Santa Clara mayoral candidate demands Levi's Stadium financial audit

Santa Clara mayoral candidate Kathy Watanabe is calling for an independent analysis of the economic impact and financial contributions of Levi’s Stadium to the city. During a news conference held by the Coalition for Community Engagement, Watanabe expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the stadium’s revenues, costs, and the specific financial benefits provided to the city’s general fund.

Watanabe highlighted potential concerns regarding the costs associated with hosting major upcoming events, such as Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup. She noted that the city is not expected to receive significant general fund revenue beyond ground rent for the next decade and emphasized the need to ensure local small businesses also benefit from these large-scale events.

In response to criticisms regarding fiscal transparency, the Bay Area Host Committee stated that it has paid 95% of the city’s invoices and has been waiting for reimbursement. Additionally, reports indicate the 49ers have provided $30 million to Santa Clara over a two-year period.