Grizzle: It’s time to end the conflicts and start building trust in Santa Clara

For more than a decade, Santa Clara has been consumed by one major controversy after another. Whether it’s been Levi’s Stadium, the convention center, the PAL BMX track, downtown redevelopment or the proposed City Hall move to Agnews, our community has spent years divided instead of united.

Each issue has its own history and each involved multiple parties. But they all have one thing in common: they unfolded during Mayor Lisa Gillmor’s administration, and the result has been the same — conflict, litigation, damaged relationships and a loss of public trust.

The convention center dispute ended with the city terminating the Chamber of Commerce’s management agreement, years of litigation and a settlement. The business community and the city lost a partnership that had existed for decades.

The BMX controversy divided volunteers, families and youth over a program that had become one of the nation’s most successful community BMX tracks. Instead of celebrating our young riders, we watched another public battle unfold.

The relationship between the city and the 49ers has also been marked by years of lawsuits, arbitration and political conflict. Regardless of which side you support, it is difficult to argue that this constant fighting has benefited Santa Clara.

Rather than asking who won, perhaps we should be asking a different question: How do we stop repeating the same cycle?

There are solutions.

Levi’s Stadium should be managed by an independent professional stadium management company operating under the oversight of the Stadium Authority. That would allow the city to focus on protecting taxpayers while professionals focus on running one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment venues.

The convention center should once again benefit from the expertise and business relationships of a strong local chamber of commerce, with clear contracts, financial transparency and appropriate city oversight. The goal should not be to relive old battles, but to rebuild trust and strengthen Santa Clara’s economy.

The BMX program should restore trust with the community by bringing experienced BMX volunteers back into leadership, under transparent financial oversight and accountability. The focus should return to what matters most — our kids and the future of the program.

These ideas may not be the only answers, but they all share one principle: collaboration instead of confrontation.

Santa Clara has incredible assets, a world-class stadium, a convention center, thriving businesses, outstanding volunteers and residents who care deeply about this city. We should be bringing these strengths together, not allowing them to become sources of endless conflict.

The past decade has taught us an important lesson. No matter who wins a lawsuit or a political battle, the community loses when trust is broken.

It’s time to turn the page. Let’s replace conflict with cooperation, restore public confidence and focus on building the Santa Clara our residents deserve.

Less conflict. More collaboration. Stronger Santa Clara.

Mary Grizzle is a Santa Clara resident and  co-chair of the grassroots advocacy group Reclaiming Our Downtown.