By Robert Haugh

The deadline to apply for Santa Clara’s Bond Compliance Oversight Committee is today at 5 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to help ensure the city’s $400 million infrastructure bond is spent as intended.

Santa Clarans approved the bond last November, marking the city’s first major bond in nearly 60 years. Now, residents have the opportunity to oversee the spending of these funds and maintain transparency throughout the process. Applications are open online or in person at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 1500 Warburton Ave.

The Committee will be responsible for monitoring how $400 million is spent, reviewing audits, and keeping the community informed. Members will also recommend changes to the expenditure plan to the City Council when necessary.

The City is looking for:

• 7 residents (one from each district and one at-large)
  
• 1 small business representative (fewer than 50 employees)
  
• 1 large business representative (50 employees or more)
  

Committee members will be chosen by lottery and confirmed by the City Council. Terms last up to four years, with meetings held three to four times per year.

This initiative follows a decision to scale down the original $600 million proposal, which lacked transparency, to a more detailed $400 million plan that voters could trust. Mayor Lisa Gillmor and former Councilmember Kathy Watanabe led this charge by authoring a proposal that ensured greater accountability.

Apply before today’s deadline and take part in shaping Santa Clara’s future.