REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of Partnership with the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara is hosting six (6) FIFA World Cup matches at Levi’s® Stadium (Stadium). The City of Santa Clara will welcome the following countries to the Stadium: Qatar, Switzerland, Austria, Jordan, Turkey, Paraguay, Algeria, and Australia, among two other countries, to be determined in Round 32 of the FIFA tournament to our City.
DISCUSSION
In anticipation of hosting representatives from the countries playing at the Stadium, among others visiting Santa Clara during the FIFA World Cup, the City executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol (SVOP). This partnership ensures that the City of Santa Clara has access to SVOP’s high-quality protocol services and global engagement opportunities to support the City in welcoming the 10 foreign delegations and dignitaries, among other country representatives. The MOU term runs through the 2026 calendar year, with annual renewal, and does not include financial compensation.
In preparation for hosting representatives from countries competing at the Stadium, as well as other international visitors during the FIFA World Cup, the City executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol (SVOP). This partnership provides the City of Santa Clara with access to SVOP’s professional protocol services and global engagement opportunities, supporting efforts to welcome foreign delegations, dignitaries, and other international representatives. The MOU extends through the 2026 calendar year, includes an annual renewal option, and does not involve financial compensation.
The SVOP was established in 2014 in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, serves 54 cities and 5 counties in Silicon Valley, providing critical protocol expertise, diplomatic coordination, and international business engagement support.
SVOP will support the City of Santa Clara across four key areas: diplomatic engagement and hosting, event protocol, civic and economic diplomacy, and training. This includes coordinating visits and logistics for international delegations, providing cultural guidance and translation support, advising on ceremonial protocols for major events like FIFA World Cup, and facilitating connections with global business and civic leaders. SVOP will also help advance economic development opportunities, strengthen international relationships, and offer cross-cultural training and protocol guidance for City officials and staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information 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: Paulina Morales, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026 Memorandum of Understanding between Silicon Valley Office of Protocol and the City of Santa Clara