Larry Klein
Mayor
Murali Srinivasan
Vice Mayor
Russ Melton
Councilmember
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Omar Din
Councilmember
Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember
Linda Sell
Councilmember
June 12, 2024
The Honorable Gina Raimondo
Secretary of Commerce
United States Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20230
RE: Letter of Support for Applied Materials’ CHIPS for America Incentives Proposal
Dear Honorable Gina Raimondo:
On behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, I am writing to express my support for Applied Materials’ expansion efforts and federal CHIPS Incentives Proposal for the new EPIC (Equipment and Process Innovation Commercialization) lab. This project aligns with our Council policy 2.0 Long-term Advocacy Positions – Community Development, 2.1:
Advocate and support research and development funding that increases and capitalizes on the capabilities of our existing industries or emerging technology business development, including bioscience, information technology, nanotechnology, biomedical device manufacturing, and stem cell research, and increase the role of federal research and development in civilian research and technology. Support programs that promote continued/increased research and development that is innovative, entrepreneurial and has growth potential.
Applied Material’s EPIC Lab will provide vital high-wage job opportunities and increased business opportunities in the growing high-tech sector of semiconductor Research and Development (R&D). Sunnyvale is the heart of Silicon Valley, and we are delighted that Applied Materials calls Sunnyvale home. We are in the center of the innovation economy and its ecosystem and, therefore, want to see this project reach its potential for all stakeholders, including the Sunnyvale community. This R&D Lab will bolster our local economy and have lasting effects to produce new semiconductor technologies that can address the world’s most important challenges.
Attachment 3
The Honorable Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce June 12, 2024
Applied Materials has been operating in Sunnyvale since 1995 and is one of our largest employers. Beyond building their business, Applied Materials has been deeply involved in philanthropy across Silicon Valley for more than 30 years all while it emerged as a leader for the innovation economy. We support Applied Materials’ ability to create the best EPIC lab possible for the benefit of our country and the local community.
Supporting Applied Materials EPIC lab project with CHIPS incentives will ensure this project can be successful for everyone involved. This investment in new manufacturing capacity and research is good for American jobs and critical for our overall national security.
Thank you for your consideration of our position. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Connie Verceles, Deputy City Manager, at [email protected] or 408-730- 7256 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: City Council
Kent Steffens, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Connie Verceles, Deputy City Manager
Attachment 3