2025 Q3 Legislative Action Summary
Below is a summary of the actions that were taken during 2025 Q3 in alignment with the City of Santa Clara’s 2025 Legislative Advocacy Positions (LAPs), guiding principles for legislative advocacy, approved City policies (e.g., City Council Goals and Priorities), and/or Council action.
Regional Issues and Collaboration LAP
• September 11, 2025 Sign on U.S. Conference of Mayors joint letter requesting inclusion of $400 million in the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations package to address mobility and transit needs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the eleven U.S. host cities, submitted to Senate Committee on Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and Vice Chair Patty Murray; and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on THUD Chair Cindy Hyde-Smith and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand
• September 11, 2025 Sign on U.S. Conference of Mayors joint letter requesting inclusion of $400 million in the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations package to address mobility and transit needs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the eleven U.S. host cities, submitted to House Committee on Appropriations Chair Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro; and House Subcommittee on THUD Chair Steve Womack and Ranking Member James Clyburn
Transportation Issues LAP
• September 10, 2025 Letter of support for SB 74 (Seyarto) – Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation: Infrastructure Gap-Fund Program submitted to State Senator Kelly Seyarto
Multiple Legislative Priorities
• September 9, 2025 Cities Association of Santa Clara County Legislative Action Committee Discussion Bills (Housing LAP, and LAP Policy Guiding Principle:
“Support the League of California Cities and National League of Cities positions on priority bills that benefit Santa Clara.”)
September 11, 2025
Senator Susan Collins, Chair
Senate Committee on Appropriations
Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair
Senate Committee on Appropriations
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Chair
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Chair
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Dear Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray, etc. or Senators:
As Mayors of the United States Host Cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we write to thank you for including funding in your FY2026 THUD Appropriations bill to support transit agencies who will transport attendees to matches and other activities during the biggest month-long sporting event in the world. We request that as the FY2026 Appropriations process moves forward, you continue your critical efforts toward meeting the full needs for mobility during the fast-approaching 2026 matches.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first of several major international events to be hosted by the United States in the coming years, including the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The 2026 World Cup will mark a historic milestone as the first 48-team tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the United States alone, 11 cities across 9 states will host 78 matches over 39 days, with six million visitors expected during that period. Including the matches, each city is required to host fan fests, cultural events, and support our small business community during this once in a generation event. To handle this influx of visitors while at the same time keeping our economies running with non-World Cup related business, our transportation systems must perform collectively at a level never seen before in the country.
2 A safe and efficient transit system is a fundamental focus for Mayors each day to support our cities. During the World Cup, this will be even more critical. Transit agencies for the eleven U.S. host cities have identified a collective federal funding need of $400m for mobility at the 2026 World Cup matches. This funding will be used to support operations and specialized shuttle services, and to cover the costs of borrowed buses and operators across the United States to support this unique event. The Department of Homeland Security has designated many of these matches as a national security priority and we were glad to see Congress include $625 million in the reconciliation package for security for the U.S. World Cup games. That funding, paired with the support for transit systems will allow our cities – in partnership with our state and federal governments – to produce a world class event that Americans will be proud of. With the FIFA World Cup occurring as we celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, we know that the eyes of the world will be on us – and we know we will deliver.
We were also pleased to see the Senate include significant funding for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which underscores the importance of federal investment in mobility for major international events – consistent with support provided for past U.S. hosted events, including the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to generate $17.2 billion in GDP . In order to fully realize the benefits of the World Cup being in the United States, our cities need to have safe, reliable, and frequent transit. As a coalition of Host Cities, we are grateful for the work you have already done and encourage you to support this request as part of the final FY2026 Appropriations package.
Sincerely,
Tom Cochran
CEO and Executive Director
Mayor Quinton Lucas
City of Kansas City, MO
Mayor Bruce Harrell
City of Seattle, WA
Mayor Karen Bass
City of Los Angeles, CA
Mayor Barbara Lee
City of Oakland, CA
3 Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor
City of Santa Clara, CA
Mayor Matt Mahan
City of San Jose, CA
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
City of Miami-Dade County, FL
Mayor Andre Dickens
City of Atlanta, GA
Mayor Cherelle Parker
City of Philadelphia, PA
Mayor Jim Ross
City of Arlington, TX
September 11, 2025
The Honorable Tom Cole, Chair
House Committee on Appropriations
The Honorable Steve Womack, Chair
Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro, Ranking member
House Committee on Appropriations
The Honorable James Clyburn, Ranking member
Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies
Dear Chairman Cole, Chairman Womack, Ranking Member DeLauro and Ranking Member Clyburn:
As Mayors of the Host Cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we write to thank you for expressing your support during the FY2026 THUD markup for federal funding to help transit agencies transport attendees to matches and other activities during the biggest month- long sporting event in the world. While the House FY2026 THUD bill did not include dedicated funding for this purpose, funding was included in the Senate’s version. As the FY2026 appropriations process moves forward, we respectfully seek your support to ensure that the identified $400 million in federal funding needs for mobility needs are included in the final FY2026 appropriations package.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first of several major international events to be hosted by the United States in the coming years, including the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2034 Winter Olympics. The 2026 World Cup will mark a historic milestone as the first 48-team tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the United States alone, 11 cities across 9 states will host 78 matches over 39 days, with six million visitors expected during that period. Including the matches, each city is required to host fan fests, cultural events, and support our small business community during this once in a generation event. To handle this influx of visitors while at the same time keeping our economies running with non-World Cup related business, our transportation systems must perform collectively at a level never seen before in the country.
A safe and efficient transit system is a fundamental focus for Mayors each day to support our cities and during the World Cup this will be even more critical. Transit agencies for the eleven U.S. host cities have identified a collective federal funding need of $400m for mobility at the 2026 World Cup matches. This funding will be used to support operations, 2 specialized shuttle services, and to cover the costs of borrowed buses and operators across the United States to support this unique event. The Department of Homeland Security has designated many of these matches as a national security priority and we were glad to see Congress include $625 million in the reconciliation package for security. That funding paired with the support for transit systems will allow our cities in partnership with our state and federal governments to produce a world class event that Americans will be proud of—especially during the 250th Anniversary celebrations that will also be taking place next year.
We were also pleased to see the Senate include significant funding for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which underscores the importance of federal investment in mobility for major international events – consistent with support provided for past U.S. hosted events, including the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to generate $17.2 billion in GDP . In order to fully realize the benefits of the World Cup being in the United States, our cities need to have safe, reliable, and frequent transit. As a coalition of Host Cities, we encourage you to support this request as part of the final FY2026 Appropriations package.
Sincerely,
Tom Cochran
CEO and Executive Director
Mayor Quinton Lucas
City of Kansas City, MO
Mayor Bruce Harrell
City of Seattle, WA
Mayor Karen Bass
City of Los Angeles, CA
Mayor Barbara Lee
City of Oakland, CA
Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor
City of Santa Clara, CA
Mayor Matt Mahan
City of San Jose, CA
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
City of Miami-Dade County, FL
3 Mayor Andre Dickens
City of Atlanta, GA
Mayor Cherelle Parker
City of Philadelphia, PA
Mayor Jim Ross
City of Arlington, TX
1500 Warburton Avenue ● Santa Clara, CA 95050 ● Phone: 408-615-2200 ● Fax: 408-241-6771 ● SantaClaraCA.gov Lisa M. Gillmor
Mayor
September 10, 2025
The Honorable Kelly Seyarto
California State Senate
1021 O Street, Room 7120
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Letter of Support for SB 74 (Seyarto) : Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation:
Infrastructure Gap-Fund Program
Dear Senator Seyarto:
On behalf of the City of Santa Clara, I am writing to express our support for SB 74 (Seyarto), which would create a state -level grant program to assist local governments in addressing unmet infrastructure needs by providing financial support for the completion of critical infrastructure projects.
Local agencies across the state are facing growing infrastructure demands as communities expand and aging systems strain to meet modern expectations. At the same time, many local governments face ongoing fiscal challenges that limit their ability to finance essential projects. SB 74 responds to this challenge by establishing a gap- funding mechanism that would offer grants for eligible infrastructure projects such as transportation networks, water delivery systems, storm drains, and other public assets vital to community function and safety.
Recent disasters, including the severe wildfires in Southern California, have underscored the importance of resilient and well -maintained infrastructure. Investments in fire- resistant materials, reliable roadways, and upgraded transportation systems can help reduce the risk of future catastrophes and improve emergency response. Reliable roads and bridges improve access for emergency personnel, while resilient public buildings and communication systems help protect vulnerable populations and c oordinate disaster response. SB 74 acknowledges these needs and offers a targeted funding approach to help local agencies move projects forward.
The City of Santa Clara supports legislation that provides funding for local infrastructure as listed in the proposed bill including broadband, fire stations, schools, health and safety improvements and road projects. SB 74 is a meaningful step towards closing the infrastructure funding gap, supporting economic vitality, and enhancing public safety. This measure represents a vital investment in California’s local communities and a recognition that local agencies need support to deliver the services and infrastructure their residents rely on.
For these reasons, the City of Santa Clara supports SB 74 (Seyarto) and urges its passage.
Sincerely,
Lisa M. Gillmor
Mayor
City of Santa Clara
1 September 11, 2025 Cities Association
Legislative Action Committee Meeting
Bill Summary and Positions
Bill Number Summary City
Position
LAP Alignment Notes
AB 670 (Quirk-
Silva)
Planning and
zoning: housing
element:
converted
affordable
housing units
This bill adds a number of
requirements, in relation
to demolished and
replacement housing
units, to the annual
progress report (APR)
that local cities and
counties are required to
submit to the state
Department of Housing
and Community
Development (HCD), and
allows a city or county to
report specified housing
units that were converted
to affordable housing for
up to 25% of its regional
housing need allocation
(RHNA) for lower income
units.
Support Housing LAP
–
“Support legislation
that creates a more
equitable Regional
Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA)
process that takes
into account local
factors including
existing proportion of
deed restricted
affordable housing
stock in each City,
availability of
developable land,
and other factors
related to developing
the regional
allocation of housing
units.”
Aims to
provide more
detailed and
consistent
reporting on
the creation
and
conversion of
affordable
housing units
across
different
jurisdictions.
No concerns
from City.
AB 726 (Avila
Farias)
Planning and
zoning: annual
report:
rehabilitated units
This bill authorizes a city
or county to include in the
annual progress report
(APR) that it is required to
submit to the state
Department of Housing
and Community
Development, the number
of units of deed-restricted
affordable housing that
have been substantially
rehabilitated. The bill
also provides that any
units included in the APR
pursuant to this bill shall
not be considered when
HCD evaluates progress
in meeting RHNA targets
for purposes of
determining if a local
government is subject to
the streamlined,
Support Housing LAP
–
“Support legislation
that creates a more
equitable Regional
Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA)
process that takes
into account local
factors including
existing proportion of
deed restricted
affordable housing
stock in each City,
availability of
developable land,
and other factors
related to developing
the regional
allocation of housing
units.”
Incentivizes
local
governments
to preserve
existing,
deeply-
affordable
housing by
allowing
them to
receive
housing
element
credit for
rehabilitating
these at-risk
units. No
concerns
from the City.
Legislative Action Committee – Bill Summary and Positions September 11, 20255
Bill Number Summary City
Position
LAP Alignment Notes
ministerial approval
process created by SB 35
(Wiener, Chapter 366,
Statutes of 2017).
AB 476
(Gonzalez)
Metal Theft
This bill expands
prohibitions for junk
dealers and recyclers to
be in possession of
various types of scrap
metal (fire hydrant,
manhole cover, and
backflow device);
incorporates additional
record-keeping
requirements for junk
dealers and recyclers
and; increases fines
related to scrap metal
theft.
Support
LAP Policy Guiding
Principle
–
“Support the League
of California Cities
and National League
of
Cities positions on
priority bills that
benefit Santa Clara.”
AB 476 will
help bring
some much-
needed
regulation to
the junk
dealer and
recycling
industry.
SB 346 (Durazo)
Local agencies:
transient
occupancy taxes:
short-term rental
facilitator
This bill enacts the Short-
Term Rental Facilitator
Act of 2025, which
permits local agencies to
enact ordinances to
require short-term rental
facilitators to provide
specified information on
their platform’s rentals to
the local agency. If
enacted, a local
ordinance may
require each short-term
rental facilitator to report,
pursuant to a specified
schedule and in the form
and manner prescribed
by the local agency, the
physical address
including nine-digit zip
code of each short-term
rental during the reporting
period. If the information
provided by the short-
term rental facilitator is
not sufficient for the local
agency to identify a
specific short-term rental
at the provided address,
the local agency may
request additional
Support
LAP Policy Guiding
Principle
–
“Support the League
of California Cities
and National League
of
Cities positions on
priority bills that
benefit Santa Clara.”
This bill will
help ensure
compliance
with local
short-term
rental
ordinances
and tax
compliance.
Legislative Action Committee – Bill Summary and Positions September 11, 20255
Bill Number Summary City
Position
LAP Alignment Notes
information sufficient to
identify the property.
AB 650 (Papan)
Housing element
reform
This bill would extend
a number of timelines
in the process of
determining regional
housing needs and
regional housing
needs allocations
(RHNA) and housing
element revisions
and require the
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development (HCD)
to provide specific
analysis or text to
local governments to
remedy deficiencies
in their draft housing
element revisions.
No Action
Most of the bill aligns
with the following
position statement
within the Housing
LAP.
–
“Support legislation
that creates a more
equitable Regional
Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA)
process that takes
into account local
factors including
existing proportion of
deed restricted
affordable housing
stock in each City,
availability of
developable land,
and other factors
related to developing
the regional
allocation of housing
units.”
The bill
removes
language
that would
have
protected
cities from
builder’s
remedy risk
while working
on
revising a
noncompliant
housing
element. The
City
has concerns
about
the removal
of this
protection.