REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Restructure the Neighborhood University Relations Committee from a Committee comprised of three City Councilmembers to a seven member Committee, to be comprised of two City Councilmembers; two members of Santa Clara University staff, one Santa Clara University student, one neighborhood resident; and one property owner representative.
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
The current Neighborhood University Relations Committee was formed in 2006 when
the Santa Clara University/City Liaison Committee and the Neighborhood University Relations Committee (NURC) were combined because of their overlapping subject areas. The re-formed NURC was envisioned as a forum for on-going communication and problem solving among the three appointed Councilmembers, supporting City staff, neighborhood residents, property owners and Santa Clara University officials and students.
On June 23, 2009, former Mayor Mahan requested three NURC meetings per year (October/November, February, and April) as it was agreed that more time was needed for dialogue between the residents and the students.
At the October 16, 2023 NURC, City Council Committee members and the one community member present discussed their interest to change NURC meetings in order for it to be a more effective forum. At the July 11, 2024 NURC meeting, staff provided background regarding the formation and purpose of NURC as a body.
At the December 2, 2024 NURC meeting, staff shared formats other communities use for coordination and partnership between universities, neighborhoods and residents. Each of the models were more inclusive than NURC’s current structure, which is comprised only of City Councilmembers. While Santa Clara University staff and residents regularly attend, they do not have representation as Committee members. The Committee discussed the benefits of having a more inclusive structure with added membership to include University staff, student, property owner, and neighborhood representation.
At the February 24, 2025 NURC, staff proposed restructuring the Committee to include seven Committee members.
DISCUSSION
In alignment with the goal of a more inclusive Committee structure that would reflect the diverse interests and topics of collaboration that arise in the community, at their February 24, 2025 meeting, NURC recommended that the City Council change the current structure of the NURC from three Committee members who are City Councilmembers to a structure that would be comprised of seven Committee members including:
• Two City Councilmembers
• Two Santa Clara University staff
• One Santa Clara University student
• One Resident from the Old Quad neighborhood (Attachment #2), which is adjacent to the University
• One property owner/landlord representative
As further recommended by NURC, the City Council would continue to make its appointments of Councilmembers to this Committee annually, as occurs with all Committees. Additionally, Santa Clara University would designate its two staff members and student representatives and they would then be formally appointed by the City Council. After a recruitment process, the neighborhood resident and property owner/landlord representative would be selected and appointed by the City Council. All Committee members would serve four-year terms. Recognizing that student and other Committee members may not be able to serve four years, recruitment and re-appointment for replacement Committee members may occur with greater frequency as needed.
A restructuring of the NURC requires the approval of the City Council, and action on this item would formalize the proposed restructure.
Should the City Council approve the restructure as proposed, recruitments for the neighborhood representative and property owner/landlord representative would occur in the May/June timeframe with City Council appointments occurring in the late summer/early Fall in order to seat the new Committee members before the Fall NURC meeting on October 20, 2025.
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.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Community Development Department and 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
Approve the restructuring of the Neighborhood University Relations Committee from a Committee comprised of three City Councilmembers to a seven member Committee, to be comprised of two City Councilmembers; two members of Santa Clara University staff, one Santa Clara University student, one neighborhood resident; and one property owner representative and authorize and direct staff to take all necessary and appropriate actions to implement the restructuring.
Staff
Reviewed by: Reena Brilliot, Director of Economic Development and Sustainability
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution to Restructure Neighborhood University Relations Committee
2. Map of Old Quad Neighborhood