City Council and Authorities Concurrent

Summary

This is a legislative update from Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, outlining his biography, district impacts, committee assignments, and legislative priorities. Key budget allocations for the 2025-2026 period include $52 million for food banks, an increase in funding for affordable housing with $500 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and $100M for organizations serving crime survivors.

Several bills have been signed by the Governor:

• AB 243: Addresses student financial aid dependency status for juveniles, allowing limited disclosure of juvenile case file information to protect privacy.
• AB 461: Removes penalties for parents of chronically truant children, offering more support instead of fines or jail time.
• AB 1314: Enhances transitional housing placement for eligible youth by requiring flexible county contracts.
• AB 268: Adds Diwali to the list of state holidays, authorizing school and state employee recognition.
• AB 1476: Allows senior meal programs to offer hot or reheatable "to go" meals.

Two-year bills currently in progress include:

• AB 635: Strengthens the Mobilehome Residency Law Protection Program by referring serious violations to the Attorney General.
• AB 1203: Creates a "water-wise" designation for businesses in the CII sector that meet water conservation best practices.
• AB 1351: Establishes an online database for minor work permits.
• AB 1359: Refocuses efforts to re-engage truant students using effective interventions, particularly for families receiving CalWORKs.

Assemblymember Ahrens' top priority areas for 2026 include Housing, Foster Youth, Technology, Education, and Affordability. The presentation also briefly outlines the legislative process and provides contact information.

Citizen Impact

This update highlights state budget allocations for affordable housing and social services, and details new laws signed by the Governor that affect student financial aid, truancy support, senior meal programs, and transitional housing for youth. Residents can also note the addition of Diwali as a state holiday.

Confidence

high

Summary

This legislative update from State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab highlights significant investments and new legislation primarily focused on housing and tenant protections. Key housing initiatives include $1.4 billion in housing investments statewide, with specific programs like the Dream for All Program ($300M) for first-time buyers, the Multifamily Housing Program ($120M) for affordable housing construction, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits ($500M). Additionally, $500M is allocated to homelessness assistance and prevention. The update also details several new laws signed into effect:

• SB 262 (Stable Housing is Prohousing): Expands "prohousing local policies" to include those preventing displacement.
• SB 610 (Tenant & Homeowner Protections): Enhances protections for residents following emergencies.
• SB 625 (Housing in Disaster Areas): Expedites rebuilding in disaster-stricken areas.
• SB 681/AB 130 (Zombie Mortgage Protections & Limits HOA Fees on ADUs): Stops unfair foreclosures on second mortgages and prevents HOAs from blocking ADU construction with excessive fees.
• Other Housing Bills: Include seismic safety for affordable housing, stronger permit streamlining, expanded renter's tax credits, affordable housing in coastal zones, and updates to housing planning rules (RHNA).

Other legislative wins include bans on signal jammers (SB 701), flexibility in peace officer degree requirements (SB 385), the "No Secret Police Act" (SB 627), and various consumer protection measures like insulin co-pay caps (SB 40) and energy affordability initiatives (SB 254).

Citizen Impact

Residents can benefit from increased access to homeownership through programs like Dream for All, enhanced protections against displacement and unfair foreclosures, and potentially lower housing costs due to new affordable housing initiatives. The quadrupled renter's tax credit will also put more money back into renters' pockets.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item consists of minutes from various city committees and boards, including:

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (August 25, 2025): Election of Chair and Vice Chair, public comments on trail maintenance and bike lane markings, approval of previous minutes, and discussion of the 2026 meeting calendar. Subcommittees were discussed for wayfinding, data-driven project evaluation, and roundabouts.
• City-School Liaison Committee (September 3, 2025): Approval of minutes, updates from the School District Superintendent on growth areas and community engagement, and updates from the City Manager on Measure I, community events, and the Benton and Lawrence housing grant. The District discussed budget planning due to declining enrollment and school construction projects. Community Development provided updates on housing projects at 1400 Coleman Street, Benton Lawrence, and Moonlite. The BRAVE program deployment and 15mph school zones were discussed. Library updates included student library cards and database access.
• Planning Commission (October 8, 2025): Approval of previous minutes and the 2026 meeting calendar. A public hearing was held to amend zoning for 22 single-family residences at 1957 Pruneridge Avenue to allow natural gas stoves. A Vesting Tentative Map for six single-family units at 4503 Cheeney Street was also approved. A study session was held on the Santa Clara Station Area Specific Plan.
• Historical and Landmarks Commission (October 2, 2025): Approval of previous minutes and the 2026 meeting calendar. A Historical Preservation Agreement (Mills Act Contract) for 1458 Lexington Street was approved, requiring the addition of a plaque stating the year of construction.
• Board of Library Trustees (September 8, 2025): Approval of special meeting minutes. The 2026 meeting calendar was approved with a location change for the November meeting. The Library Strategic Plan was approved and will be reviewed with the City Council. Announcements included library events, a potential waiver of overdue fines, and the Career Online High School graduation ceremony.
• Board of Library Trustees (October 6, 2025): Approval of previous minutes. The Board recommended the City Council accept a $115,361 CLLS grant for the Read Santa Clara program and approved a related budget amendment. The Library Facilities Master Plan was reviewed and recommended for City Council approval. Updates were provided on the Read Santa Clara program, COHS graduation, and the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program.

Citizen Impact

These minutes document routine administrative actions and discussions by various city committees and boards. Residents can stay informed about local planning decisions, library services, and community development initiatives through these records.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Santa Clara's audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Silicon Valley Power (SVP) Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, received an unmodified opinion from independent auditors, confirming fair presentation in accordance with GAAP. The City's overall financial position significantly improved, with total net position increasing by $420 million to $3.1 billion.

Governmental Activities saw a $113 million increase in net position, driven by strong tax revenues including a $17 million rise in Sales Tax, $5 million in Ad Valorem Tax, and $5 million in Transient Occupancy Taxes. Additional revenue came from $11 million in stadium event performance rent and $3 million in Housing Impact Fees. The General Fund's total revenues increased by 19.4% to $372 million, with its fund balance growing by $60 million to $241 million.

Business-Type Activities experienced a $307 million increase in net position. The Electric Utility Fund (SVP) was a major contributor, with a $270 million increase, fueled by a 5% rate increase effective July 1, 2024, increased customer consumption, and higher interest earnings. SVP's operating revenues rose by 9.0% to $808.0 million. The Santa Clara Stadium Authority also contributed a $26 million gain. The City implemented GASB 101 (Compensated Absences) and adjusted its accounting policy for long-term loans, impacting beginning net position balances. Total outstanding long-term debt for the City increased by $101 million, largely due to the issuance of $112 million in Electric 2024 Series A Revenue Bonds.

Citizen Impact

The City's improved financial health, marked by a $420 million increase in net position, indicates strong fiscal management and a greater capacity to fund public services and infrastructure projects without increasing taxes. Residents may see higher utility bills due to the 5% rate increase for Silicon Valley Power, but this contributes to the utility's financial stability and ability to invest in reliable electric services. The growth in tax revenues and fund balances provides a buffer against economic downturns and supports ongoing community programs.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item concerns the spending plan and budget amendment for the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The California Department of Finance has allocated a total of $214,200,000 from the Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS) and Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) funds. These funds are distributed across four categories:

• County Jail Construction and Operation: $11,031,300 (5.15% of total)
• District Attorney Criminal Prosecution: $11,031,300 (5.15% of total)
• Comprehensive Multi-Agency Juvenile Justice Plan: $107,100,000 (50% of total)
• Front-line Law Enforcement: $85,037,400 (39.7% of total)

Each law enforcement jurisdiction receiving front-line funding is guaranteed a minimum grant of $100,000. The allocations are based on January 1, 2025, population estimates.

Citizen Impact

This action approves the allocation of state funds to support various law enforcement and public safety initiatives across the state, including front-line policing, juvenile justice programs, and district attorney operations. Residents may see increased or sustained law enforcement presence and services funded by these allocations.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a new Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Unisys Corporation for comprehensive Information Technology (IT) Outsourcing Services. This new agreement, effective January 1, 2026, will span 30 months with a not-to-exceed maximum compensation of $29,804,800. The recurring fees for this period are $25,815,672, with the remaining amount allocated for potential variable costs such as additional resource charges or new services.

Unisys will provide a wide range of IT services, including infrastructure support, enterprise applications and websites, end-user services, 24x7 management of mission-critical systems, helpdesk operations, and project management. Key features include a performance-based contract with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), a continuous improvement program, and robust cybersecurity protocols adhering to NIST, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI standards. The services will be delivered from various Unisys global centers, with primary operations for the City from U.S. locations, and include the implementation of a new ServiceNow platform for IT service management and Agile/DevOps methodologies for project delivery. This new MSA follows previous extensions of an original 2017 agreement, which was extended through December 31, 2025.

Citizen Impact

This agreement ensures the continued provision of reliable and secure IT services that underpin all city operations, from public safety dispatch to utility billing and online citizen portals. It aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of city services, protect citizen data through advanced cybersecurity, and improve overall digital engagement with the community.

Confidence

high

Summary

This Professional Services Agreement (PSA) between the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) and the Cities of Palo Alto and Santa Clara establishes a framework for consulting services related to electric transmission, power generation, and regulatory and electric market design. The agreement, effective January 1, 2026, and terminating on December 31, 2030, delegates the procurement and administration of these services to NCPA. The total cost for these services shall not exceed $3,287,500 over the 5-year term. The City of Santa Clara will contribute a maximum of $2,630,000, with the City of Palo Alto contributing the remainder. NCPA will contract with a third-party consultant, Flynn Resource Consultants Inc., to perform the actual services, with NCPA acting as the contract administrator and billing agent. The agreement outlines responsibilities for indemnity, insurance, and dispute resolution, and specifies that Contracting Members (Palo Alto and Santa Clara) are jointly and severally liable for all costs.

Citizen Impact

This agreement ensures continued expert consulting for the cities' electric utilities, focusing on grid planning, market design, and regulatory matters. Residents will benefit from reliable and potentially more cost-effective electricity services due to optimized transmission and generation strategies, though the direct financial impact on citizens is not detailed in this agreement.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item seeks to extend the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) and the Amended and Restated License Agreement between the City of Santa Clara and Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley (HHEBSV) for an additional year. The property in question is located at 3575 De La Cruz Boulevard.

Key Details:

• Original ENA Date: April 9, 2019
• Original License Agreement Date: Not explicitly stated, but amended multiple times.
• Purpose: To allow HHEBSV to continue negotiating a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) for an affordable homeownership development project.
• Project Scope: Initially proposed 13 units, later revised to 15 units of affordable ownership housing, affordable to households between 50% and 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).
• Extension Rationale: HHEBSV requires additional time to secure necessary project funding from federal, state, and local sources.
• New Expiration Date: The ENA's negotiating period, previously set to expire on December 30, 2025, will now expire on December 30, 2026.
• License Agreement Extension: The License Agreement, which allows HHEBSV access to the property for studies, is also extended to align with the ENA, with the previous amendment extending it to December 30, 2026.
• Conditions: The City can terminate the agreement with 30 days' notice if HHEBSV does not make adequate progress in securing funding or if the project becomes financially infeasible. HHEBSV must provide quarterly updates on funding efforts.

Citizen Impact

This extension allows the affordable housing project at 3575 De La Cruz Boulevard to continue progressing towards development. Residents will benefit from the potential addition of new affordable homeownership opportunities.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item authorizes the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Santa Clara Unified School District for the B.R.A.V.E. (Building Respect, Awareness, and Values through Education) program. The program aims to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and youth in 4th-grade classes within the city. The MOU outlines that the City Police Department's School Services Unit will provide 8 weeks of the B.R.A.V.E. curriculum. A pilot program was conducted during the 2024-2025 school year with adjustments made based on feedback. The agreement will run from August 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with options for two one-year extensions. The School District will pay the City $161 per student for the first year, with a 3% annual escalator. The agreement also includes mutual indemnification and insurance requirements.

Citizen Impact

This agreement will continue the B.R.A.V.E. program, providing educational content on topics like responsibility, bullying, and substance awareness to 4th-grade students in the Santa Clara Unified School District, fostering positive youth-police relations.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item concerns the schematic design for a new public park at 2518 Mission College Boulevard, developed by the Irvine Company. The park will be 4.225 acres and is part of the mitigation for a new residential development project requiring 10.323 acres of parkland. The developer will also provide 4.223 acres of private recreational amenities and pay a fee in-lieu for the remaining parkland obligation. Community feedback from an online survey and a pop-up event on July 4th influenced the design, with requests for features like a game area, children's play equipment, outdoor fitness equipment, pathways, native plants, seating, shade, a walking loop, and a quiet space. The Parks & Recreation Commission will review the design and recommend its approval to the City Council. The developer will cover all design, construction, and initial maintenance costs, with no fiscal impact to the City's General Fund beyond staff time.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect a new 4.225-acre public park with requested amenities like play areas, fitness equipment, and walking paths. The park's design and construction, along with ongoing maintenance, will be funded by the developer, at no direct cost to taxpayers.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item is a Note and File action regarding the Silicon Valley Power (SVP) 2024 Power Content Label (PCL). The PCL is designed to inform SVP customers about the sources of energy used to provide their electric services. The label details the electricity sources, categorizing them into Renewables and Zero-Carbon Resources and Fossil Fuels and Unspecified Power. For 2024, SVP's power mix is reported as 100% RPS Eligible Renewables, with specific breakdowns including 77% Wind, 19% Solar, and other sources. The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity for SVP is 0 lbs of CO2e per megawatt hour, significantly lower than the California Utility Average of 359 lbs CO2e/MWh. The label also clarifies that it does not reflect compliance with the Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) using unbundled RECs and provides a link for more detailed GHG emissions information.

Citizen Impact

Residents can use the 2024 Power Content Label to understand the sources of their electricity, noting that Silicon Valley Power provides 100% renewable and zero-carbon energy with zero greenhouse gas emissions intensity.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution amends the FY 2025/26 Municipal Fee Schedule to modify pool rental fees for the Parks and Recreation Department. The changes establish a tiered fee structure based on "Priority User Groups" for pool rentals, replacing the previous "Shared Facility" and "Exclusive Use" categories. The adopted fees range from No Fee for Priority User Group 1 (City programs) to $40 per hour per lane for Priority User Groups 6 (Non-resident) and 7 (Commercial entity). The resolution also notes that specific descriptions for each Priority User Group will be established through separate actions. This resolution takes effect immediately.

Citizen Impact

Residents who rent city pools will see a restructured fee system based on user group, with potential cost changes depending on their group. Non-residents and commercial entities will face higher per-lane hourly rates compared to city programs or resident non-profits.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item approves the regular meeting schedule for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) for the calendar year 2026. The resolution confirms that the BPAC will hold five regular meetings on the fourth Monday of January, March, June, August, and October in 2026. All meetings will commence at 4:00 p.m. in the City Hall – Council Chambers. This action formalizes the meeting dates as required by city code for all boards and commissions.

Citizen Impact

Residents interested in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure can note the five scheduled meeting dates for 2026 to attend or provide input on relevant city planning.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item approves Change Order No. 2 to the construction contract with Giant Construction LLC for the Women’s Locker Room CapEx Project at Levi’s Stadium. This change order adds $17,036.00 to the contract, increasing the total amount from $252,175 to $269,211.00. The additional cost is for the installation of automatic fire sprinklers, which were mandated by the Santa Clara Fire Department following an inspection due to a pre-existing non-conforming condition in the auxiliary locker room. This brings the total value of change orders to $29,311, exceeding the originally authorized change order limit of $23,990 by $5,321, thus requiring SCSA Board approval. The project aims to convert an auxiliary locker room into a larger, private space to ensure equal accommodations for female athletes, performers, and event-day professionals. The cost is covered by a $61,957.00 budget carryforward for FY25/26, approved on October 21, 2025, meaning no new budget augmentation is required. This change also extends the contract time by 60 days, in addition to the 3 days from Change Order No. 1.

Citizen Impact

This action ensures enhanced safety at Levi's Stadium by adding fire sprinklers to the women's locker room, a facility designed to provide equal accommodations for female athletes and professionals. The additional cost is covered by an existing budget, so there is no new financial impact on residents.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item is a 'Post Meeting Material' submission from a resident, Craig Larsen, advocating for dedicated public pickleball courts. Larsen highlights the growing demand for pickleball, citing its popularity in other cities with numerous dedicated courts (e.g., Sunnyvale with 22, Palo Alto with 15). He describes the current situation at Santa Clara's Central Park, where six pickleball courts are overlaid on tennis courts, leading to issues with temporary lines and shared facilities. The submission notes that the Parks and Recreation Community Workshop rated pickleball facility investment as medium (75), and a Senior Advisory Commission was tasked with reporting on pickleball facilities, though the outcome is unclear. Larsen requests dedicated courts with proper lining, nets, nearby restrooms, and picnic tables.

Citizen Impact

Residents who play pickleball are experiencing inadequate facilities with shared courts and limited amenities, impacting their ability to play. The submission advocates for dedicated courts to improve the playing experience.

Confidence

high

Summary

This action readopts a resolution declaring an urgency to award a public works contract for the International Swim Center (ISC) Rehabilitation Phase 1 Project without readvertising for bids, and awards the contract to International Swim Center 2026, LLC, a joint venture between Adams Pool Solutions and Mark Scott Construction, Inc. The $24,508,292 contract, with a total authorization of $28,184,536 including a 15% contingency, addresses critical repairs and upgrades to the George F. Haines International Swim Center at 2625 Patricia Drive.

Background & Urgency: The ISC, built in 1966, was closed indefinitely in January 2024 due to significant health and safety concerns identified in a 2023 assessment by LPA, Inc. Initial plans for a temporary reopening with a $1.86 million replastering project were halted in January 2025 after unforeseen structural damage was discovered. The urgency declaration, in accordance with City Charter Section 1310, is based on severe programmatic, financial, and social impacts on the City and local aquatic user groups, including a dramatic drop in City program participants from over 20,000 in 2022 to less than 1,000 in 2024.

Phase 1 Scope of Work: This expanded scope includes: replacement of pool decking, recirculation, plumbing, boilers, and perimeter gutter systems for all three pools (racing, training, and dive well); replacement or refurbishment of the dive tower; reconfiguration of the racing pool depth to 3 meters to meet international competition standards; electrical upgrades and ADA accessibility improvements; and construction of a new pool mechanical room and temporary modular restrooms/showers.

Timeline & Funding: Construction is slated to begin in March 2026 with substantial completion by Summer 2027 (280 working days). The project is primarily funded by Measure I General Obligation Bond funds ($22.2 million), supplemented by a $3.8 million bridge from the Mitigation Fee Act. The City Manager is authorized to execute all related documents and change orders up to $3,676,244.

Future Plans (Phase 2): Staff will return to the City Council with a plan for Phase 2, which will include the demolition and design of a new administration building, repair of existing bleachers, and replacement of the bleacher canopy, with $2 million from Measure I bonds allocated for schematic design.

Citizen Impact

This project will fully rehabilitate the International Swim Center, allowing it to reopen with enhanced, code-compliant facilities for all three pools, including a dive tower and a racing pool meeting international standards. This means residents will regain access to a world-class aquatic venue, supporting local swim, artistic swimming, and dive clubs, and significantly increasing the capacity for City-run health and wellness programs. The project is primarily funded by the voter-approved Measure I bond, ensuring a long-term asset for the community.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering an ordinance to establish a "Special Event Zone" around Levi's® Stadium for the Super Bowl LX (February 1-10, 2026) and potentially future major events. This ordinance aims to enhance public safety, manage traffic and crowds, and prevent issues like counterfeit merchandise. It will temporarily pause existing sidewalk vending permits within the designated zone during specific event periods and prohibit outdoor sales of food, beverages, and merchandise visible from public areas, except for established businesses operating normally. The ordinance also bans mobile unit vending and advertising, restricts promotional giveaways, and requires permits for temporary structures. The proposed zone, as detailed in Map B, encompasses the stadium, surrounding public rights-of-way, and adjacent activity centers like the Convention Center and California's Great America. The ordinance is intended to be temporary, geographically limited, and event-specific, with enforcement primarily through administrative remedies. The FIFA World Cup 2026 regulations will be addressed in a separate resolution.

Citizen Impact

Residents and visitors in the Special Event Zone near Levi's® Stadium will experience temporary restrictions on outdoor vending and sales during the Super Bowl LX period (February 1-10, 2026). This aims to improve safety and manage crowds, but may limit immediate access to certain goods and services from temporary vendors within the zone.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council approved the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan Update 2025 Report and the Sanitary Sewer Conveyance Fee Nexus Study, subsequently amending the FY 2025/26 Municipal Fee Schedule. The Master Plan Update, mandated by state water quality boards, expands the City's hydraulic model, incorporates updated flow data, and identifies 16 gravity sewer capacity deficiencies. It recommends a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of 13 projects totaling approximately $100.6 million (in 2024 dollars), with 3 projects scheduled for 2025 and 10 for 2035. The Nexus Study justifies the conveyance fee under AB 1600, allocating the remaining $79.6 million of escalated CIP costs (after accounting for a $58.7 million fund balance and interest earnings) equally between residential and non-residential development. The residential fee structure is changing from a per dwelling unit rate to $1.14 per square foot (SF), while the non-residential fee is updated to $6.34 per gallon per day (gpd). Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) 750 SF or larger will be assessed the residential rate, while those smaller than 750 SF will not be charged.

Citizen Impact

Residents will see a reduction in sanitary sewer conveyance fees, with single-family residential fees decreasing by 28.4% (from $4,218 to $3,021 for an average 2,650 SF home) and non-residential fees decreasing by 26.2% (from $8.60 to $6.34 per gpd). This ensures the sewer system has adequate capacity for future development and helps prevent sanitary sewer overflows, while also providing clearer fee structures for ADUs.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item approves the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25 year-end budget report and related amendments for FY 2025/26, reflecting actual revenues and expenditures and reallocating funds across various city departments and capital projects. The General Fund's Unrestricted Beginning Fund Balance increased by $41,323,888 due to favorable year-end actuals, allowing for significant reallocations and reserve increases.

Key General Fund Adjustments:

• Reserves: Increases to Pension Trust Reserve (total $7.5M), Accrued Liability Reserve ($1.92M), Land Sale Reserve ($2.34M), Advanced Planning Fee Reserve ($1.4M), Technology Fee Reserve ($0.54M), and Capital Projects Reserve ($13M for future capital budgets). The Budget Stabilization Reserve is increased by $1.3M to reach its 25% target.
• Transfers Out: Allocates $20.35M to the Public Buildings Capital Fund for a new Civic Center Campus Future Needs/Relocation project (including $0.35M for a feasibility study), $350,000 for Commerce/Peddlers Plaza maintenance, $274,000 to the Vehicle

Note: This summary was recovered from a truncated response.