FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Santa Clara Candidate Forums Bring Voters and Candidates Together

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce & Innovation, the League of Women Voters of San José/Santa Clara, and San José Spotlight recently hosted nonpartisan forums for Santa Clara’s mayoral and City Council District 2 and District 3 races.

Held at the Chamber’s offices and via Zoom, the forums connected candidates with residents, business owners, and community members. Moderators Moryt Milo of San José Spotlight and Barbara Marshman of the League of Women Voters led discussions and audience questions on housing affordability, economic opportunity, city finances, infrastructure, data centers, public services, development, downtown revitalization, Levi’s Stadium, California’s Great America, the city’s relationship with the San Francisco 49ers, governance, and the budget shortfall.

Mayoral forum participants included Armando “Gary” Ferraris, David M. Kertes, Karen Hardy, Kathy Watanabe, Mike Wiltberger, and Kevin Park. District 2 candidates were Yvonne Inciarte and Kimberley Williams; District 3 candidates were Eric Crutchlow and Kyle Madej. Candidates engaged in thoughtful, civil dialogue throughout the forums.

The forums centered on a shared vision: A thriving Santa Clara depends on a virtuous cycle between a sustainable economy and a strong community. Economic opportunity supports jobs and investment, generating public revenue for services, infrastructure, education, and workforce development. Those investments strengthen families, community stability, and quality of life, helping the economy thrive in turn. Good governance, trust, leadership, and collaboration are essential to sustaining that cycle.

Candidates discussed how Santa Clara can strengthen collaboration among the city, the Chamber, and the broader business community. They noted that relatively few large corporations have sought to partner and engage meaningfully with the city, citing divisions from previous years that have affected relationships with major employers and contributed to a lack of trust. Candidates expressed interest in moving beyond those divisions, rebuilding relationships, and creating a more collaborative environment for businesses, residents, and city leaders.

Affordability was another central topic. Candidates addressed housing costs, the importance of a strong local economy, and the need to ensure that city investments and development benefit working families, seniors, small businesses, and longtime residents.

Candidate Kevin Park raised the need for a tourism improvement district. The discussion focused on promoting Santa Clara, supporting local businesses, and helping the city benefit from visitors and activity generated by Levi’s Stadium and other regional events, particularly as Santa Clara prepares for FIFA World Cup matches. Such a district could support destination marketing and visitor services through collaboration among the city, hotels, businesses, venues, and community stakeholders.

Michele Fernandez, co-president of the League of Women Voters of San José/Santa Clara; Josh Bar, co-founder of San José Spotlight; and Harbir Kaur Bhatia, CEO of the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce & Innovation, opened the forums. The organizations do not endorse candidates.

This year’s mayoral race was Santa Clara’s first open contest in more than a decade, following Mayor Lisa Gillmor’s term limit. The forums continued a civic engagement tradition that began more than 10 years ago with a Chamber leadership program for elected officials, commissioners, chamber leaders, and community members. Candidates and residents continued their conversations informally after each forum.

“Decisions made at City Hall shape our neighborhoods, businesses, affordability, and quality of life,” said Bhatia. “A sustainable economy strengthens the community, and a strong community sustains the economy. Housing, jobs, education and training, healthcare, infrastructure, public safety, support for families, and entrepreneurial spirit are interconnected elements that shape opportunity for everyone, from our youth to our seniors. Good governance requires leaders to understand those connections and work together to strengthen the whole community. These forums gave voters a chance to hear how candidates would lead, build trust, and keep that cycle moving. Every candidate who participated demonstrated a willingness to serve and deserves respect for stepping forward.”

The Chamber also announced Leadership Santa Clara, a civic leadership program designed to prepare informed leaders for public office, civic institutions, and community service. Building on a successful pre-2020 program, the initiative will help participants understand Santa Clara’s government, economy, institutions, challenges, and opportunities while strengthening civic participation.

“The launch of Leadership Santa Clara is an important next step in the Chamber’s commitment to civic engagement and leadership development,” said Bhatia. “We are excited to bring the program back and help residents and emerging leaders understand pathways to contribute to Santa Clara’s future.”

The Chamber thanks the participating candidates, community members, volunteers, moderators, and partners.

Media contact: 

Jaya Gautam

Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce & Innovation

408-244-8244 | info@TheSVCC.org | www.TheSVCC.org