Special Notice/Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Use of District-Discretionary Measure K Funds - Supervisorial District 5
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a one-time grant of district-discretionary Measure K funds, not to exceed $100,000, as a pilot program, to the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol (SVOP) to establish a formal partnership to coordinate and manage National Day programs to enhance the County’s international engagement, support diplomatic and cultural events, and strengthen San Mateo County’s role as a global and regional leader, and authorizing the County Executive, or designee, to execute the grant agreement.
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BACKGROUND:
Measure K is the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended in November 2016 for a total of thirty years.
The Board of Supervisors held study sessions on Measure K expenditures and approved funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 budget cycle, divided equally among the five supervisorial districts, for one-time district-discretionary needs and projects. District 5 has submitted a request to use a portion of its district-discretionary Measure K funds as shown below and described in the Project Summary section of this memorandum:
|
District/Project |
Amount |
|
District 5 (Supervisor David J. Canepa) - Silicon Valley Office of Protocol, National Day Programming |
$100,000 |
This item is consistent with the criteria for district-discretionary Measure K funds approved by the Board in December 2018. District 5 indicates that this organization is either a public agency operating within the County, or a nonprofit organization registered and in good standing with the California Attorney General. District 5 indicates that the sponsoring Board member, member’s family, and member’s supervisorial staff do not serve as an officer, director, or play a policy role for the grantee organization.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
This is a request to authorize a grant to the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol, and resulting grant agreement, in an amount not to exceed $100,000, for National Day events and international cultural celebrations that highlight San Mateo County’s diverse communities; provide strategic guidance on global engagement, business diplomacy, and international partnerships; and facilitate protocol services for County leadership and visiting dignitaries.
District 5 indicates that this organization has not previously received Measure K district-discretionary funding.
Established with the United States Department of State in 2014, the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol provides support to 54 cities and 5 counties in Silicon Valley- including San Mateo County, which joined as one of its first partners in 2014. Proper application of time-honored standards of protocol can be vital to encouraging cooperative relationships and nurturing cultural ties and positive communication. By leveraging SVOP’s deep connections within the international, tech, and business communities, the County can build partnerships with the potential to create lasting economic, educational, and cultural exchanges. Through this partnership, the County and SVOP will showcase the County’s work in setting industry standards for urban development and laying the foundation to foster deeper ties across communities for a brighter, more vibrant future.
SVOP will use the Measure K grant as follows: Plan and coordinate National Day events at County venues, including County Office Building 3 (COB3).
1. Liaise with consulates and international representatives to ensure dignitary participation.
2. Develop event materials including invitations, briefing notes, programs, and remarks.
3. Provide on-site protocol support as available during National Day events.
4. Provide a dedicated Protocol Officer on-site for all National Day and international events hosted by the County.
5. Provide comprehensive planning and execution of diplomatic events beyond National Day celebrations.
6. Provide as-needed training and briefings for County staff on diplomatic protocols and international relations.
7. Provide ongoing consultation on global engagement strategy.
To provide a free community event, the County and SVOP will not collect admission costs from attendees.
District 5 has informed the grantee organization that this grant is one-time only, and that the grantee organization will need to find other sources of funding going forward.
The project or services funded by this district-discretionary grant will be implemented or provided during 2026 and is estimated to be completed December 31, 2026.
Total Measure K Request: Not to Exceed $100,000
The release of funds will be contingent on the execution of an agreement providing for the County’s confirmation of the expenditure of funds for the purposes stated herein. The County will disburse the funds to the following organization for the purposes described above:
Organization Name: Silicon Valley Office of Protocol
Primary Contact Name: Ms. Deanna Tryon, Chief of Protocol
171 Main Street, #659, Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 207-2755
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Description |
Target |
|
1. Plan, schedule, and coordinate at least 5 National Day events in partnership with San Mateo County to deliver programming that uplifts members of the community and highlights cross cultural collaborations. Events will be free for attendees. |
100% Complete |
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are sufficient Measure K funds for this specific FY 2025-26 Measure K request. These funds are budgeted in the Non-Departmental Services FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.