Business operators and investors required to submit qualifications and interest no later than Aug. 23, with public presentations scheduled for Aug. 30
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF.—The County of Santa Clara is inviting business operators and investors to submit qualifications and expressions of interest for development of the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds no later than Aug. 23, 9 a.m. The County will hold a public meeting on Aug. 30 where potential business operators and investors will present their qualifications and concepts for the 150-acre fairgrounds land.
“The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds is a community asset we envision becoming a vibrant local destination for the future,” said President Dave Cortese. “We look forward to seeing proposed concepts for the fairgrounds development.”
The goal is to transform the Fairgrounds land into a vibrant regional community gathering place with recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. It is expected that most community events currently taking place at the Fairgrounds will continue being hosted onsite in the future, including the annual County Fair.
“The future of the Fairgrounds is a once-in-a-generation decision that will sculpt the area for a lifetime”, said Supervisor Cindy Chavez, in whose district the Fairgrounds is located. “We are seeking partners with the best ideas.”
The Board of Supervisors approved the Request for Qualifications and Expression of Interest at its Board meeting today, following multiple community and Board meetings to keep the public informed each step of the way. The draft RFQs were presented at a public open house in May, and then again at a Board meeting on June 7.
Responses to the RFQ are due no later than 9 a.m. on Aug. 23, 2016, at which time they will be opened at the County Executive’s Office, 70 West Hedding St., 11th Floor, San Jose, CA 95110.
This RFQ represents the first stage in a competitive process that will be followed by a Request for Proposals (RFP) from which one or more business operators/investors will be selected to enter into negotiations for the development and use of some or all of the Fairgrounds. While the County is strongly encouraging interested parties to participate in this RFQ process, the County may also consider a proposal during the RFP process from an entity that did not participate in the RFQ.
