...Title
San José Innovative Project Pathway Program. (Mayor, Davis, and Foley)
...Recommendations
1. Create the San José Innovative Project Pathway Program (Pathway Program) to streamline the approval of development projects that provide an extraordinary benefit to the City of San José. The Pathway Program will provide a clear policy route for securing approval of innovative investment projects. The Pathway Program will:
a. Accept project applications that meaningfully advance city goals and require amendments to general plan text, zoning code allowed uses, or development standards or regulations.
b. Establish objective criteria for evaluating Pathway Program applications, ensuring alignment with city goals such as the city’s fiscal health, job creation potential, housing production, and sustainability.
c. Delineate a clear submission process and minimum criteria for applicants, including required documentation and fees.
d. Restrict the initial geographical scope of this new program to the boundaries of the Downtown Growth Area.
e. Establish an early consideration review process at City Council for Pathway Program applications that meet pre-established criteria, enabling the Council to provide clear, timely direction to staff on whether to proceed with processing the application further.