REPORT TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING COMMITTEE (AD HOC)
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion on the Citywide 2026 Economic Development & Community Engagement
Report
BACKGROUND
At the April 28, 2025, Economic Development and Marketing Committee Ad Hoc (EDMC) meeting, staff presented a strategic framework to the Committee for community activation and event support for 2026 events for the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup. Information was presented outlining the formation of a Major Events Task Force to support planning efforts by focusing on fundraising, strategic outreach, and community engagement initiatives related to Santa Clara's hosting of the 2026 major events.
On June 2, 2025, the Committee and stakeholders held a discussion on the Citywide 2026 Economic Development & Community Engagement Plan, including proposed priorities, community programming, and campaign theme options.
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
On June 23, 2025, Committee members and stakeholders engaged in an Event Strategy Workshop that mapped city landmarks, assets, and district boundaries to visualize potential event locations, layered with community demographics, cultures, and interests. The exercise also included results from a community ideas generator survey that launched on. The survey was launched as a call to the community for input on possible event ideas.
Committee members had further discussions on potential events and locations and were asked to share one word that captures the core value of Santa Clara.
Community Ideas Generator Response Survey Results
Below are the community survey results which were presented to the Committee as a part of the Event Strategy Workshop.
Community Responses Frequency Notes
Community Responses Frequency Notes
Community Responses Frequency Notes
Watch Parties
31
With games and prizes, at the lib...
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