The county of Santa Clara published its 10-year capital improvement plan (CIP) earlier this month, offering a look at key investment areas, including an upcoming data center project.
Among the more than $8.6 billion in planned projects over the next decade, the 2025-26 fiscal year includes 29 new projects worth an estimated $225 million. Those projects span the gamut from construction and rehabilitation initiatives to medical equipment and data center upgrades.
Of interest to Industry Insider readers is the $1.2 million worth of improvements slated for two Technology Services and Solutions (TSS) data centers in the upcoming fiscal year. According to the CIP document, a comprehensive assessment identified deficiencies in the Berger and Sobrato data centers, with the first phase of the project focused on addressing the full range of issues at the Sobrato center and several select issues at the Berger center.
Over the next 10 years, upgrades to these facilities are expected to top $61.2 million, creating substantial long-term opportunities for the right vendor or vendors.
The CIP also included a laundry list of other projects that will begin at some point within the next 10 years. These include $18 million for facility switchgear replacements; $400 million for continuity of operations and facility upgrades; $50 million for the county communications/911 call center project; $200 million for the replacement of the Emergency Operations Center facility; and $278 million for a variety of energy and sustainability projects.
In August 2024, TSS published its IT Strategic Plan for the 2024-26 fiscal years. That plan centered on seven core tenets: next-generation infrastructure; modernized business systems; digitally transformed public-facing services; enhanced customer service; effective enterprise governance; highly skilled and engaged workforce; and enhanced operational efficiency.
“As we look ahead, TSS remains focused on improving service and project delivery across the County. By aligning IT investments with business objectives, prioritizing resources effectively, and driving innovation through technology, we are confident in our ability to elevate the quality of our services,” then-CIO Nina D’Amato wrote in the plan.
D’Amato has since joined Lenovo as its chief technology strategist. A county spokesperson said an acting CIO has been in place since her departure in November 2024 as officials search for a permanent replacement.
The county, home to Silicon Valley and nearly 2 million residents, has a proposed budget of $13.6 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. Santa Clara's budget deficit currently sits around $70 million, but officials warn that figure could increase to a more than $470 million shortfall over the next five years as the county navigates federal and state cuts.
County Executive James Williams’ proposed budget includes the elimination of 279 positions, around 80 of which are currently filled. The finalization of the budget process is currently underway.
Deep Dive Resources:
· 10-Year Capital Improvement Program (2026-2035)
· FY 25-26 Recommended Budget 04-30-25
· TSS Strategic Plan FY 24-26 updated
From Data Centers to Emergency Ops: Inside Santa Clara County’s Ambitious CIP
What to Know:- Santa Clara County’s 10-year Capital Improvement Plan outlines $8.6 billion in planned projects through 2035.
- The upcoming fiscal year includes $1.2 million for data center improvements.
- Despite a $70 million deficit, the county is investing heavily in tech, infrastructure and sustainability in the coming years.
