The City of San Jose announced on March 26 that approximately 600 employees participated in the first One Team, One City, One Community Day of Service. Staff from various departments volunteered throughout the city to engage in hands-on projects supporting local neighborhoods and public spaces.
The event aimed to foster civic engagement and strengthen community ties by encouraging city employees to contribute beyond their regular duties. Employees served lunch at senior centers, planted trees, painted murals, cleaned trails, and made blankets for the Animal Care Center.
“What began as a simple idea to create an opportunity for City employees to step outside of their everyday roles to serve the community quickly grew into a meaningful, citywide effort,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “Seeing that vision come to life, with so many employees stepping up to make a difference, makes me incredibly proud to be part of this organization. I am very inspired by their dedication to our community and how each employee reflects the heart of public service.” Kendra Yarn, Program Manager with Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department added: “I’m excited — for myself and my coworkers — to step away from our desks and help beautify neighborhoods and parks. Spending time working directly in the community is a powerful reminder of our true mission: public service.”
The Day of Service highlights San Jose’s commitment not only to civic pride but also ongoing engagement between municipal staff and residents. The initiative aligns with one of the City Manager’s Foundational Strategic Support Focus Areas—Making San José a Great Place to Work—which seeks deeper organizational belonging among staff while inspiring them toward greater community involvement.
San Jose promotes cultural diversity through initiatives like the Japanese Friendship Garden and Mexican Heritage Plaza that enrich local communities according to its historical context page. The city also maintains historic sites such as the San Jose Historical Museum in Kelley Park featuring relocated buildings as described on its historical context page, as well as unique replicas like those built in 1899 and 1949 documented there.
With almost one million residents today, San Jose is led by an at-large elected mayor alongside an eleven-member council representing specific districts according to its official charter page. The city serves diverse neighborhoods within Santa Clara Valley—including numerous historic districts—as noted on its historical context page.
San Jose aims “to deliver quality public services and foster a safe, vibrant community for its residents, businesses and visitors,” according to its official mission page. Initiatives like this Day of Service are expected by organizers to further these goals while deepening employee connection both within city government operations and out in local communities.