REPORT TO NEIGHBORHOOD UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Community Engagement Activities in Planning for 2026
Report
BACKGROUND
The City’s Economic Development and Marketing Committee Ad Hoc (EDMC), along with the community, and staff have been holding meetings since April of 2025 to develop a campaign for the community engagement efforts surrounding the 2026 major events (Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup). The committee has been working collaboratively towards developing a slogan and logo and a list of community events and activations to host for the upcoming year.
At the September 23, 2025, City Council meeting, Council approved the slogan and logo for the campaign; “Where the Mission meets the Moment”.
Through a collaborative process with the committee, community survey input (core values, types of community events for 2026 surveys), and staff, an event and art activation prioritization list was developed. The list outlines the types of events the committee recommends including watch parties, night markets, live music /concert, STEM Bowl among others.
Several of these activities include activations of Commerce Plaza, a city owned site within Santa Clara’s Downtown as well as a community concert, potentially held at Santa Clara University.
DISCUSSION
Staff will present the engagement activities and of potential activations being proposed for the community in 2026.
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 reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City other than administrative staff time and expense.
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: Paulina Morales, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager