September 16, 2025
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
70 West Hedding Street
East Wing, 10th Floor
San Jose, CA 95110
RE: Measure A – Affordable Housing Bond (November 2025 Ballot) Notice of OPPOSITION
Dear County Board of Supervisors:
On behalf of the City of Cupertino, I am writing to express our opposition to Measure A, the proposed 0.625 percent countywide sales tax increase appearing on the November 2025 ballot.
While we recognize the fiscal challenges facing the County and the importance of sustaining healthcare services, we believe Measure A places an undue burden on residents and lacks the accountability and transparency that voters deserve.
Sales taxes are among the most regressive forms of revenue, disproportionately affecting low- income households, working families, and seniors on fixed incomes. At a time when many residents are already struggling with high costs of living, an additional tax would deepen financial strain. Moreover, because Measure A is structured as a general tax, the revenues are not dedicated specifically to healthcare services. Without clear safeguards, funds could be diverted to other purposes, undermining public trust and failing to ensure that the measure addresses the very healthcare challenges it is intended to resolve.
The timing of this proposal is also problematic. Placing such a significant revenue measure on a special election ballot reduces public awareness and limits voter participation, which does not reflect the level of engagement this issue deserves. Even if Measure A is approved, the The City of Cupertino fully supports efforts to sustain and strengthen healthcare access for all residents, but we believe Measure A is not the right approach. We urge the Board to pursue alternatives that are more equitable, transparent, and sustainable, and to engage cities as true partners in developing solutions. We stand ready to work collaboratively toward strategies that protect public health without placing an excessive burden on our residents.
For these reasons, the City of Cupertino opposes Measure A.
Sincerely,
Liang Chao
Mayor
City of Cupertino
cc. Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, District 5
The Honorable Josh Becker
The Honorable Patrick Ahrens
projected revenues will cover only a portion of the County’s long-term healthcare funding shortfall, leaving critical gaps unaddressed and creating uncertainty for the future of our public hospital system.