The objectives of a Downtown wayfinding system are to (a) Create a walkable Downtown at the heart of a more sustainable movement network; (b) Anticipate and prepare for a changing Downtown and changing demographics; (c) Communicate and enhance active, urban, and distinctly Silicon Valley lifestyle choices, and d) Create a potential revenue-generating opportunity for the City. 

BACKGROUND  

At the October 23, 2024, Rules and Open Government Committee meeting, staff was directed to explore digital wayfinding efforts in the downtown.  

At that time, downtown wayfinding lacked signs connecting activity hubs Downtown or walking maps accessible or usable by downtown visitors. Several signs are outdated and/or poorly maintained. In early 2025 these deficiencies were partially addressed by installing 61 pedestrian oriented wayfinding signs and coordinating with the San Jose Downtown Association to publish and updated walking map. 

The advantages of digital kiosks may include the following: (a) provide instant update on maps, (b) offer Wi-Fi, pedestrian counts, and/or environmental monitoring, (c) can be paired with public alert systems and/or emergency dispatch, (d) offer potential for revenue generation and public service messaging. This project will consist of amendments to Municipal Code to allow ad-driven digital kiosks in the public right way and a Request for Proposal for a company to partner with the City to install and manage these signs. This will require environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act.  

COMMUNITY OUTREACH  

Virtual Community Meeting | Zoom 
Monday, April 20, 2026 | 6:30 P.M. .
Registration is required: https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9C7V3FcgRha3zFAkvQ1XzA

In addition to the stakeholder outreach meetings on March 23 and April 20, 2026, staff will continue to gather community input that will help inform the proposal as it moves forward in the review process. Additional updates will be published on this page.  

LANGUAGE TRANSLATION & ADA Accommodations  

Please use the Google Translate option located at the top of this webpage. Or for assistance in Spanish or Vietnamese, please contact the translators noted below.

• Spanish/Español: Para información en español acerca de esta solicitud, comuníquese con Jennifer Provedor al 408-793-4100, e índique el número de Proyecto PP23-001.  

• Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt: Muốn biết tin tức bằng tiếng Việt về tờ thông tin này, xin quý vị liên lạc Kayla Do ở số 408-793-4174. 

STAFF CONTACTS 

Chris Arkley, Downtown Coordinator 
Chris.Arkley@sanjoseca.gov 

Blage Zelalich, Deputy Director, Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs 
Blage. Zelalich@sanjoseca.gov 

Martina Davis, Division Manager, Planning Division 
Martina.Davis@sanjoseca.gov