REPORT TO NEIGHBORHOOD UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Future Neighborhood University Relations Committee Work Plan Items
Report
BACKGROUND
The Neighborhood University Relations Committee (NURC) was formed in 2006 and was envisioned as a forum for on-going communication and problem solving among the three appointed Councilmembers, who were the only official Committee members. Neighborhood residents, property owners, Santa Clara University officials and students, and city staff regularly attended NURC meetings.
On April 8, 2025 the City Council took action to restructure the NURC to achieve a more inclusive Committee reflecting the diverse interests and promoting collaboration within the various interest groups and stakeholders in the community. The Committee is now comprised of seven members: two City Councilmembers; two members of Santa Clara University staff; one Santa Clara University student; one Old Quad resident; and one property owner/landlord representative.
The newly formed NURC held its first meeting on October 20, 2025.
DISCUSSION
To establish and pace the expected agenda items and workload for 2026, the Committee will review potential work plan topics at the next meeting on May 18, 2026.
As included as Attachment 1, community member, Mark Kelsey, sent two email communications with suggested work plan topics. Staff is requesting that Committee members email proposed work plan topics to staff by Friday, April 17, 2026.
Once received, potential work plan topics will be analyzed by staff. Staff will share the timeframe for agendizing potential topics and if certain topics will require additional resources. As many topics need the support and collaboration of Santa Clara University, their input will also be incorporated. At the May 18, 2026 meeting, the Committee will provide input on which work plan topics they would like to prioritize. Topics that require additional resources will also be identified and those may not be able to be addressed in the near term.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time for the preparation of the report.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Manager’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and file the staff report.
Staff
Reviewed by: Reena Brilliot, Director of Economic Development & Sustainability
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Communications from community member sharing proposed work plan items