Which San Jose City Employees Get A Taxpayer-Funded Ride?

San Jose Spotlight

August 29, 2023

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has a new ride, courtesy of the city’s taxpayers.

Mahan’s SUV—purchased at the start of his term—is part of his security detail, which is typical for the city’s top elected official. But it’s just one of thousands of cars city officials have at their disposal, which include vehicles to maintain parks and sewer systems, among other services.

The city owns 2,666 cars as of this month. Mahan’s 2022 SUV is one of the most recent additions to the city’s fleet. At a price tag of $78,000 it is more than the average cost of a city-owned vehicle, which is $64,000. However, it’s a deviation from what former Mayor Sam Liccardo drove—a smaller sedan.

The San Jose Police Department said the mayor’s upgrade was necessary because the former car used by Liccardo was worn out, and the new SUV is up to industry standards for security details.

“Our mayor is also one of the first in many years to have a family with two young children that he often brings to attend city events and functions,” department officials said in a statement to San José Spotlight.

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