San José has developed a variety of programs and initiatives to enhance its economic competitiveness. One example is the “One-Start Development Center” which helps to improve the speed and efficiency of the City’s permit process. The Mayor’s Economic Leadership Team actively engages the private sector for help in implementing the city’s long-term economic strategy. The City is also working to achieve high-speed Internet access for all City residents, and is developing collaborative projects with San José State University in order to leverage the University’s vast resources, proximity to downtown and vibrant student population.

The cultural change embodied by the One-Start Center is spreading throughout the City of San José organization, as evidenced by the new Permit Center. A multi-disciplinary team of permit specialists, engineers and planners are assembled in one location so that building permit applicants can receive Public Works, Planning and Fire clearances in one place, rather than traveling between several different City offices.

In partnership with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of San José has launched free Downtown WiFi service in three outdoor public areas-Plaza de Cesar Chavez, the Circle of Palms between the Museum of Art and the Fairmont Hotel, and popular dining and nightlife destination San Pedro Square. The success of the WiFi program is evident in usage figures-nearly 100 log-ons per day-as well as in the positive attention from both local and national media.