COUNCIL AGENDA : 11/18/2025
FILE : 25-1234
ITEM : 2.27
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC
CITY COUNCIL City Clerk
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: November 12, 2025
SUBJECT: Retroactive Approval of the San José State University Homecoming Tower Lighting Sponsored by the Office of Mayor Mahan as a City Council Sponsored Special Event to Expend City Funds and Accept Donations of Materials and Services for the Event
Recommendation
As recommended by the Rules and Open Government Committee on November 12, 2025:
(a) Retroactively approve the San José State University Homecoming Tower Lighting in San José scheduled on November 8, 2025, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds;
(b) Retroactively approve the San José State University Tower Lighting scheduled from November 8, 2025 to November 14, 2025, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds; and
(c) Retroactively approve and accept donations from various individuals, businesses, or community groups to support the events.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Mayor)
[Rules Committee referral November 12, 2025 - Item B.3]
ROGC DATE: 11/12/2025
ITEM: B.3
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Mayor Mahan
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: November 7, 2025
Approved:
SUBJECT: RETROACTIVE APPROVAL OF THE SAN JOSÉ STATE UNIVERSITY
HOMECOMING TOWER LIGHTING SPONSORED BY THE OFFICE OF MAYOR
MATT MAHAN AS A CITY COUNCIL SPONSORED SPECIAL EVENTS TO EXPEND
CITY FUNDS, LIGHT CITY HALL, AND ACCEPT DONATIONS OF MATERIALS AND SERVICES FOR THE EVENTS.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Retroactively approve the San José State University Homecoming Tower Lighting in San José on November 8, 2025, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
2. Retroactively approve the San José State University Tower Lighting on November 8, 2025 through November 14, 2025, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
3. Retroactively approve and accept donations from various individuals, businesses, or community groups to support the event.
4. Place the item on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Council Agenda for action.
BACKGROUND
On February 1, 2005, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 72517 which requires Councilmembers to submit a memorandum to the Rules Committee regarding proposed City Council sponsored Special Events and the proposed use of any funds.
San José State University’s Homecoming, which will be on November 8, 2025, will be observed with a tower lighting sponsored by Mayor Mahan. San José State University’s Homecoming is a long-standing tradition that brings together students, alumni, faculty, families, and community members to celebrate Spartan pride. As the oldest public university on the West Coast and a cornerstone of San José’s identity, SJSU contributes significantly to the cultural, economic, and civic vitality of the city. Homecoming fosters school spirit, supports local businesses, and
ROGC DATE: 11/12/2025
ITEM: B.4
showcases the achievements of students and alumni who shape the region’s workforce and future. Through its festivities, Homecoming highlights SJSU’s role as a driving force in the heart of Silicon Valley and a proud partner in the growth and vibrancy of the City of San José. The Tower will be lit blue and gold from November 8, 2025 to November 14, 2025 to celebrate San José State University’s Homecoming.
ANALYSIS
City Council Policy 7-14, City Hall Event Lighting Policy, Sections C.1 allows Tower lighting in conjunction with proclamations for official actions or ceremonial items, as approved by City Council. It also allows for extended lighting beyond one cycle between sundown and sunrise.
Approval by the City Council of the event will ensure compliance with the Council’s prior direction regarding Council Special Events. Approval of this memorandum will enable Council offices, City departments, and the Office of the City Clerk to proceed with the event.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST
The Office of the City Clerk will post the item on the City’s Website for the November 12th, 2025, Rules Committee Agenda and the November 18th, 2025, City Council Agenda.
CEQA
Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment.