Office of San Jose,
Mayor Sam Liccardo
Economics Major
Home Town: Fort Collins, Colorado
What were your responsibilities at your internship with Office of San Jose, Mayor Sam Liccardo?
Over the course of my fellowship, I researched policy issues across a diverse set of fields including drug addiction resources, transportation, homelessness, and crisis response. I provided analysis on how San José could best serve individuals experiencing homelessness and Methamphetamine addiction. I analyzed potential future governance structures for Caltrain and advised Mayor Liccardo on the best options for continued growth. I also tracked and analyzed volunteer needs for the Silicon Valley Strong program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In what ways do you think you made positive contributions to the Office of San Jose, Mayor Sam Liccardo?
I believe that a good portion of my research was used to develop meaningful policy which will impact the residents of San José. As an example, I know that my findings related to drug addiction and the homeless population was used to develop a centralized hotline to allow individuals living on the street, social workers, and police officers to get up-to-date information on treatment options and availability. Other recommendations I crafted will go on to help continue to make San José a great city to live in.
What would you recommend to LSB students who want to make a difference in the community?
For LSB students hoping to make a difference in our community, I would recommend researching advocacy groups related to your passion. There are dozens of local groups fighting to improve everything from voting rights to the environment, and they would love volunteer help. This is a great way to get involved and use your Santa Clara education to make a positive impact on the greater community.