REPORT TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING COMMITTEE (AD HOC)
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Direction on the Citywide 2026 Economic Development & Community Engagement Plan and on the Citywide Theme for 2026 Major Events Community Engagement Campaign.
Report
BACKGROUND
At the June 2, 2025 Economic Development and Marketing Committee Ad Hoc (EDMC) meeting, Committee members and stakeholders had a discussion on potential community engagement and economic development activities related to the 2026 events of SuperBowl and FIFA World Cup at Levi’s Stadium.
The following campaign theme options were presented for consideration.
• Santa Clara: Where the World Kicks off
• Santa Clara: Get Your Kicks in 2026
• Santa Clara 2026 The World Plays Here
Community Engagement Opportunities
Below was presented to the Committee as a tentative timeline for potential opportunities and partnerships the City is including in the plan for the consideration by the Committee. These potential events would provide inclusive, low-cost programming which is open to the public.
Tentative Dates |
Event |
Potential Partner(s) |
June 2025 |
FIFA Plaque Unveiling |
Bay Area Host Committee |
September 2025 |
Kickoff Campaign at Art & Wine Festival |
Parks & Recreation |
October 2025 |
Parade of Champions - Sports Zone component of the Parade Festival |
Santa Clara Parade of Champions |
December 2025 |
Holiday Tree Lighting |
City Departments |
January 2026 |
Community Chalk Art Contest |
City Manager’s Office |
February / March 2026 |
Sports Themed Exhibit |
Triton Museum |
April 2026 |
Firehouse Run |
Santa Clara Firefighters Foundation |
May - July 2026 |
Night Market Launch (series of 4 events) |
Food trucks, artists, entertainment |
June/July 2026 |
Watch Parties for FIFA games not hosted in Santa Clara |
TBD |
|
Santa Clara City Library Events |
Library |
|
Concert for Community |
TBD |
|
Free Youth Sports and Stem Camp/Clinic Programs |
TBD |
|
Banners & Community Wayfinding |
City Manager’s Office |
Economic Development Opportunities
Also presented was the goal of the Plan to partner with the business community and the local Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce.

DISCUSSION
At the June 23, 2025 EDMC meeting, the Committee will seek input from the stakeholders on additional on community engagement and economic development activities related to the 2026 events of SuperBowl and FIFA World Cup at Levi’s Stadium and workshop additional campaign themes.
Also, the Committee and stakeholders will further discuss opportunities for community engagement and economic development related to the 2026 events.
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 associated with this report. The potential activities from the Citywide 2026 Major Events Economic Development & Community Engagement Plan may include future costs.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated by 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 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
Discussion and direction on the Citywide 2026 Economic Development & Community Engagement Plan and on the Citywide Theme for 2026 Major Events Community Engagement Campaign.
Staff
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Klotz, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager