REPORT TO GOVERNANCE AND ETHICS COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Review and Approval on Amendments to Council Policy 035 ("Naming of Facilities") to Proposed Council Policy 035 ("Naming of City Streets, Parks and Other Facilities")
Report
BACKGROUND
The purpose of Council Policy 035 ("Naming of Facilities") is to establish the criteria and procedures for the naming of City of Santa Clara (City) facilities. The policy's objectives are to establish and maintain a system to ensure that decisions on naming opportunities are made in an equitable and consistent manner and that the naming actions maintain alignment with the City's Mission Statement and Code of Ethics and Values.
The Governance and Ethics Committee was established by Council action on February 5, 2019, to consolidate the Governance Committee, Ethics Committee, and the Facilities Naming and Honorary Recognition Ad Hoc Committee. The Committee focuses on the refinement or establishment of policies and procedures regarding City Council operations and general good government practices, as well as the further implementation of the City's Code of Ethics & Values program. This Committee is also responsible for reviewing requests for facility naming and honorary recognitions.
The current Council Policy 035 ("Naming of Facilities") (Attachment 1) was last reviewed by the Governance and Ethics Committee on March 13, 2023, with amendments brought forth by the Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The revised policy was brought forth to the City Council for final review and approved on October 10, 2023, by adopted Resolution No. 23-9270.
In an effort to further define criteria and provide consistent and clear procedures for naming proposals for City streets, parks and other facilities, staff will present proposed amendments to the Governance an Ethics Committee for consideration at the June 2, 2025 meeting.
DISCUSSION
Staff reviewed several naming policies from other cities, including the cities of Alameda...
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