TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Jen Baker
Tommy O’Hare
SUBJECT: 2026 Major Events Status
Report
DATE: May 6, 2026
Approved
Date:
5/6/26
SUPPLEMENTAL
REASON FOR SUPPLEMENTAL
This supplemental memorandum provides additional information on the City’s efforts to inform residents, small business owners, workers, and visitors about their rights and available resources related to immigration public safety during 2026 Major Events.
These efforts include coordinated outreach, education, and emergency preparedness strategies developed in partnership with the County of Santa Clara (County) and regional community partners.
BACKGROUND
On November 18, 2025, City Council accepted the 2026 Major Events Status Report, cross-referenced from the October 27, 2025, Community and Economic Development Committee meeting. City Council also accepted the joint memorandum co-authored by Councilmember Kamei and Councilmember Ortiz, dated November 14, 2025, which directed staff to:
1. Align existing and new outreach efforts to inform residents, small business owners, workers, and visitors about their rights and available City resources related to immigration public safety during 2026 Major Events;
2. Incorporate a summary of outreach efforts to date and community feedback into the next 2026 Major Events Status Report scheduled for the April 27, 2026, Community and Economic Development Committee meeting; and
3. Explore opportunities to partner with Santa Clara County on immigration public safety outreach and coordination efforts for the 2026 Major Events.
COUNCIL AGENDA: 5/12/26
FILE: 26-557
ITEM: 8.1
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
May 6, 2026
Subject: 2026 Major Events Status Report
ANALYSIS
The City of San José has taken a coordinated, proactive approach, grounded in emergency preparedness, strategic investment, and regional collaboration, to ensure residents, workers, small businesses, and visitors have access to accurate information, trusted resources, and supportive services during the 2026 Major Events.
Emergency Preparedness, De-Escalation, and Response Coordination
In advance of Super Bowl LX and upcoming major events, the City Manager’s Office of Emergency Management coordinated Citywide planning for all hazards and threats, including the potential for civil disturbance related to immigration enforcement. This included incorporating scenarios into planning, training, and exercises to prepare Emergency Operations Center staff for response to any incident that may occur.
The City and other jurisdictions contributed to the Large Events Plan prepared by the County. The County facilitates planning meetings twice per month, which cover risks and coordinated response efforts throughout the County.
The District Attorney’s Office announced an increase in human trafficking prevention operations in advance of and during the FIFA World Cup. The San José Police Department is prepared to implement human trafficking prevention operations; similar operations during Super Bowl LX were effective.
Additionally, the City developed a Framework for De-Escalation and Community Support.
1 This framework has been integrated into the City’s emergency preparedness efforts and Emergency Operations Center training, ensuring that de-escalation strategies and community-centered response protocols are embedded within the City’s overall emergency management approach.
This integrated approach aligns City departments and community partners around coordinated response protocols, supports preparedness for potential Emergency Operations Center activation, and ensures communication and response strategies are consistent, timely, and responsive to community needs. This coordination enabled real- time alignment across City departments, community-based organizations, and regional partners during Super Bowl LX, and continues to guide planning for upcoming events, including FIFA World Cup.
Outreach, Education, and Community-Based Support
Building on this preparedness framework, the City has made targeted investments and established coordinated infrastructure to support outreach, education, and community- based efforts.
1 https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6995/5167
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
May 6, 2026
Subject: 2026 Major Events Status Report
The City, through the City Manager’s Office of Racial and Social Equity, plays an active role in coordinating these efforts, including participation and leadership in regional collaboratives such as the Immigrant Protection and Empowerment Network. The City supports and coordinates with a broad network of multisector partners, many of whom are members of the Immigrant Protection and Empowerment Network and the Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network, to deliver culturally responsive outreach and services.
City-supported efforts include:
• Rapid Response and Community Support Systems:
The City supports the Rapid Response Network, which enables trained volunteers to provide timely support during enforcement activities. During Super Bowl LX, this support facilitated deployment in vendor areas to assist street vendors and connect individuals to trusted resources.
• Family Preparedness and Legal Readiness:
City-funded partnerships expand access to Family Preparedness Planning, ensuring families have information, legal resources, and care plans in place to reduce harm and promote stability.
• Multilingual Outreach and Education:
The City invests in culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach delivered through trusted messengers, including workshops, materials, and direct engagement to inform residents, workers, and small businesses of their rights and available resources.
• Support for Small Businesses and Workers:
Engagement with small businesses and street vendors is being prioritized to ensure awareness of workplace rights, available resources, and how to access services safely. The City published
2 a package of resources and funded the
Latino Business Foundation of Silicon Valley to deliver a program of community events for small business owners in coordination with Know Your Rights presentations and a legal clinic.
• Policy-Based Prevention Measures:
In alignment with City Council Policy 7-153 Prohibiting the Use of City Parking Lots, Open Spaces, and Garages for Civil Immigration Enforcement Staging Areas, Processing Locations, or Operation Bases, the City implemented signage on City-owned property to reinforce local policies and improve trust in City services. Signage is also available on the City website4 for private property
2 https://www.sjeconomy.com/Home/Components/News/News/6821/4678 3 https://sanjoseca.govnita.com/api/workspace/Resolutions/files/2102820716837/view 4 https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/office-of-the-city-manager/racial-and- social-equity/signage-for-immigration-enforcement-free-zones
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
May 6, 2026
Subject: 2026 Major Events Status Report
owners, authorized tenants, and community institutions who choose to use it.
This approach has since informed regional discussions, and neighboring jurisdictions are requesting City staff consultation for similar policies in their jurisdictions.
• Regional and National Coordination:
The City continues to collaborate with the County, nearby jurisdictions, and peer cities across the country hosting FIFA World Cup matches to align outreach strategies, share best practices, and strengthen coordinated infrastructure for legal support, emergency response, and community education. Through these engagements the City both contributes to and learns from local and national partners, incorporating lessons into public-facing signage and communications strategies.
Through these efforts, the City is advancing a coordinated system that connects emergency preparedness with community-based outreach and support, ensuring that all residents, regardless of background, can access information and services safely.
COORDINATION
This memorandum has been coordinated with the City Manager’s Offices of Emergency Management and Racial and Social Equity.
/s/
Jen Baker Tommy O’Hare
Director, City Manager’s Office of 2026 Sports and Special Events Economic Development and Director
Cultural Affairs
For questions, please contact Raymond Riordan, Director, City Manager’s Office of Emergency Management, at [email protected] or Victor Farlie, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, at [email protected].