REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Murphy District Association’s Request to Modify the Schedule of Events Approved in the 2026 Neighborhood Grant Fall Application Cycle
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
In January 2026, the City Council approved $95,895 in grant funds for the Fall application cycle of the 2026 Community Event and Neighborhood Grant Program. The Program’s approved funding level was $41,700, which funded 12 registered Neighborhood Associations. The Murphy District Association was awarded $5,000 to host a number of community events for their neighborhood.
The Murphy Neighborhood Association submitted a written request (Attachment 1) to modify the event scheduled on its grant application. Their request is to replace the October “Spooktacular” event with a new event in April: Local Share - Earth Day Community Swap. This will adjust their annual calendar of events to better distribute events throughout the year. No change to the funding level of $5,000 is requested.
The Murphy Neighborhood Association more thoughtfully mapped out its 2026 programming and saw an opportunity to space its gatherings/events more intentionally. This approach allows for sustained engagement, broader participation across seasons, and more consistent opportunities for neighbors to connect.
Their proposed 2026 schedule is as follows:
• April 27 | 10:00 AM - The Local Share (Earth Day Community Swap)
• June 27 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Summer Block Party
• October 3 | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Community Dinner
• December 5 | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Holiday Celebration
BACKGROUND
The 2026 Community Events and Neighborhood Grant Program has an allocation of $150,000 and two application cycles: Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. The goal of the Neighborhood Grant Program is to increase communication among neighbors, improve the physical condition of a neighborhood, and/or enhance neighborhood pride and identity. Free activities and/or events are organized by registered Neighborhood Associations.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Adopted Strategic Goal - Welcoming Community
An accessible, engaged and welcoming community
Council Policy 7.2.1, Community Engagement - Goals and Policies
Goal B: Achieve a community in which all community members can be actively involved in shaping the quality of life and participate in local community and government activities. Goal C: Create a strong, positive community identity, rich in cultural diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action considered does not constitute a "project" with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment. The Class 4 CEQA exemption (CEQA Guidelines 15304(e)) applies to temporary events such as block parties and festivals that have negligible or no permanent effects on the environment.
DISCUSSION
Each Neighborhood Grant application details specific events/activities the Neighborhood Association wants to host for their neighbors. Because the City Council approved funding based on events/activities detailed in the application, any changes requested must be reviewed and approved by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from modifying the distribution schedule for previously approved funding.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve request to allow Murphy Neighborhood Association to modify their calendar of events by adding Local Share - Earth Day Community Swap in April and removing “Spooktacular” event in October.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
An “X” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
___ Contract between public agencies
_X_ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff
Prepared by: Angela Chan, Recreation Services Manager
Reviewed by: Jesus Raygoza, Deputy Director of Recreation Services
Reviewed by: Michelle Perera, Director of Library and Recreation Services
Reviewed by: Matt Paulin, Director of Finance
Reviewed by: Connie Verceles, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Murphy Neighborhood Association Email Request