REPORT TO ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT & MARKETING COMMITTEE (AD HOC)
SUBJECT
Title
Update on the City’s Participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative
Report
BACKGROUND
Launched in 2017, the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative is a collaboration between Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School. The initiative aims to equip mayors and senior city leaders with the tools and skills needed to address complex challenges, enhance city services, and drive innovation in local government.
Mayor Lisa Gillmor, City Manager Jovan Grogan, and Assistant City Manager Klotz are representing the City of Santa Clara as members of the Initiative’s eighth cohort. The 2024 class brings together 39 mayors from 11 countries across five continents, united in their commitment to advancing leadership and improving quality of life for residents around the world.
As part of the Initiative, the City of Santa Clara will participate in additional study and a project that advances city progress and improves outcomes for residents. The selected project focuses on preparations for major events in 2026, including Super Bowl LX and the FIFA Men’s World Cup. The goal is to develop a comprehensive program that engages the community and stakeholders-enhancing communication, promoting transparency, and ensuring public accountability throughout the planning and execution of these high-impact events.
DISCUSSION
Staff will provide a presentation, Attachment 1, with an overview of the City of Santa Clara project chosen for the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, and the Harvard graduate student fellow who will be joining the City Manager’s Office this summer to advance the analysis.
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
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and the 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 24 hours prior to the 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
Accept the staff report on the City’s Participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.
Staff
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Klotz, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
Attachments:
1. Presentation