Santa Clara council holds priority‑setting workshop to focus staff on bond projects, event readiness and fiscal sustainability

Santa Clara City Council met at the Central Park Library for a full‑day, facilitator‑led priority‑setting workshop to identify the citywide focus for the coming year. City Manager Jovan Grogan opened the meeting and introduced facilitator Nancy Hetrick of Ruftelis, who led council members and staff through a structured conversation about realistic goals given major near‑term events and recent voter approval of an infrastructure bond.

The workshop brought council members together for guided discussion and public comment. Council members repeatedly stressed the need to choose a small number of meaningful priorities — “big rocks” — rather than a long list of aspirational tasks. Common priorities raised during the workshop were Measure I bond implementation, preparation for the 2026 Super Bowl and FIFA events, downtown revitalization and fiscal sustainability to balance ongoing service levels with long‑term liabilities.

Why it matters: Council used the workshop format to align policy direction with staff capacity at a moment when the city has multiple large obligations on the horizon. The workshop did not adopt ordinances or votes; it served to set staff direction and to surface issues for the 6‑month and budget work plan.

In presentations, Grogan framed the conversation around four pillars: excellent city services, reliable infrastructure, outstanding quality of life and a thriving community. He told the council, “It’s our pleasure to facilitate and host the city council’s 2025 priority setting session,” and staff offered a detailed update of ongoing work, including grant activity, capital projects and hiring metrics.

Council members emphasized maintaining everyday services — public safety, utilities, garbage pickup, street maintenance — while also advancing the bond projects and major event preparation. Several council members said they wanted priorities to be realistic and measurable so the community can see progress. The facilitator summarized themes from pre‑meeting interviews and public comment and recorded ideas on a shared “bike rack” for issues that require more time.

Public comment during the workshop included requests for downtown restoration, an International Swim Center rebuild, stronger climate action tracking, improved permitting processes and attention to RV parking and interim supportive housing. The council and staff agreed to follow up with specific implementation steps, including formation of Measure I oversight procedures and additional budget and planning work.

Next steps: Staff will return with an implementation schedule for Measure I projects, a budget calendar and a proposal for a fiscal sustainability study to address the city’s long‑term forecast. Council asked for periodic (biannual) updates on the active referrals that were discussed. No formal votes were taken at the workshop; the council asked staff to prepare agenda items for future formal actions.