REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Resolution of the City of Santa Clara Authorizing the Display of the FIFA ceremonial flag from May 12, 2026 to July 19, 2026.
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2026, the City of Santa Clara will be hosting six Fédération Internationale de Football (FIFA) Men’s World Cup 2026 (FWC26) matches at Levi’s® Stadium (Stadium).
The FIFA Men’s World Cup is an international association football competition among the senior men’s national teams of the members of the Fédération Internationale de Football (FIFA), the sport’s global governing body. The World Cup is globally recognized as the most prestigious association football competition and the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world.
On August 28, 2018, the City Council approved Council Policy 48 (Attachment 2) titled “Display of Flags,” which established guidelines for the exhibition of the United States of America flag, California State flag, City of Santa Clara flag, and the display of ceremonial flags at City facilities and at City Hall. Per Council Policy 48, the City Council may by resolution authorize the display of a ceremonial flag for a period of time that is reasonable or customary for the subject that is to be commemorated, but no longer than 30 continuous days.
DISCUSSION
To mark a milestone of 30 days until matches of the FIFA World Cup are played at Levi’s Stadium, the Bay Area Host Committee is participating in a series of flag raisings throughout the Bay Area. The Committee’s first stop is in Santa Clara as the host city and BAHC has provided an official FIFA World Cup flag to the city for a flag raising ceremony. As part of the City’s “Where the Mission Meets the Moment” community engagement campaign, the City proposes displaying the FIFA flag May 12, 2026 through July 19, 2026 at City Hall. This flag will serve as a visible symbol of pride alongside the City’s ’26 community engagement campaign flag which is currently displayed at City Hall. As the campaign is for 2026, staff recommends that the City Council waive the 30-day continuous maximum restriction for the display of a ceremonial flag.
In accordance with Council Policy 48, it is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the display of the FIFA World Cup flag from May 12, 2026 to July 19, 2026, and to waive the 30 continuous day requirement.
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 was coordinated with the City Attorney’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
Adopt a Resolution waiving the 30 continuous day maximum display period in City Council Policy 48 (“Display of Flags”) and authorizing the display of the FIFA World Cup flag from May 12, 2026 to July 19, 2026 at City Hall and other suitable locations throughout the City approved by the City Manager.
Staff
Reviewed by: Janine De la Vega, Public Information Officer
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. City Council Policy 48 (“Display of Flags”)
2. Draft Resolution