Platform

Public safety is a right, not a privilege. Peter will continue working to fully staff our police and fire departments, ensuring that every neighborhood in District 5 gets the rapid response times and protection it deserves. At the same time, Peter knows that safety isn’t just about policing; it’s about prevention. He’s committed to expanding youth intervention and empowerment programs that uplift young people, prevent violence, and open doors to education and career opportunities. His approach centers on healing, not harming, uplifting, not criminalizing.

Making East San Jose safer is also about being intentional in determining the types of businesses that are allowed to open in District 5. The East Side has more than twice the number of smoke shops and more liquor stores than any other neighborhood in Santa Clara County. This happened under the leadership of previous absentee Councilmembers that were asleep at the wheel. Since Peter has taken office, he has implemented a moratorium on new smoke shops and has prevented two new liquor stores from opening in District 5.

As someone who personally experienced homelessness in his youth, Peter understands the issue with empathy and firsthand knowledge. He knows that people experiencing homelessness need a hand up, not a handout. His plan prioritizes holistic, compassionate, and accountable solutions, investing in supportive housing, mental health care, and addiction treatment while ensuring that public spaces remain safe and accessible for all. Peter believes in striking a balance between compassion and responsibility, ensuring that city programs help people rebuild their lives while maintaining accountability for progress and participation. Peter authored a policy to require unhoused service providers to report outcomes and metrics when receiving city funds. It is an important step of many that need to be made to ensure accountability in addressing homelessness.

Peter envisions a cleaner, more beautiful East San José, one that residents can be proud of. To achieve this, he is advocating for a dedicated East Side beautification team responsible for identifying and addressing issues such as illegal dumping, graffiti, and encampment cleanups. This proactive approach will ensure that neighborhoods stay clean, safe, and welcoming. East San José deserves the same level of attention and care as every other part of the city, and Peter is committed to making that happen.

Another major focus area for the Councilmember is investment in local public art, including murals and art instillations. The Councilmember has supported many new murals in the district that showcase the diversity of East San Jose, including one dedicated to the local Vietnamese community.

A thriving local economy is the foundation of a strong community. Councilmember Peter Ortiz has always believed that East San José’s future is rooted in the success of its small businesses and working families. Long before serving on the City Council, Peter began his public service journey as an advocate for local entrepreneurs, organizing and championing the needs of small business owners who form the backbone of District 5’s economy.

As the pro–small business candidate, Peter’s vision for East San José centers on revitalizing the local economy through inclusive, sustainable growth. He understands that when small businesses thrive, so do our neighborhoods, creating jobs, building community pride, and keeping wealth circulating locally.

San José is one of the most expensive cities in the nation, and families in East San José have felt that burden the most. Councilmember Peter Ortiz knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet. Growing up in a working-class family that experienced poverty and foreclosure, Peter understands the daily challenges of living paycheck to paycheck. His lived experience drives his passion to make San José a place where every family, no matter their income, can live with dignity, stability, and opportunity.

Peter Ortiz is fighting to make our city more affordable by advocating for housing, family programs, and economic opportunities that directly serve those most in need. He believes that affordability isn’t just about rent, it’s about ensuring that families can access the resources and support that help them thrive.

Parks are the heart of East San José’s community life, where families celebrate birthdays, children play, and seniors stay active. Since taking office, Peter has made improving parks a top priority, including leading the completion of Emma Prusch Park’s new accessible playground and securing funding for infrastructure upgrades across district parks. Peter will continue to fight for more maintenance staff, better facilities, and new recreational spaces, ensuring that every family in District 5 has access to beautiful, safe, and well-maintained parks.

Councilmember Peter Ortiz has been a steadfast advocate for safer, more navigable streets that protect everyone: drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and children walking to school. Since taking office, Peter has worked to fill potholes, install new speed bumps, upgrade traffic signs, and create clearly marked crosswalks across the district. These improvements save lives and restore dignity to neighborhoods that City Hall has long overlooked.