Proposed City of Cupertino 2026 Legislative Platform
1 The 2026 Legislative Platform is comprised of guiding principles that provide a framework for the City of Cupertino’s regional, state, and federal legislative priorities. Adopted annually, the City’s Legislative Platform serves as a reference guide for legislative positions and objectives that provide direction for the City Council, the Legislative Review Committee, and staff throughout the year. The Legislative Platform is the foundation of a focused advocacy strategy.
Guiding Principles
I. Fiscal Responsibility
The City of Cupertino has a fiduciary responsibility to its residents to ensure assets and resources are properly safeguarded and deployed in a fair, prudent, and efficient manner. As such, the City supports the protection of existing federal, state, and l ocal funding sources and the authorities that provide revenues to the City. Likewise, the City has an interest in the solvency of public entities that provide resources to the City. The City opposes any new mandates that are unfunded or inadequately funded , and supports efforts to eliminate, or provide funding for currently unfunded mandates.
II. Local Control
The City supports local decision -making authority and opposes preemption of local control.
Cities are voluntarily created by the residents of a community to provide local self -government and to make decisions at a local level to best meet the needs of the community. Each community has unique needs and characteristics that are best met by policies set by its local governing body.
Efforts to remove the ability to set policy at the local level should be opposed, while promoting legislation that incentivizes and allows flexibility in the City's effort to cost-effectively meet local priorities.
III. Sustainability
The City of Cupertino is a leader in embracing sustainability efforts in response to current and anticipated environmental challenges. The City continuously looks for innovative strategies to reduce its carbon footprint and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The City supports environmentally friendly legislation and urban sustainability consistent with our Climate Action Plan (CAP). As such, the City supports environmentally friendly legislation and urban sustainability consistent with our CAP goals.
IV. Infrastructure and Mobility
The City seeks to maintain existing infrastructure and enhance the safety and accessibility of sustainable, alternative mobility options for our residents and businesses. The City can accomplish this by supporting legislation that increases funding for tra nsportation, infrastructure, operations, and maintenance in Cupertino.
The City seeks to upgrade and maintain municipal facilities so that they operate at peak energy and water efficiency. In addition, Cupertino seeks to enhance the provision of carbon -free Proposed City of Cupertino 2026 Legislative Platform
2 services, such as electric vehicles and buildings that are free of fossil fuels. Cupertino supports legislation or rulemaking that enhances the City’s ability to procure and implement fuel - switching, on-site renewable energy deployment, and low -carbon or c arbon-free critical power backup services.
V. Healthy, Safe and Resilient Community
One of the City’s primary goals is to provide a healthy and safe environment for our residents.
The City supports legislation that protects and enhances services to the City’s most vulnerable populations, such as the economically disadvantaged, elderly, ho meless, and disabled. In addition, the City supports federal and state assistance for local law enforcement, as well as any measures that would help contribute to local public safety and mental well-being, such as support for parks and open spaces. In order to foster a resilient community, the City supports legislation that strengthens local disaster preparedness, emergency planning and response activities, as well as programs that invest in climate adaptation planning and deployment of adaptation strategies.
VI. Education
The City understands that access to quality education is a key factor in maintaining a strong and vibrant community. The City supports state efforts to ensure that California schools have adequate funding to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and all schools have the personnel and materials needed to create an environment where children can succeed.
City of Cupertino - 2026 Federal Legislative Priorities
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT
(CDBG)
1. Support the preservation, or increase, of funding for the CDBG program.
2. Support increased flexibility in how CDBG funds can be utilized.
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
1. Support amendmentsMonitor to the EB5 Visa Program to ensure that investments are concentrated in target employment areas, such as Qualified Opportunity Zones, that would most benefit from economic development.
2. Support efforts to mitigate the economic impacts on the City, and its businesses, from the coronavirus pandemic.
EDUCATION 1. Support education funding to include support for special needs students.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
1. Support legislation that assists regional and local governments in development and implementing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and conservation strategies. Ensure that states and local governments can continue, and not be preempted in, their efforts to achieve economic improvements through increased energy efficiency, renewable energy and conservation plans that seek to decrease carbon emissions.
2. Advocate for funding for projects for potable water reuse projects, nonpoint source pollution control, and watershed Proposed City of Cupertino 2026 Legislative Platform
3 City of Cupertino - 2026 State Legislative Priorities
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND
FISCAL STRATEGY
1. The City embraces efforts to support legislation or obtain funding for economic development initiatives, including planning and implementation of regional transportation and traffic congestion relief projects, the creation of affordable management. Accelerate authorization for indirect and direct potable reuse projects. Support legislation that generates additional revenue for water infrastructure improvements, provides for the funding of programs mandated for compliance, and addresses drought resilience.
2.3. Advocate forSupport for increased funding for environmental remediation of groundwater/drinking water supplies impacted by hazardous waste (eg. PFAS, PCE, TCE).
HEALTH AND PUBLIC
SAFETY
1. Support legislation to provide services to those experiencing domestic violence, addiction, or mental health issues, including mental health services for youth.
2. Support legislation to aid local governments in the preparation for, and response to, public health emergencies.
3. Monitor legislation related to the public’s right to protest, as well as legislation related to standards on appropriate law enforcement response to public protests, including use of force levels.
LAND USE AND
LOCAL AUTHORITY
1. Oppose legislation , and regulatory efforts , that would diminish or eliminate the authority of cities to zone and plan for the development of telecommunications infrastructure, including the siting of cellular communications towers or transmission sites. Oppose legislation that may reduce
municipal authority, with an emphasis on land use policy, local review, and design standards.
2. Oppose preemption of local authority.
1.3. Oppose new program mandates that are unfunded or
underfunded.
LOCAL AUTHORITY
1. Oppose preemption of local authority.
2. Oppose new program mandates that are unfunded or
underfunded.
TRANSPORTATION &
INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Support adoption of a long -term federal transportation authorization that provides a stable and reliable funding stream for transportation with focus on maintenance and preservation, and funding for roads, bridges, and transit.
2. Support legislation that generates funding to support all modes of transportation, including transit, bicycles, and pedestrians.
3. Support legislation that generates funding for storm drain capacity and maintenance projects.
Proposed City of Cupertino 2026 Legislative Platform
4 housing, retail/commercial preservation, and social services.
2. Work with elected representatives to secure funding through the State Budget for priority projects and programs in the City.
3. Support legislation that would provide workers with a living wage.
4. Support legislation and funding for workforce development and skills training programs, including those developed with business and education partners.
4.5. Monitor legislation related to Artificial Intelligence that may impact the workforce .
5.6. Oppose legislation that would increase local costs related to public employee retirement.
6.7. Oppose legislation that limits the City’s ability to collect Transient Occupancy Taxes.
7.8. Oppose legislation that would burden local rate payers with increased state utility costs and mandates.
8.9. Monitor legislation that would provide local governments with additional tax -increment based economic development tools, such as Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts or tax increment financing districts.
9.10. Oppose legislation that would amend sales tax distribution formulas in a manner that negatively affects the City.
11. Monitor legislation that would amend the definition of independent contractors.
12. Support legislation that preserves retail and commercial spaces.
10.13. Monitor legislation that would allow further increases to the sales tax cap (eg. SB 63)
EDUCATION
1. The City understands that access to quality education is a key factor in maintaining a strong and vibrant community. The City supports state efforts to ensure that California schools have adequate funding to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and all schools have the personnel and materials needed to create an environment where children can succeed.
2. Support legislation that ensures full funding of the State’s Proposition 98 guarantee.
3. Support legislation that would increase funding for schools for programs and salaries.
4. Support legislation that would amend the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act to ensure that facilities funding is sufficient to cover all costs of new facilities, including the acquisition of land.
Proposed City of Cupertino 2026 Legislative Platform
5 5. Support legislation that provides students access to educational resources and technology needed to be prepared for higher education or the modern workforce.
6. Monitor legislation that clarifies square footage-based parcel taxes.
ELECTIONS
1. The City supports legislation that encourages and expands civic engagement and voter participation in elections.
2. Oppose legislation that weakens voters’ right to petition through the initiative and referendum processes.
3. Support legislation that provides resources and support for municipal elections.
4. Monitor legislation that affects the California Voting Rights Acts.
5. MonitorOppose legislation that lowers the voting requirements for passage of local special purpose agency funding
propositions, absent local government approval.
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
1. Support legislation that provides funding for local emergency preparedness planning.
2. Support legislation that provides reimbursement for costs associated with public safety power shutoffs and other emergency response efforts.
3. Support legislation that provides funding or incentives for retrofitting, and other seismic preparedness activities including city emergency operation centers.
4. Support legislation that would ensure the City, as well as businesses and residents, have access to communications during emergency events.
5. Support specific funding opportunities to address natural disaster mitigation and evacuation planning.
6. Monitor legislation regulating the use of drone aircraft by public agencies for use in emergency response, or other capacities.
7. Monitor legislation and funding regarding wildfire
preparedness.
6.8. Monitor legislation regarding insurance for natural disasters.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
1. The City supports legislation and policies that emphasize sustainable development, improve environmental standards and the regulatory process, and promote sustainable energy policies.
2. Support legislation that provides incentives and financial support for preservation of natural resources, organic waste recycling, and landfill diversion.
3. Support sustainability efforts that are consistent with the City’s Proposed City of Cupertino 2026 Legislative Platform
6 Climate Action Plan 2.0.
4. Support legislation that assists local governments in the development and implementation of energy efficiency,
renewable energy, and conservation strategies.
5. Oppose legislation that would preempt local government efforts to achieve economic improvements through increased energy efficiency, renewable energy , and conservation plans that seek to decrease carbon emissions.
6. Support increased funding for green buildings, electric vehicle charging stations, and related infrastructure , including residential homes.
7. Support legislation to reduce plastic waste and single -use plastics, such as plastic bags and containers.
8. Oppose legislation that weakens environmental review policy or CEQA.
8.9. Support legislation that expands expanded funding ofthat would environmental remediation (e.g. dry cleaners , PFAS ) across the state.
9.10. Support legislation that expands, promotes, or incentivizes water conservation practices and programs, including the expanded use of local water resources such as recycled water, graywater, and rainwater harvesting.
GOVERNMENT
TRANSPARENCY
1. The City supports government transparency, public access to required meetings and records, and legislation that facilitates these principles while still allowing for necessary municipal operations and services.
2. Support legislation which continues to further increased public access through remote participation.
1.3. Support legislation which allows for remote participation of less than a quorum of the legislative body, commissions, and committees for reasonable cause.
2.4. Oppose legislation that impacts the ability of special districts and joint powers authorities to self-regulate.
3.5. Oppose legislation that expands the Public Records Act without funding to carry out the new requirements.
4.6. Support legislation that improves the ability of local governments to utilize digital communication and archiving.
1. The City values public health and social services. The City supports legislation and policies to access resources that provide high quality police, fire, emergency management, and emergency medical services.
Proposed City of Cupertino 2026 Legislative Platform
7 HEALTH & PUBLIC
SAFETY
2. Support legislation to provide services to those experiencing domestic violence, addiction, or mental health issues, including mental health services for youth.
3. Support legislation to provide funding and services for vulnerable populations.
4. Support legislation that allows for local ordinances related to commercial and recreational drone usage.
5. Support legislation to regulate vaping devices and other e- cigarettes and their packaging, advertisement, and promotion to youth.
6. Support legislation to regulate the potency, packaging, and advertisement of recreational cannabis products.
7. Oppose legislation that restricts the ability for the City to adopt ordinances regarding the purchase, distribution, consumption and cultivation of cannabis.
8. Monitor legislation related to organized retail theft, as well as modifications to the definition of petty theft and petty theft value limits.
8.9. Support funding of Prop. 36.
9.10. Monitor legislation related to standards on appropriate law enforcement response to public protests, including use of force levels.
HOMELESSNESS
1. Support legislation that provides funding to create pathways to permanent housing and supportive services.
2. Support legislation and funding to help facilitate and promote regional efforts to address homelessness.
3. Support legislation to address issues affecting the homeless population, including mental health and substance abuse.
4. Support legislation that provides resources for job training , financial counseling, and skills development for those experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless.
HOUSING &
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
1. The City acknowledges that areas of California is currently facing dramatic continue to face a job-housing imbalance , severe income disparity and lack of transit options to
affordable areas. The rising cost of housing is one symptom of the deeper economic problem, which can only be solved by addressing the excessive job growth, housing affordability, and lack of transit options together. The City supports legislation that addresses the root causes of thisese problems and positively addresses housing shortages in communities.
2. Oppose legislation that may reduce municipal authority, with an emphasis on land use policy, local review, and design standards.
3. Oppose efforts to erode local decision making over the Proposed City of Cupertino 2026 Legislative Platform
8 appropriate location, scale, and character of residential development or that may reduce public hearing or oversight.
4. Support legislation that gives local municipalities credit and incentives for actions under their direct control, including the approval of housing developments.
5. Support legislation that provides state funding for the construction of affordable housing, including Extremely Low Income, Very Low Income, Low Income, and Moderate -
Income housing.
6. Oppose legislation that would impact the ability of a local municipality to regulate ADUs.
7. Support legislation that promotes the construction and protection of parklands, open spaces, affordable housing, and other community facilities, instead of allowing in -lieu fees in place of actual facilities.
8. Support legislation to address issues that lead to
gentrification, the displacement of long -time residents, the lack of housing for full -time students on campus, and homelessness.
9. Monitor legislation that would impact the rental market and tenant protections.
10. Oppose legislation that provides for by-right up-zoning.
11. Support legislation that requires employers to contribute to the funding of affordable housing to keep pace with job growth.
12. Support legislation to assert local authority to regulate the use of public right of ways.
13. Oppose legislation that erodes the ability of cities to condition and deny projects that inadequately mitigate impacts to the community, including infrastructure, public safety, and schools.
14. Support legislation that would incentivize community colleges to provide housing to students and faculty on campus.
15. Support legislation that would provide streamlined projects with minimum density requirements.
16. Oppose legislation that provides the State with additional powers to overturn local planning decisions and expands “by- right” or ministerial approval.
17. Monitor legislation that modifies previously enacted legislation, such as the Housing Accountability Act, Housing Crisis Act, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, Density Bonus Law., and (e.g. SB 35 project streamlining and SB 330).
1. The City values its ability and authority to make policies Proposed City of Cupertino 2026 Legislative Platform
9 QUALITY OF LIFE
tailored to diverse local needs, enable excellent public services, and protect and enhance the quality of life for Cupertino residents and businesses.
2. Support legislation that would provide local funding for libraries, arts and cultural expression in Cupertino.
3. Support legislation and initiatives that provide funding for vibrant parks, trails, and visitor amenities.
4. Monitoring legislation that affects immigration and the rights and benefits of immigrants.
5. Oppose legislation that includes unfunded or underfunded mandates.
TRANSPORTATION &
INFRASTRUCTURE
REHABILITATION
1. The City supports legislation and policies that support and fund data-driven transit solutions that increase the speed and frequency of services.
2. Support Monitor new statewide funding opportunities for maintenance and repair of local roads and highways.
3. Support data-driven, prioritized investments in the
maintenance and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure and allow for system capacity expansion to support smart growth principals.
4. Support legislation that allows for the planning of on -site parking and other planning tools that can increase safety for pedestrians and bicycles (including E -Bikes/Scooters) while considering all mobility methods.
5. Support legislation that ensuresMonitor the use of cap and trade funds derived from transportation fuels which currently go to high -speed rail, transit and intercity rail (SV Hopper grant), transit passes, ZEV incentives, Wildfire Suppression, Affordable housing, and air pollution reduction in
disadvantaged communities. be used for transportation
purposes.
6. Support Monitor legislation and initiatives tohat address regional transportation congestion and transit agency budget deficits.
7. Support legislation that generates funding for wastewater infrastructure, storm drain capacity and maintenance.
8. Oppose legislation that limits or reduces local impact fees that fund local infrastructure , including those associated with lot splits or the addition of a second unit on a parcel.
9. Oppose legislation that would impact local authority of cities to zone and plan for the development of telecommunications infrastructure.
Proposed City of Cupertino 2026 Legislative Platform
10 10. Support legislation that enhances the City’s ability to procure and implement fuel -switching, on -site renewable energy deployment, and low -carbon or carbon -free critical power backup services.
11. Oppose legislation that would reduce access to, or otherwise condition the receipt of, local streets and roads funding.
12. Support legislation that would allow flexibility for public contracting associated with routine public works projects.
13. Oppose legislation that would increase taxes on businesses and residents without providing a direct tangible benefit to Cupertino.
14. Support legislation and funding to provide free or reduced-price access to public transit to low-income individuals.
14.15. Support legislation and funding for local micro-transit (eg. SV Hopper)