Form Name: Boards and Commissions Application
Unique ID: 1336623793
Applicant Information
Name Subas Bastola
Are you a Sunnyvale resident? Yes
How long have you lived in
Sunnyvale?
8 years
Description Area Residence Notice:Unless otherwise noted, your principal place of residence must be in Sunnyvale. You must live in Sunnyvale at the time of appointment and at all times during service on a board or commission.
Current Main Residence
Email
Phone
Are you currently a registered
voter in Sunnyvale?
Yes
When was the last time you
voted? Month/Year
09/2021
Have you ever served on a City of
Sunnyvale board or commission?
No
Have you attended a meeting of
the City Council, or a board or
commission?
No
Have you attended meetings of
the board(s) or commission(s) for
which you are applying?
No
Board or Commission Selection
First Choice Planning Commission (R)
Applicant Qualifications
Subas Bastola
Office Use Only
Date Received:
__________
Voter registration
verified:
Office Use Only
Date Received: __________
Voter registration verified:
On: ___________________
By: ___________________
Date Received:
Voter registration verified:
On:
By: ___________________
4/21/25
4/22/25
MH
What motivated you to apply for
this board or commission?
I'm deeply invested in the future of Sunnyvale and have been inspired by the city's recent efforts to thoughtfully revitalize its downtown. The transformation has made it a vibrant destination for both locals and visitors, and it reflects the kind of smart, community-focused development I'd be proud to support.
Applying for the Planning Commission is a way for me to contribute to that momentum - helping ensure future growth is well-planned, sustainable, and inclusive. I want to be part of shaping policies that maintain the unique character of our neighborhoods, expand affordable housing, support local businesses, and enhance livability for all residents. Serving on the commission would be an opportunity to give back to a city I care deeply about and help guide its continued success.
What skills or attributes can you
bring to this board or
commission?
As a long-time Bay Area and Sunnyvale resident, I bring a deep understanding of our city's character, history, and the evolving needs of its diverse population. I'm a tech leader with firsthand insight into the demands of the innovation economy - from infrastructure and transportation to workforce housing - and I also own a small business, which gives me practical experience with the challenges and opportunities facing local entrepreneurs.
In addition, I'm an active leader in the growing Nepali community here in Sunnyvale. This role has given me a strong appreciation for cultural inclusion and the importance of making civic spaces accessible and welcoming to all. I bring a collaborative, community-centered approach to problem-solving, along with strong communication and analytical skills. I care deeply about helping Sunnyvale grow in a way that is thoughtful, balanced, and reflective of the people who call it home.
Subas Bastola
The primary role of a board or
commission member is to provide
advice to City Council on policy
issues that are within the scope
of the board or commission. What
steps would you take to
effectively exercise this specific
board or commission role?
To effectively advise the City Council as a Planning Commission member, I would take a thoughtful, informed, and
community-centered approach. First, I would ensure I'm fully educated on relevant planning policies, zoning regulations, and the city's General Plan, so I can make recommendations grounded in both the city's long-term vision and current realities.
Second, I believe in active listening and open dialogue. I would engage with staff reports, developer presentations, and public input with an open mind, seeking a well-rounded understanding of each issue. As a leader in the tech sector and an advocate for the Nepali community, I also recognize the value of diverse perspectives and would work to ensure that underrepresented voices are considered in decision-making.
I would collaborate respectfully with fellow commissioners, balancing innovation and growth with sustainability and neighborhood character. Finally, I'd approach each
recommendation with a sense of responsibility - recognizing that our advice helps shape Sunnyvale's future, and must reflect both the city's strategic goals and the needs of its residents today.
Education – List college degrees,
majors and any relevant training
or experience that demonstrates
your ability to effectively serve
on this board or commission.
Master in Electrical Engineering - National University of Singapore 20+ years experience in computer industry
Lead diverse team of people in multiple generations of Intel CPU development
Describe your involvement in
community activities, volunteer
and civic organizations.
Founding member of Sunny Sagarmatha Samaj, a Nepalese
community organization rooted deeply in Sunnyvale
Involved as parent volunteer at AYSO soccer
Description Area The City has a Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials and an Attendance Policy (7.2.19), 2 G (II) that appointed members are required to follow.
Do you have any concerns related
to the above code and policy?
No
Are you willing to accept a
temporary appointment for the
remainder of an unexpired term?
Yes
Board or Commission-Specific Questions
Subas Bastola
Planning Commission
Sunnyvale has limited vacant
land for new development. This
could increase pressure for
redevelopment of existing
developed areas. How can
Planning respond to this
situation?
Planning can respond to limited vacant land by taking a strategic, sustainable, and inclusive approach to redevelopment. This means focusing on smart growth - encouraging mixed-use
developments, higher-density housing near transit, and
reimagining underutilized spaces in a way that aligns with the city's General Plan and community needs.
Redevelopment should prioritize walkability, affordable housing, and livable neighborhoods while preserving community character.
It's also important to engage the public early and often, especially communities who are most impacted by redevelopment, to
ensure equity and transparency.
As a tech leader and small business owner, I recognize the need to support growth that accommodates our workforce and keeps Sunnyvale competitive, while also protecting what makes it a great place to live. Thoughtful zoning updates, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, and collaboration between city departments can help meet our future needs without sacrificing quality of life.
Planning Commissioners are
often asked to consider social,
economic and environmental
issues when reviewing proposals.
How do we achieve a balanced
community?
Achieving a balanced community means considering social equity, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability in every planning decision. As someone deeply involved in the growing Nepali community in Sunnyvale, I've seen firsthand how access to affordable housing can transform lives.
One example that stands out is a Nepali family I know who was able to stay in Sunnyvale and raise their children here thanks to access to below-market-rate (BMR) housing. The parents both worked long hours to support their family, and without BMR housing, they likely would have been priced out of the city.
Instead, they were able to build stability, send their kids to local schools, and become active, contributing members of the community. Their children are now thriving - one is pursuing college locally and the other is already giving back through volunteer work.
Stories like this are a reminder that balanced planning isn't just about buildings - it's about people. Supporting diverse housing options, accessible transit, and vibrant public spaces ensures that all members of the community, including immigrants and working families, have a chance to succeed and feel a sense of belonging.
Subas Bastola
What do you see as the greatest
land use challenges facing the
City? How do you propose
addressing them?
One of the greatest land use challenges facing Sunnyvale is the limited availability of vacant land, combined with the growing demand for housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure. With limited land left for new development, the city must focus on redeveloping underutilized areas, such as aging commercial properties and industrial zones, to accommodate future growth without compromising the quality of life for existing residents.
Another challenge is ensuring that this redevelopment supports affordable housing while maintaining the character and diversity of neighborhoods. As Sunnyvale evolves, it's important to avoid displacing vulnerable communities, particularly immigrant families and small business owners who may already be
struggling with rising rents.
To address these challenges, I propose focusing on smart infill development - redeveloping existing sites with a mix of residential, commercial, and community spaces. This would help maximize land use while reducing sprawl. Additionally,
transit-oriented development should be prioritized, particularly around key transit hubs, to support sustainable growth and reduce traffic congestion.
We also need to ensure that affordable housing remains a central focus in these redevelopment plans. This could include a stronger emphasis on the below-market-rate housing programs and
working with developers to include affordable units in new projects. Finally, community engagement is essential; actively involving residents in the planning process ensures that redevelopment meets the needs of all groups - particularly those who have historically been underrepresented in decision-making.
Description Area View the Housing Element
Have you read the Housing
Element?
Yes
Subas Bastola
What are your thoughts on the
Housing Element? How should it
be implemented?
Housing Element is very future looking plan that will enable Sunnyvale to remain one of most livable cities in the US, yet bring more affordability so that all segments of the populations can plant their root in this city. I think the background research has been superb and key challenges are identified and solution proposed. I fully support this.
I agree with the provisions. I like idea of allowing and encouraging ADUs so that it can provide more living space and lower housing pressure. I will support more mixed-use development. Going vertical is must in a compact city like Sunnyvale. I am specially thrilled with Sunnyvale Downtown redevelopment.
Fair Political Practices Commission Statement of Economic Interests Description Area If you are appointed to the Arts Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, Housing and Human Services
Commission or the Planning Commission, you must electronically file the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700), which will be a public
record.Statement of Economic Interests - Form 700Understanding of Filing Requirement I understand and agree that if I’m appointed to the Arts Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, Housing and Human Services Commission or
Planning Commission I must electronically file the Fair Political Practices Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700). This form reports my economic interests and those of my spouse or domestic partner, if applicable. I understand this will be a public record.
Radio Button Yes
Demographic Information
Your age
Your gender
Description Area
LGBTQIA+ Identity
Subas Bastola
Race or Ethnicity (select all that
apply)
Do you speak a language other
than English?
Which languages?
Household Income
Residence - Are you a
Do you live in a
Do you have any other identities*
you would like to share with us?
Your Agreement
Description Area IMPORTANT NOTICE – READ BEFORE SIGNING:By selecting both “Yes” and “Submit Form” below I am adding my digital signature to this application. I am also agreeing with the following statements:All statements I have made on this application are true and correct.I authorize the City of Sunnyvale (City) to investigate the accuracy of this information.I release the City from all claims and liabilities arising from such investigation.I acknowledge that any false statement on this application will be grounds for the City to deny my appointment. A false statement discovered later, will be grounds to dismiss me from my appointment at any time.I acknowledge that any false statement on this application could lead to criminal charges. Charges could fall under California Penal Code, Section 115 or other applicable law.
I agree Yes
Your full name Subas Bastola
Date Apr 20, 2025
Subas Bastola