The BSVII External Affairs team serves as the link for BSVII Project public engagement in Santa Clara County, ensuring that the public has prompt access to project-related information. Whether attending community gatherings, participating in events, or personally engaging with neighbors to notify them about upcoming construction, our team is dedicated to fostering transparent communication and community involvement.
The guiding work for BSVII community engagement is the Construction Education and Outreach Plan (CEOP). This comprehensive plan helps guide public awareness and engagement throughout the life of the project and is structured in stages that align with BSVII activities. The following components are included in this outreach plan:
- General Outreach
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Business Resources
- Placemaking
- On the Radar – Associated Projects
The BSVII External Affairs team proactively connects with the community through diverse channels. This approach enables the team to engage with specific groups of people within the community, including small business owners and residents near the four stations. Below, are several methods for community participation and to receive updates on the BSVII Project:
- VTA Board Meetings, Committee Meetings, and Workshops
- Community Working Groups
- Small Business Task Force
- BSVII Newsletters
- Community Engagement Activities/Tabling
If you’re interested in attending a future event, visit our Project Calendar below and follow us on social media. To learn more about the BSVII Project, check out our blog and newsletters page or watch a VTA Board of Director or BSVII Oversight Committee meeting! Additionally, watch past presentations and recordings on VTA’s YouTube channel!
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Community Working Groups
Community Working Groups (CWGs) were initially created when VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Program was a 16-mile extension into Santa Clara County. In 2009, the project transitioned into two phases. Resuming in 2015, CWGs were reestablished for the Santa Clara, 28th Street/Little Portugal, and Downtown-Diridon station areas. Each CWG member is appointed to represent the diverse communities residing, working, and engaging in activities near the stations. Their primary responsibilities include disseminating project information to stakeholders within their respective station areas and providing valuable community feedback to the project team.
CWGs generally meet quarterly. Refer to the table below for upcoming meeting dates. For the latest updates and information on the station-specific CWGs, see the links below!
Station Area
Upcoming Dates
Past CWG recordings, meeting notes and agendas
28th Street/
Little Portugal
September 18, 2024
Downtown-Diridon
September 18, 2024
Santa Clara
September 18, 2024
View the Project Calendar below for further details on upcoming meetings.
Small Business Task Force
VTA is prioritizing the inclusion of businesses located near the BSVII Project in decision-making processes both before and during construction. Since Fall 2019 and throughout the construction phase, VTA has established a Small Business Task Force aimed at:
- Acting as points of contact for the business community leading up to and through construction;
- Receiving and relaying updates to the business community and relevant stakeholders on BSVII Project resources that may be available to business owners;
- Providing VTA with real-time feedback from small businesses along the BSVII Project corridor;
- Informing the Small Business Resource Study; and
- Providing feedback on VTA’s proposed Thriving Business Program.
Check out the Thriving Business Program (TBP) page to learn more
Thriving Business ProgramCommunity Activity
The BSVII External Affairs Team actively participates in community and stakeholder events across Santa Clara County. Our dedicated team is committed to keeping the community informed about project developments. We welcome your feedback, questions and the opportunity to provide updates on the project!
Review some of our recent community engagement gatherings below and request project staff at an event near you!
June Events 2024
June was an exciting month for the Project as we achieved major milestones! The Project Team attended the annual Dia de Portugal Festival and the East Bay Regional Connector Groundbreaking Ceremony and Resource Fair to share the latest updates on the Project. Additionally, we had the honor of planning and hosting the Project’s first Groundbreaking event. This exclusive event marked the official start of construction, with the groundbreaking taking place at the West Portal where the tunnel boring machine (TBM) will launch.
Santa Clara University’s 4th Annual PowWow
The Project Team had the pleasure of attending Santa Clara University’s 4th Annual PowWow, where we shared how VTA’s BSVII Project will improve transportation and bridge communities. Amidst the vibrant regalia and captivating dances, we were able to connect with the community and highlight the positive impact of the Project!
April Events 2024
In April, the Project Team attended several community events including the Five Wounds Urban Village Plan Open House, Viva Calle SoFA, and the annual Spring Train Show where we shared insights on how VTA’s BSVII Project will support active transportation within the community. Shout out to the 400+ community members who stopped by our booths to learn about the Project!
Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library
The Project Team set up a booth inside the Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library to share exciting news about the progress of VTA’s BSVII Project!
February Events 2024
The Team proudly presented Project updates at Director Torres’ Pizza & Policy lunch and the well-known Ask VTA series. Additionally, we set up booths at the Lunar New Year Festival, the VTA ACCESS Paratransit Open House, and Transit Day at Meta, where we engaged with over 800 community members combined!
Milpitas BART Station
The Team kicked off the first pop-up event of the New Year at Milpitas BART Station! Thanks to everyone that stopped by during their evening commute to show excitement about the Project and talk with Project staff.
The Creative Cultural Event of East San José
The Creative Cultural Event of East San José showcased art, dance, low riders, music, and the rich culture of East San José. The Project Team had a blast celebrating with the community!
November Events 2023
November was a busy month engaging with the community. Project staff spoke with over 300 community members at the annual Fall Train show hosted by the South Bay Historical Railroad Society, VTA’s Winchester Open House, and two pop-ups at Santa Clara Station and the Whole Foods along the Alameda!
Mercadito Food Distribution
The Project Team engaged with over 100 community members in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese to ensure that all community members know that they’ll be able to use this new transit service in the future!
Santa Clara Parade of Champions
The 54th annual Santa Clara Parade of Champions was a day filled with warm weather, great food, music, and company. Over 250 attendees, including Santa Clara Councilmembers, stopped by our table to show support for the Project.
World Journal Moon Festival Carnival
The traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in Cupertino was a day filled with culture and celebration. The Project Team had a blast engaging with the community and enjoying fun family games, food, and much more!
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival
This community cherished annual event showcased a variety of artists, craft vendors, live music, food, and wine! The Project Team enjoyed engaging with over 1,000 people. Thank you to all the community members that attended and showed support for the Project!
VivaCalleSJ
VivaCalleSJ in Japantown was a great success. For one afternoon, the City closed several streets to allow community members to explore neighborhoods at their own pace. Many chose to either walk, bike, or skate while enjoying the booths and activities the event had to offer!
Silicon Valley Pride Parade
Silicon Valley Pride, born from a 1975 gay rights rally, has grown into the largest South Bay LGBTQ+ celebration. Thousands of community members attended this year’s parade!
Pacific Feats Festival
The Pacific Feats Festival celebrated the Pacific Islander community in Downtown San José through music, art, food, dancing, and more!
Caltrain Electric Train Tour
With over 4,000 community members in attendance to witness the unveiling of Caltrain’s new electric trains, the Electric Train Tour was a huge success!
Viva CalleSJ
Community members came together at Viva CalleSJ to walk, bike, skate, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Our team had a blast sharing how the project will support active transportation!
Dia De Portugal
The annual Dia De Portugal Festival celebrates Portuguese culture and heritage with a day filled with traditional Portuguese music, a parade, food, and art!
MTC Tour
The team was excited to host the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and guide them on a tour of the project. A huge thank you to Supervisor Chavez, VTA staff, and MTC members on this successful tour to showcase the importance of funding the BSVII Project!
San José Downtown Residents Association
The team presented to the San José Downtown Residents Association to update them on the project and design schedule.
Santa Clara Train Show
The South Bay Historical Railroad Society hosted a Spring Open House and Train Show at the Santa Clara Caltrain Station. The team engaged with community members that enjoy the history of transit!
Have BSVII Staff Attend Your Event or Presentation
Let our External Affairs Team (EAT) and subject matter experts bring your organization up to date on BSVII Project!
Project Calendar
Check out the BSVII Project’s monthly events, presentations, community meetings, Board meetings, and more!
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