By Robert Haugh
The Mission City is mourning the passing of longtime City Manager Jennifer Sparacino.
Sparacino was a do-all leader who led several City departments. She was City manager for 25 years and worked for the Mission City for 37 years.
Among her responsibilities during her tenure was overseeing the purchase of Great America. She oversaw the development and construction of the Santa Clara Convention Center, Don Von Raesfeld Power Plant, Walter Schmidt Youth Activity Center, the Youth Skate Park, Youth Soccer Park, the Northside Police substation, the Central Park Library, and many more parks and City projects.
She passed away peacefully on March 18 at 79-years-old at her home in Rossmor, CA.
According to her obituary, Sparacino was noted for her role in “breaking the glass ceiling for women serving in municipal government in Silicon Valley,” and was known for her calm demeanor, humor, unfailing politeness, and inclusive leadership style that created a special environment in City Hall that nurtured positive, collaborative relationships among elected officials, city staff and residents.
As a result, Santa Clara was able to successfully launch many innovative municipal programs that garnered national recognition including winning “All-America City” status from the National Civic League in 2001.
She also was responsible for the development of a municipal Code of Ethics & Values that became a model for cities throughout California and the U.S. Before her retirement in 2012, she negotiated terms with the 49ers for the construction of Levi’s Stadium, a massive $1.2 billion project that came in on time and on budget.
Full Obit:
Jennifer Sparacino Obituary – Santa Clara, CA (dignitymemorial.com)
Jennifer Sparacino was the epitome of a great city manager, leader, and public servant. I had the great privilege of working with her when I served on served on the Santa Clara City Council (2004-12) and would meet with her the day before council meetings to go through the packet. I always felt like a graduate student sitting down with a distinguished professor. She was informative, helpful, and we could talk though different approaches to serving the city, even when we differed on the best approach.
I loved attending community events that she was a part of because of her focus on wanting everyone to feel welcome. And while I learned so much from her, the thing I remember most is her character and commitment to ethics. In the noise of politics — now and back then — she serves as a shining example of service-before-self and what excellence in government can be. It broke my heart to hear that we’ve lost her, but her legacy lives on in us.