REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Report
BACKGROUND
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Month began in 1977, when Congress proposed bills for the creation of a month to celebrate the contributions and history of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States. In 1992 Congress passed a law designating May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. Most of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month recognizes and commends the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Americans throughout the community. It is a celebration of a broad group of people. Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
The 2026 theme is “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” This theme emphasizes leveraging collective strength, fostering collaboration, and investing in future AANHPI leaders.
DISCUSSION
At the May 5, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council will proclaim May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor and recognize the AAPI community.
Representatives from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community will be present to accept the proclamation.
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: Aimee Escobar, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month