REPORT TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING COMMITTEE (AD HOC)
SUBJECT
Title
Overview of the Economic Development and Marketing Committee (Ad Hoc)
Report
BACKGROUND
The Economic Development, Communications, and Marketing Committee was established by City Council action on February 5, 2019, to consolidate the Economic Development Committee and the Marketing Committee. The Committee was intended to focus on proactive economic development and effective communication, as well as review the City’s marketing and branding strategies. However, due to limited staffing as well as significant increases in employee workload related to the City’s response to COVID-19 and budget reductions, the Committee had not met since August 18, 2021. In 2024, the City Manager implemented a restructuring of personnel within the City Manager’s Office and, in alignment with a City Council Priority, reassigned personnel to create a Director of Economic Development & Sustainability position. The Director of Economic Development & Sustainability has been assigned to provide staff support to the Committee.
While the Committee had not met for a number of years, the City Council took action in 2021 to create and launch Discover Santa Clara™, which serves as the official destination marketing organization for Santa Clara.
On January 14, 2025, the City Council took action to adjust the name of the Committee from the Economic Development, Communications and Marketing Committee to the Economic Development & Marketing Committee (Ad Hoc). The change removes the term “communication” from the title to clarify that the primary focus of the Committee is related to the City’s economic development and marketing activities, and does not include the varied communication services that are provided by the City’s Communication Division under the direction of the City’s Public Information Officer. Additionally, the change to an Ad Hoc committee was adopted to convey that the scope of this iteration of the Committee will be limited in focus and duration, and following 2025, the City Council will assess the continuation or adjustments to the Committee.
The Committee consists of three members of the City Council, with the Mayor serving as Chair and Councilmember Cox and Councilmember Gonzalez serving as members, and Councilmember Hardy serving as an alternate member. The Committee will meet at least quarterly as a non-Brown Act body with various staff members, including the Director of Economic Development & Sustainability, the City Manager, Assistant City Manager(s), and the City Attorney. The focus of the committee will be on the upcoming 2026 Major Events scheduled at Levi’s Stadium and consideration of what the appropriate role and function of the Committee should be going forward.
DISCUSSION
The primary focus of the Economic Development and Marketing Committee will be to receive information on and provide feedback on the preparation of economic development and marketing activities regarding the 2026 major events, including the Superbowl and FIFA World Cup matches which will be held at Levi’s Stadium and draw thousands of visitors to the City.
Later in 2025, the Director of Economic Development and Sustainability will also provide this Committee a portfolio of new Economic Development programs that will be undertaken by the City to support new and existing small and large businesses and increase city revenue-generating opportunities.
The Committee is scheduled to meet at 3pm on June 2, September 22, and December 15.
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(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and 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 24 hours prior to the 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
Accept the staff report on the overview of the Economic Development and Marketing Committee (Ad Hoc)
Staff
Reviewed by: Reena Brilliot, Director of Economic Development and Sustainability
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager