REPORT TO CULTURAL COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Discuss and Develop Cultural Commission Work Plan Goals and Activities for FY 2026/27
Report
BACKGROUND
Annually, the Cultural Commission has considered three to five specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound work plan goals and/or activities for the Fiscal Year (FY). These goals are intended to focus the Commission’s efforts and respond to City Council priorities within the existing budget direction and resource limitations.
The City now aims to align the Boards, Commission, and Committee (BCC) work plan goals to the City Council goals on an annual cycle. The new process aims to provide:
Clear Prioritization
Each board and commission will have a defined set of objectives, making it easier for Council to assess progress and allocate staff resources efficiently.
Enhanced Transparency
Work plans will provide greater visibility into the activities and goals of advisory bodies, fostering stronger communication and accountability.
Improved Coordination
By aligning the efforts of staff and the BCC, the work plan is intended to effectively promote enhanced collaboration on citywide initiatives.
Informed Decision-Making
With a clear roadmap of each group’s priorities, the City Council will be better equipped to make decisions that support both short-term needs and long-term strategic goals.
The timeline for this work is to develop the goals and objectives at the May meeting, review the work plan in June, develop a presentation for Council in June, and present to the Council in July. It is expected that the new work plan goals and objectives will be implemented in July 2026.
DISCUSSION
At the May 4, 2026, Regular Meeting, commissioners will begin to brainstorm possible Goals and Activities for the FY 2026/27 Work Plan. The Commission’s discussion on June 1, 2026, will continue to identify the FY 2026/27 Work Plan that may include alternative goals and activities, making suggestions for budget allocations to support program goals, requesting and making commissioner work assignments for the subcommittees working on each of the goals, and support activities.
The Cultural Commission may choose to use these goals to guide their activities or may develop new goals and activities for FY 2026/27.
1. Host and enhance multicultural events to encourage and acquaint Santa Clara residents with cultural diversity.
2. Develop and encourage interactive art opportunities to provide temporary, performing, cultural, and public art in the City.
3. Raise visibility of commemorative months.
4. Enhance communication and media strategy to increase community awareness of the Cultural Commission.
5. Prepare for Citywide Master Plan process.
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
The Proposed Operating Budget for FY 2026/27 Cultural Commission activities is $58,693. Any work plan goals, programs, events, or activities recommended by the Cultural Commission for FY 2026/27 will be implemented within available appropriations and staffing resources, subject to future City Council budget adoption and direction. No additional fiscal impact is associated with the recommended action at this time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Cultural Commission 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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Discuss and Develop Cultural Commission Work Plan Goals and Objectives for FY 2026/27.
Staff
Prepared by: Robin Shaddle, Recreation Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENT
1. Draft - Work Plan FY 2026-27