REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Council Written Request (Council Policy 030) Submitted by Councilmember Hardy to Place an Item on a Future Agenda to Consider Santa Clara’s Participation in the “Just Serve” Volunteer Opportunities Platform
Report
BACKGROUND
Council Policy 030 (Adding an Item on the Agenda) sets forth the procedure for written petitions. A member of the Council may submit a written request for inclusion of an item on a future City Council agenda. Prior to submitting a Council Item Request form, the Member shall discuss the proposed request with the City Manager (and/or the City Attorney, as appropriate), If City staff’s response does not satisfy the Member’s request, the Member may submit the Council Item Request form for placement on a future City Council agenda. Once the City Clerk’s Office receives the Council Item Request form, it should immediately be forwarded to the City Manager for placement on an agenda, if possible, within two (2) Council meetings after original receipt of the original request by the City Clerk’s Office.
DISCUSSION
On August 24, 2026, the City Clerk’s Office received a Council Written Request submitted by Councilmember Hardy requesting that an item be placed on a future meeting agenda to have Santa Clara participate in the “Just Serve” volunteer opportunities platform. Just Serve offers a free online platform that allows nonprofits, government agencies, schools and faith-based groups to post volunteer opportunities and connect with community members interested in serving. The platform does not permit commercial activity, political campaigns, lobbying or religious proselytization is allowed. There is no cost to the City to use the platform, and any City department may post volunteer opportunities on Just Serve without Council action. Formal participation in the “Just Serve” program would require adoption of a resolution by the City Council.
As a reminder, this item is for purposes of discussing whether...
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