Building Community Through Better Development

In this episode, I talk with Alex Shoor about community-led development and creating more inclusive civic engagement in San Jose. We explore how housing policy connects to community building, why the people in the room at city meetings matters, and what it really means to "build community" in both the physical and social sense. Alex Shoor shares insights from his work with Catalyze SV, where community members evaluate and advocate for better development projects. We discuss successful community engagement examples like the Santa Clara Agrihood and the Berryessa Flea Market advocacy, and Alex offers practical advice for residents who want to get more involved in shaping their city's future. This episode's What I'm Learning covers Santa Clara County's Measure A: Save Our Local Hospitals, coming up in the November 4th special election. Our Community Spotlight features Viva Calle on September 7th and the Junior League of San Jose's inaugural Find the Good Day on September 20th. For Take Action, I suggest ways to get involved with Catalyze SV, participate in community events, and practice daily community building. What I'm Learning Sources: Santa Clara County Measure A Information NBC Bay Area: What to know about Measure A Community Spotlight: Viva Calle San Jose - September 7th, 2025 Junior League of San Jose - Find the Good Day event September 20th Find the Good Day International Movement Guest Information: Alex Shoor - Community advocate and Catalyze SV member Catalyze Silicon Valley PATH (Palo Alto Housing) - Alex serves on advisory board Alex's Social Media: Facebook LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Mentioned in the Episode: Santa Clara Agrihood project Berryessa Flea Market advocacy Emma Prusch Farm Park St. James Park Tamien Park Barack Obama Street in San Jose Rose Garden Farmers Market Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Take Action: Catalyze SV Monthly Meetings - 4th Wednesday of each month San José Spotlight - Local news source San Jose City Council Meetings - Available on YouTube Santa Clara County November 4, 2025 Special Election Information