Santa Clara Council focuses on 2026 Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup preparations

The Santa Clara Economic Development & Marketing Committee convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s economic landscape and preparing for significant events in 2026, including the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup matches. This meeting marked a renewed focus on economic development, with the committee emphasizing the importance of community engagement and business support.

A key highlight was the introduction of Discover Santa Clara, the city’s new destination marketing organization. The committee plans to collaborate closely with this organization to promote local businesses and attractions, particularly as thousands of visitors are expected during the major events in 2026. The committee's chair noted that the city council had recently revised the committee's name to better reflect its dual focus on economic development and marketing.

The discussions underscored the need for a comprehensive economic development strategy that would assess the unique business climate in Santa Clara. This strategy aims to identify opportunities for growth, enhance services for businesses, and improve the permitting process, which is often a hurdle for local enterprises. The committee is committed to supporting both small and large businesses, ensuring they can thrive and contribute to the city’s economy.

Additionally, the committee discussed the importance of community events leading up to 2026, with plans to engage local stakeholders and businesses in the planning process. Members expressed enthusiasm for showcasing Santa Clara’s diverse culinary scene and other attractions to visitors, highlighting the city’s potential as a vibrant destination.

As the committee moves forward, it aims to create a collaborative environment where businesses can benefit from the anticipated influx of visitors and the economic opportunities that come with it. The next steps will involve gathering feedback from committee members and stakeholders to refine strategies that align with the city’s broader economic goals.