REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of August 24, 2025 as Ukrainian Independence Day
Report
BACKGROUND
On August 24, 1991, the Parliament of Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union and was affirmed by a referendum in December of the same year. 2025 marks the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the City of Santa Clara proclaimed August 24th as Ukrainian Independence Day to recognize the rich history and significant contributions that Ukrainians have had on our community.
Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans continue to make important contributions to the cultural fabric of the Bay Area. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, one in six Ukrainian immigrants in the United States lives in California, with the Bay Area serving as home for 14,000 immigrants from Ukraine and an estimated 114,000 people with Ukrainian ancestry living in California. By U.S. Census estimates, over 6,000 people of Ukrainian descent live in Santa Clara County.
DISCUSSION
At the August 19, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Council will proclaim August 24, 2025, as Ukrainian Independence Day in Santa Clara. Iryna Smovzh from the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America will be present to accept the proclamation.
Established in 1925, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) is the longest-running and largest Ukrainian women’s organization in the United States. UNWLA’s mission is to promote and develop educational and cultural efforts and provide humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians worldwide.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informative report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
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.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aimee Escobar, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of August 24, 2025 as Ukrainian Independence Day