COUNCIL AGENDA : 10/6/2026
FILE : 26-1061
ITEM : 2.12
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Toni Taber, MMC
City Clerk
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: October 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Approval of Free Use of the Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda for the Conversations for Good 2026: A Regenerative Future Event Sponsored by Council District 6 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 September 30, 2026:
(a) Adopt a resolution authorizing “Free Use” of the Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda for the private, ticketed annual Conversations for Good 2026 event scheduled on November 6, 2026. (b) Approve the Conversations for Good 2026 scheduled on November 6, 2026, as a City Council Sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds. (c) Approve and accept donations from various individuals, businesses or community groups to support the event.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Mulcahy)
[Rules Committee referral 9/30/2026 - Item B.5]
ROGC AGENDA: 9/30/26
ITEM: B.5
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Councilmember Michael
Mulcahy
SUBJECT: See Below DATE: September 10, 2026
SUBJECT: Approval of “Free Use” of the Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda for the “Conversations for Good 2026: A Regenerative Future” Event Sponsored by the Office of Councilmember Mulcahy as a City Council Sponsored Special Event to Expend City Funds and Accept Donations of Materials and Services for the Event.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a resolution authorizing “Free Use” of the Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda for the private, ticketed annual Conversations for Good event scheduled on Friday, November 6, 2026;
2. Approve Conversations for Good as a City Council Sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds;
3. Approve and accept donations from various individuals, businesses or community groups to support the event; and
4. Place the item on the October 6, 2026 City Council Agenda for action.
BACKGROUND: .
In June 2019, the City adopted the Schedule of Fees Resolution No. 79138, Section 13.080 for free use of City Hall facilities and the plaza. The resolution allows the City Council and City departments free use of the facilities for events that 1) qualify as Official City Business; 2) are free and open to the public; 3) occur Sunday through Friday; and 4) are booked 30 days in advance. Because Resolution No. 79138 does not apply to free use requests for private, ticketed events that are not free and open to the public, Council approval is required to authorize free use of the Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda for the Conversations for Good event on Friday, November 6, 2026.
Conversations for Good began in November 2023, bringing together technologists, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and innovators for an evening of conversation focused on imagination in action, artificial intelligence, and the transformative possibilities that emerge when innovative ideas are put into practice.
The event was launched in the heart of Downtown San José and resulted in a sold-out inaugural gathering. Since its inception, Conversations for Good has developed into an annual evening designed to provide thought-provoking, innovative, and challenging discussions that encourage audience members and speakers to engage, learn, and gain inspiration from one another.
The fourth annual Conversations for Good event will return on November 6, 2026, continuing the event's focus on innovation, sustainability, and social impact. The event will bring together community members, business and technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders for an evening centered on sustainability and the role of innovation in creating positive community impact.
ANALYSIS:
The fourth annual Conversations for Good event qualifies as Official City Business because it supports the City's goals related to economic development, innovation, sustainability, community engagement, and activation of Downtown San José. The event creates a forum for entrepreneurs, technologists, business lecussions regarding Regenerative Future centering energy, water, and land. Bringing these stakeholders together in Downtown San José supports the City's efforts to encourage innovation, foster connections among regional leaders, and promote the continued vitality of the downtown area. The event also provides an opportunity to highlight San José as a location for innovative conversations and community-focused programming. By attracting participants and speakers from throughout the South Bay and broader region, Conversations for Good can contribute to increased activity in Downtown San José and support the City's broader economic and civic engagement objectives. The event's focus on sustainability further aligns with the City's interest in advancing public awareness and dialogue surrounding environmental responsibility, innovation, and community resilience.
Since its establishment in 2023, Conversations for Good has provided a recurring platform for conversations on emerging and challenging topics. The third annual event will continue this programming while placing an increased emphasis on sustainability and social impact.
Approval by the City Council of the event will ensure compliance with the Council’s prior direction regarding Council Special Events. Any cash or in-kind donations received in connection with the event will be disclosed and processed in accordance with applicable City policies, fundraising disclosure requirements, and normal financial and budgetary procedures.
COST SUMMARY/IMPLICATIONS:
The total cost of the event is $2841.46 which will be paid by Hillbrook School.
Councilmember Mulcahy’s office will cover the $150 application fee.
Audio Visual Tech: $1220.60
Event Captain: $353.40
Good Guard Security: $376.38
Good Guard Security: $376.38
Facility Set-up and Take Down: $515.10
Total: $2841.86
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST:
The Office of the City Clerk will post the item on the City’s website for the September 30, 2026 Rules Committee Agenda and the October 6, 2026 City Council Agenda.
Councilmember Mulcahy will help promote the event in the District 6 monthly newsletter and on social media.
CEQA
Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment.