2020 SPUR Impact Awards: Senator Jim Beall Creates Solutions to California's Toughest Problems

The 2020 SPUR Impact Awards recognize outstanding job performance by public sector leaders in Santa Clara County. Our first ever Leadership Impact Award goes to Senator Jim Beall.

Senator Jim Beall brings a lifetime of experience and understanding in transportation, housing, and government efficiency to the State Senate. In three decades of public service – which includes serving as a San José City Councilman, a Santa Clara County Supervisor and a legislator in the Assembly – Senator Beall has left his mark across Silicon Valley and beyond. In 2017, Senator Beall, as Chairman of the Transportation and Housing Committee, was a pivotal figure in unraveling two of California’s toughest problems: repairing a crumbling transportation infrastructure and building affordable housing to enable more Californians can live in the communities where they work. His solutions will also create and sustain jobs to keep the state’s economy growing.

Senate Bill 3, introduced by Senator Beall, allocates $15 billion towards much-needed affordable housing for working families, seniors, veterans, and homeless residents.

Senator Beall’s Senate Bill 1 updates the state’s outmoded road repair funding system by providing a dedicated, accountable stream of funding to repair aging roads and bridges. Over a 10-year period, the bill will pump over $52 billion into repairs. It also dedicates $7.5 billion to expand and improve mass transit systems and projects, such as extending BART to San José.

These bills exemplify Senator Beall’s prolific work to improve transportation and housing.


Learn about our other 2020 honorees:

Ed Solis Transforms Streets Into Public Space for Everyone 

Building Reach Code Team Helps San José Go Carbon Neutral

Rebecca Garcia Helps Provide Shelter and Housing for All

SJSU's CommUniverCity Team Partners with City Residents to Support Community-Based Planning