Fast Times Mayor Matt Mahan on his Vision for San Jose
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Aug 12, 2025 
Matt Mahan, the Mayor of San Jose since 2022, shares his inspiring vision for the city, focusing on addiction care and innovative homelessness solutions. He discusses transitioning from tech to public service and the need for political reform to enhance governance. Mahan highlights creative strategies, such as converting motels into housing, and emphasizes collaboration across California to tackle homelessness. He also advocates for transparency and civic engagement to foster accountability and rebuild trust in local governance.
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From Tech CEO To Door-To-Door
- Matt Mahan left tech after witnessing rising rents and policy failures in San Francisco and pursued public service.
- He knocked on 10,000 doors and reinvented his career around local problem-solving and neighborhood engagement.
Local Government Is Human Scale
- Matt Mahan argues local government operates at a human scale where opposing residents can literally talk out solutions.
- He says local work reduces national polarization and enables tangible, measurable problem-solving.
Start Local To Win Talent
- Start by serving at the neighborhood level: PTA, block groups, or local boards to make visible change.
- Do push for structural reforms that lower coordination costs so talented people can execute and iterate in government.