, actionable breakdowns of how new policies impact their property lines.

• Empower Neighborhood Voices: We build the tools, talking points, and email campaigns that allow regular homeowners and renters to effectively interface with City Council members and Mayor.

• Advocate & Endorse: We don't just watch from the sidelines. FHSJ actively advocates for balanced planning policies and proudly endorses local political candidates and ballot measures that align with protecting family neighborhoods.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

The strength of Families & Homes SJ doesn't come from deep corporate pockets—it comes from you. Whether you have been with us since 2020 or are discovering us ahead of the critical August 18, 2026, City Council vote, your voice is our collective strength. Together, we will continue to demand transparency, defend local control, and preserve a livable San José for generations to come.

• Get Involved: Join our active Facebook Group to connect with neighbors in your district.

• Stay Informed: Sign up for our email newsletters to receive breaking policy updates.

• Contact Our Board: Reach us directly at familiesandhomessj@gmail.com