Santa Clara County plans master development for fairgrounds with community engagement

The Santa Clara County Finance and Government Operations Committee convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the county fairgrounds and language accessibility initiatives. The meeting highlighted the county's commitment to enhancing community engagement and operational efficiency at the fairgrounds, a vital asset for local residents.

One of the key discussions centered on the need for improved language accessibility in county communications. Committee members expressed their dedication to ensuring that all constituents can access information in a language they understand. This initiative is seen as crucial for fostering inclusivity and better serving diverse communities. The committee emphasized the importance of feedback from residents as they navigate this complex undertaking, which involves integrating advanced technologies like AI while maintaining high-quality standards.

In a notable update, the committee received a quarterly report from the Office of the County Executive regarding the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. Deputy County Executive Consuelo Hernandez, along with her team, provided insights into the fairgrounds' operations and future planning. They acknowledged past challenges in fully realizing the fairgrounds' potential, particularly due to governance issues and the impact of COVID-19. However, they also reported successes in activating the fairgrounds for year-round use and outlined a vision for a master planning effort to enhance its facilities and programming.

The committee discussed the necessity of a phased approach to redevelopment, allowing for creative solutions and community engagement while addressing immediate operational needs. Members expressed a strong desire to move forward quickly with planning efforts, recognizing the fairgrounds as a valuable community asset that can foster cultural celebrations and bring people together.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to present a proposed work plan for the fairgrounds' master planning process to the full Board of Supervisors in September. This timeline aims to capitalize on the current momentum and community interest in revitalizing the fairgrounds, ensuring that it meets the needs of Santa Clara County residents.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the future of the fairgrounds and the county's commitment to enhancing language accessibility, both of which are expected to have a lasting positive impact on the community.