REPORT TO NEIGHBORHOOD UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Direction on Possible Restructuring of the Neighborhood University Relations Committee
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
On March 21, 2006, the Santa Clara University/City Liaison Committee and the Neighborhood University Relations Committee (NURC) were combined because of their overlapping subject areas. The re-formed NURC was envisioned as a forum for on-going communication and problem solving among the three appointed Councilmembers, supporting City staff, neighborhood residents, property owners and Santa Clara University officials and students. Attachment 1 shares the 2006 City Council agenda report and minutes on the re-formed NURC.
June 23, 2009, former Mayor Mahan requested three NURC meetings per year (October/November, February, and April) as it was agreed that more time was needed for dialogue between the residents and the students.
At the October 16, 2023 NURC, City Council Committee members and the one community member present discussed their interest to change NURC meetings in order for it to be a more effective forum.
At the July 11, 2024NURC, staff provided background regarding the formation and purpose of NURC as a body.
At the December 2, 2024 NURC meeting, staff shared formats other communities use for coordination and partnership between universities, neighborhoods and residents. Each of the models were more inclusive than NURC's current structure, which includes three City Councilmember participants. While Santa Clara University staff and residents regularly attend, they do not have representation as Committee members. The Committee discussed the benefits of having a more inclusive structure with added membership to include University staff, student, property owner, and neighborhood representation.
DISCUSSION
A restructuring of the NURC requires the approval of the City Council. In alignment with the goa...
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