REPORT TO GOVERNANCE AND ETHICS COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration and Possible Action on a Proposed New Council Policy for Ticket Distribution to City Officials
Report
BACKGROUND
As part of the Governance and Ethics Committee workplan, the Committee reviews City Council policies identified for review. In addition, consistent with the Committee's annual workplan process, City staff may also recommend policies for review and consideration. This item is being brought forward by City staff for review and consideration.
Currently, the City of Santa Clara does not have an official ticket distribution policy. As the City of Santa Clara prepares for upcoming events in 2026 and beyond, staff identified the need to establish formal procedures for the acceptance and distribution of tickets or passes provided to the City. The proposed policy would ensure tickets received or purchased by the City of Santa Clara whether for community, cultural or ceremonial events are distributed in a transparent, equitable and legally compliant manner.
The City proposes an official Ticket Distribution Policy to comply with the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) regulations and state law governing the use and reporting of tickets received by public agencies. FPPC Regulation 18944.1 specifically mandates that agencies adopt a written policy if tickets or passes are to be distributed to officials and employees.
This proposed "Ticket Distribution Policy" establishes guidelines for the acceptance and distribution of event tickets or passes received by the City for use by City officials, including Councilmembers, other elected officials, and designated employees as designated by the City Manager, in compliance with the FPPC regulations. This proposed policy establishes clear guidelines and accountability to ensure that all ticket distributions are made for legitimate City-related public purposes, documented appropriately, and when appropriate, disclosed to the public th...
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