Santa Clara has approved two elements relating to two big marquee events.
At its Tuesday night meeting, Sept. 23, the council approved the logo and slogan for special events as well as the agreement for the Super Bowl in 2026.
An agreement with the Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC) and the San Francisco Forty Niners will seek to reimburse the city for costs associated with the big game. However, Mayor Lisa Gillmor took issue with the lack of an extra assurance that those costs would be reimbursed.
Costs for the event are estimated at $6.4 million.
Gillmor called for a letter of credit from the team, assuring the city that if the BAHC cannot cover costs associated with the Super Bowl, it would be able to backstop the costs.
“Without a letter of credit, there is no guarantee that we will get our money back,” she said. “This, for me, is about protecting our residents, our taxpayers, our city finances and most of all, our stadium authority.”
However, Jihad Beauchman, executive vice president and general counsel for the 49ers, told the council that such a letter is unnecessary. Not only is it unlikely that lenders would approve such a letter, but a Super Bowl is already covered under the provisions for an NFL game.
When confronted with this, Gillmor dismissed the explanation, saying they were “going in circles.”
Council Member Kevin Park said looking at big-ticket events like the Super Bowl in terms of money-in, money-out is a “one-dimensional” way of thinking, adding that a plethora of auxiliary economic benefits may not be immediately evident.
The council approved the agreement in a 5-2 vote, with Gillmor and Vice Mayor Kelly Cox dissenting.
Big Event Slogan Settled On
On a similar note, the council also approved a slogan and logo for the marquee events.
“The slogan and branding effort is designed to capture the thrill and momentum of these events while establishing a foundation for meaningful engagement leading up to 2026,” said City Manager Jovan Grogan.
The council approved the slogan “where the mission meets the moment” as the slogan for the Super Bowl and the six FIFA World Cup games the city is slated to host in 2026.
Janine De la Vega, the city’s communication director, said the slogan “connects the past and the present.”
Santa Clara Adds to Housing Stock
The council also approved two development projects.
The first was an 11 townhome development, located 1530 and 1540 Pomeroy Ave. The second was a 142 townhome project, located 1400 Coleman Ave.
The Pomeroy development would require a rezoning to accommodate an increased density on the .48-acre site.
Although state law precludes the developer of the Coleman Avenue development from having to provide parking, the developer proposed 234 parking spaces
Afshan Hamid, the city’s community development director, said the project meets the intent of the area’s zoning.
Park said he was happy the developer incorporated many of the comments given to them.
“It is always nice to feel like you’ve been heard,” he said.
Both projects passed unanimously.
Consent Calendar Spending
The council approved the following spending in one motion via the consent calendar:
- A five-year, $2.65 million contract with WSP USA, Inc. for landfill operation, maintenance, monitoring, and compliance at Related Santa Clara development.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1500 Warburton Ave. in Santa Clara.
Members of the public can participate in the Santa Clara City Council meetings on Zoom at https://santaclaraca.zoom.us/j/99706759306; Meeting ID: 997-0675-9306 or call 1 (669) 900-6833, via the City’s eComment (available during the meeting) or by email to PublicComment@santaclaraca.gov
Contact David Alexander at d.todd.alexander@gmail.com
Previous City Council Meetings:
2025 Charter Review Committee Set
City Approves First Round Of Bond Measure Projects
Santa Clara Enacts Eminent Domain on Yet Another Property for SVP Expansion
