The $300 million homelessness spending audit

San Jose Councilmember Bien Doan highlighted his efforts to audit homelessness spending after nearly $300 million lacked accountability, pushing for faster, lower-cost interim housing solutions to get people off the streets more quickly.

Doan's approach centers on accountability and measurable results, noting his unique combination of frontline experience as a firefighter and governing experience on the City Council.

He argued that San Jose needs not just ideas but execution, and that his record demonstrates he can deliver.

Public safety: a focus on results

On publiic safety, Doan pointed to advanced tools like drone programs, strengthened oversight through the Independent Police Auditor, restoration of the MED30 program for EMS accountability, and policies that contributed to San Jose being named the safest big city in the country again.

Doan's experience as a firefighter and his governing experience on the City Council have given him a unique perspective on public safety, allowing him to deliver tangible results for District 7.

Neighborhood improvements: a focus on community

Doan also focused on neighborhood improvements, including the restoration of the Japanese Friendship Garden and Vietnamese Heritage Garden, safety upgrades at Tully Ballfields and Library, and hosting dozens of dumpster days to reduce blight.

He supported streamlining regulations, reducing fees, and esstablishing business improvement districts such as the Monterey Corridor BID and initiatives along Story Road and within the Vietnamese business community.

Who is the right leader for District 7?

Doan stressed that responsive leadership is required to address the unique needs of District 7, which faces amplified versions of citywide challenges-infrastructure gaps, underinvestment, and deep historical contexts.

The Vietnamese community's experience includes displacement and rebuilding after the fall of Saigon, shaping trust in government; the Hispanic community includes working families navigating rising costs and housing pressures.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

Doan's record on accountability and measurable results has been a key focus of his re-election bid, with a comprehensive quetionnaire from the Bay Area News Group detailing his achievements and priorities.

He argued that his experience ensures results for District 7, which faces unique challenges and needs responsive leadership to address them.