[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6631102,"mediaKeyId","2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb","parentId",2682371,"title","Council forms two‑member Legislative Review subcommittee for 2025 session; directs lobbyist scope change","audioSeconds",2100,"startMs",2736000,"endMs",4836000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb&start=2736&end=4836","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb/thumbnail_2736000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6631102/Cupertino/Santa-Clara-County/California/Council-forms-twomember-Legislative-Review-subcommittee-for-2025-session-directs-lobbyist-scope-change","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631102-9de22fcaac56141e5880936ff5a8bc5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179965&Signature=f3j-rgVfjdsr-AJ66~vIXdoYR2CJ9gQuXvyZhg60kL7eLDFCXIiPHGeUpb-f02y2iqjKhQrk1eYIPRSr4EQvvxMJlu-GyrPQNM4ns4b1AXlmZFfxskRyAf7lh3syEmm~xOmC2DtLTIDZCXRkT9aQ3VtpLY8GMYgFdZpV~IycyCWYO3H3wLDltrI8-Xagt~j4tFwYBb8mR~Y8Z47Pyelvp3506fvQkiVmAz1YWw0ckTUSawHsxWG~8Mosu4OZkG2MnmqsroQVBt29Z4bilH~oO1IQEwSjoDHAeL1sYXzB81~TfIGBwvoCTQlYr1DPdUmMkJ50SKddBX46ir~YlANzMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Cupertino","date","2025-03-19T05:53:12.367Z","article","The Cupertino City Council voted to create a two‑member Legislative Review subcommittee to operate for the 2025 legislative session and make recommendations to the full council on support, opposition or monitoring of state bills. The subcommittee will prepare recommendations for the full council as consent items (which can be pulled for discussion). The motion passed by roll call with the same 3‑2 split as other contested items (ayes: Council member Wong, Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor Chow; noes: Council members Fruin, Mohan).

Vice Mayor Moore proposed that the subcommittee be formed for the remainder of the 2025 session (which the council identified as ending Oct. 12) and asked staff to restore aspects of the lobbyist/consultant contract so the consultant again provides information directly to council as well as to the city manager. Council adopted that direction and added a staff request that the city provide written copies of past consultant reports (Gonzales & Sons) back to January 2023 as an informational memorandum.

Councilmembers discussed the legal and procedural limits of delegates acting on behalf of the full council and staff advised that if the subcommittee returns recommendations to the full council for approval (even on consent), it would avoid an improper delegation of final legislative authority. Staff and the city attorney agreed to research delegation limits and return with options for a permanent Legislative Review Committee structure at a future study session.

Public speakers urged that Cupertino maintain a vehicle for residents to weigh in on state bills that affect local control, unfunded mandates and housing law changes. Supporters said the subcommittee would provide a structured way to gather resident input and coordinate with neighboring cities; critics warned about potential mission creep and noted many channels already exist (state legislators, League of California Cities, consultant updates).

The subcommittee appointments were finalized under a friendly amendment: Vice Mayor Moore and Council member Freund were named to the ad hoc subcommittee for the 2025 legislative session. Staff will return with (1) a legal memo on delegation and committee authority, (2) a recommended resolution creating/defining the longer‑term committee if council wants a standing body, and (3) the consultant reports from Gonzales & Sons since January 2023.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cupertino City Council Meeting - March 18, 2025 (Live Streamed Version)","oneSentenceSummary","The Cupertino City Council voted to form a two‑member Legislative Review subcommittee for the 2025 legislative session and directed staff to restore consultant reporting lines to the council and to provide prior consultant reports as an informational memorandum.","taxTitle","Cupertino, Santa Clara County, California","taxId",3985,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631106,"Cupertino council restores Economic Development Committee with ordinance; first reading passes 3-2",2536,185000,2721000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb&start=185&end=2721","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb/thumbnail_185000.jpg","/articles/6631106/Cupertino/Santa-Clara-County/California/Cupertino-council-restores-Economic-Development-Committee-with-ordinance-first-reading-passes-3-2","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631106-95b4d092ffacdb096f8717fab1623eb6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179965&Signature=RKO4N61DeBjJuD6FA6Vu-sZ2ROck6-71kd0sjN1DB0S26dAZzlpVxZ9ZAfsaxzuWeG3PL2JOYPvuQlrlLy1WZEuHsi4Wkw7xO1mNJI1f1FZym8xfuccx~Ocfj67EJAStWc4w31mJcATgiRsZCyOFwKq2skDPB3Qw0QCGrASL4ebhlsz4mcT1UoOoIOo-nVBt6M2wU3pFKwmVaOnd89Q7EPxWWbw1DW1RtArCjVW0-lQLYz9MlJWcvSSpXuvq7FgtAMIvQW1gyuwcDji7BmcW9gwMud4FhJW8rsGI0r8uGNfXq61OESA4zDCAfE6-YwF8AmG7G8rur1gJE51wD4tJlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cupertino City Council on April 1 held the first reading of Ordinance No. 25‑2269, which would restore a nine‑member Economic Development Committee (EDC), and voted to advance the ordinance for a subsequent reading and adoption. The motion to conduct first reading passed with a 3‑2 roll call: Council members Wong, Vice Mayor Moore and Mayor Chow voted yes; Council members Fruin and Mohan voted no.

Supporters of reinstating the advisory committee argued it could marshal private‑sector expertise to guide economic revitalization. Opponents said staff already performs active outreach and that a Brown Act committee could create staffing burdens, conflicts of interest and diminished agility.

City staff told the council the draft ordinance largely restores the committee language that was removed in early 2023. The restored EDC would include two council members, five representatives from defined industry sectors and two liaisons from standing commissions (sustainability and technology/communications). City staff estimated a minimum of about 160 staff hours annually to support the commission, including agenda preparation and coordination with the clerk and city manager’s offices.

Economic development staff described recent outreach activities while the EDC was inactive, including business retention and attraction meetings, technical assistance, coordination with the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, a December 2023 focus group and an Applied Development Economics market study that informed staff recommendations. The city’s economic development manager said staff has continued to meet regularly with businesses — including Apple, Amazon and recently relocated firms — and with commercial real‑estate professionals.

Public comment split sharply. Longtime resident Jean Bedourd urged the council not to reinstate the panel, calling it “a waste of public and staff resources” and saying the city’s lack of developable commercial space limits what any advisory group can accomplish. Jennifer Griffin and other residents urged reinstatement, saying a committee could help preserve retail and broaden economic policy beyond day‑to‑day staff work. A resident urged the council to require clear metrics and outcomes for any committee work.

Council members who opposed reviving the committee cited lack of clear practical role, potential conflicts of interest by private‑sector appointees, and the risk that staffing the EDC would dilute time available for staff to handle existing business services. Supporters said the committee could bring frequent, structured engagement with the business community and provide ideas the city manager’s office might not develop on its own.

The ordinance was advanced at first reading; council did not take final adoption at this meeting. Staff will return the measure for second reading and adoption, and the city manager’s office will continue to support economic development activities during that interim.

Votes at a glance
- Ordinance No. 25‑2269 (first reading): Conduct first reading to amend Cupertino Municipal Code, Title 2, Chapter 2.96 — Passed (Ayes: Wong, Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor Chow; Noes: Fruin, Mohan).","The Cupertino City Council on April 1 advanced an ordinance to reestablish its Economic Development Committee, voting 3‑2 to conduct a first reading of Ordinance No. 25‑2269 and send the measure on for a second reading and potential adoption.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631087,"Council confirms two new strategic goals and finalizes 2‑year work program framework after contentious session",6991,3608000,10599000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb&start=3608&end=10599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb/thumbnail_3608000.jpg","/articles/6631087/Cupertino/Santa-Clara-County/California/Council-confirms-two-new-strategic-goals-and-finalizes-2year-work-program-framework-after-contentious-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631087-435a4e205e82af514e7468347d230a1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179965&Signature=TsuClkO54AJV78jnahq6rXaSNPGpqn-1KRpvHYCxq3r4t4NnlfJcy3ATyY6GreF-wfIu2xEPIJIbtviQOdULpa4b0ucEScnDCitoW4ev9PG1Hi4Neu9QFHVCmDmTHAUHxfDeGJbTRYExbrgYWEsBcevTW3CjVpUpio5-fi3w6baI6pHgeoh6VdDwoIalNw-E3Juc4XsKIOq9tdYBY3WbPBeGrc-HA8RrWbG8kuSaBugVFAcX0mhJ95UVUgo6GuFhQ3uXYPhIdoYZHnv9XpmqsZvgfb~TOdaKzV~RL-IVmV113M1TgllrOhTXes0ByuhOT8c5-198iL2sekjOzR-lJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After a March workshop to prioritize projects, the Cupertino City Council confirmed two new council strategic goals — “Environmental Sustainability” and “Fiscal Strategy” — and finalized a consolidated two‑year City Work Program framework for 2025–27. The council adopted the new goals unanimously (council member Wong was absent from that procedural vote) and later debated a set of refinements and consolidations to the proposed project list before approving the amended consolidated list.

The council’s work program exercise began with each member submitting and ranking candidate projects; staff then consolidated those items, attached resource estimates and proposed timelines. Moss Adams’ policy inventory presentation and other departmental updates informed council discussion about risk and sequencing. Council direction emphasized a mix of near‑term items (year‑1 work) and longer‑term projects that will require multi‑year staffing or consultant support.

Key topics included: economic development and small business revitalization (consolidating several related items into a single economic development item, including outreach and permitting streamlining); a defensible impact fee nexus study (recommended to include traffic, retail, BMR and parkland impact fees and prioritized to begin in year 1); and capital improvement policy modernization (identified as a high‑risk administrative gap by auditors and prioritized for further work). The council also discussed but did not finalize some items, including options for Blackberry Farm uses and public engagement processes tied to planning issues.

Councilmembers repeatedly asked staff to sequence projects so the highest‑risk and highest‑impact items (including CIP policy updates and defensible fee studies) could be scheduled early in the two‑year period and to return refined cost and staffing estimates as part of the upcoming budget process. Several members said they want the Economic Development Committee (if reestablished) to undertake parts of the small business and retail revitalization effort. Staff noted the need to coordinate this program with the audit work plan, the CIP and the budget calendar.

The council asked staff to return at mid‑point for a one‑year check‑in on progress and to provide more detailed scoping and budget estimates for items expected to extend beyond the two‑year time frame.","The Cupertino City Council confirmed two new strategic goals — environmental sustainability and fiscal strategy — and finalized a consolidated two‑year City Work Program framework for fiscal years 2025–27, directing staff to prioritize high‑risk capital and fee‑related work and to return detailed cost estimates as part of the budget process.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631092,"Audit firm completes citywide policy inventory; council directs confidential access to administrative policies",3734,11001000,14735000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb&start=11001&end=14735","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb/thumbnail_11001000.jpg","/articles/6631092/Cupertino/Santa-Clara-County/California/Audit-firm-completes-citywide-policy-inventory-council-directs-confidential-access-to-administrative-policies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631092-1c509b5988a8b54caa0ed6bd03e837dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179965&Signature=EsvA8aSi0~qdJN5QbBW5j3rkBMRbKB1aA7XibvfC3SShz2~mTuk4X6jPUT7YyddRfhudU9o8F67iP68CV4QWkbTVA36vIUoiJyGThOG2EJNgxItF15lVVhEQid8GdB31ClcY0sB~eoity0hjW8XbhVYWeLuQKXlp6MUjIpw5~ogEUvASDcSTvJ6gjP8L5yGfUYg3aZmq7MzdH-AZUVmfz0ZtWp7lUPrYhVezY5eRfgE3Z-5Ca9d~uhZ~gWMOEGWIPwRu16OVgROplAzPLpyoawTBkl84fjCl4~9hiyAmBSM3pRCXAwjRSw5rKYIpnSniMIyp4bVic6beqGU-s4d4Nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Moss Adams, the city’s internal audit contractor, presented the results of a citywide administrative policy inventory and gap analysis. The audit reviewed policies and procedures across seven departments (Administrative Services, City Manager, Community Development, Innovation & Technology, Parks & Recreation, Public Works and law enforcement practices under contract) and identified gaps, prioritized by risk level, with recommended phase‑in timing.

Moss Adams found a high‑risk gap in the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) policy and recommended the city develop a more robust CIP policy and longer horizon plan. The firm recommended other updates and medium‑risk improvements in several departments. The law enforcement policies were not reviewed in detail because law enforcement is provided under contract with the County and follows county policies.

Council accepted the audit report and then debated access to administrative policies. Several council members requested direct, secured access to the compiled administrative policy documents; staff raised concerns about cyber security and about exposing internal processes that might pose operational risks. After deliberation, the council approved staff’s recommended actions and adopted a substitute motion directing staff to provide council members with confidential, secured access to the administrative policy documents (electronic or on‑site) so council can review them without broadly publishing internal operational procedures online.

Council also directed Moss Adams to proceed with a gap analysis on the city council policy inventory and to provide a proposed schedule for addressing high and medium risk gaps; staff noted that Moss Adams’ work would be coordinated with the upcoming budget and audit work plan to sequence deliverables.

The audit presentation and council direction aim to modernize and prioritize updates to administrative and council policies, starting with higher‑risk items (CIP policy) and following a phased schedule.","Internal auditors (Moss Adams) presented a citywide administrative policy inventory and gap analysis; the council accepted the report and directed staff to provide council members confidential access to the administrative policy documents while preserving security concerns.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631097,"Council adopts revised procedures manual; two members oppose amid procedural dispute",2327,8882000,11209000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb&start=8882&end=11209","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2682371-72cbfbf42d2f26636787719e242cc7fb/thumbnail_8882000.jpg","/articles/6631097/Cupertino/Santa-Clara-County/California/Council-adopts-revised-procedures-manual-two-members-oppose-amid-procedural-dispute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631097-36ac9209ede80b88c1b5d687fdccded9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179965&Signature=fobSxCOw7BSHqb6WM0Xdogbwpbozax0irMqKSSmiikRz1Zk~wfo3GexOPviVjOZhMDx-2c70es7rGiFDVjzW6URJEzf32GE0qcMH-US-eXvhknKcrPCnM-lDmR9INjJC0KzcPBUzbLXWF7e7Z2oRHxD56ZuZpdmZzrE0L4FtsKFyVaFiPjaWQKBYHUJ7rf87ZZ1~pPeAGSxjHOmlv~lqPd-~VIikmNPVvA3O6Zld9~0PTcbRf3ylHE8sVXDtWLdZusMWjw0yLfPakR1na377qEC4se7X9b4AcSxXD6z0YHsHxkLwSWGSK24CIszhYFBHaWMfPU1f3vbNEvyQVE-Igg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cupertino City Council voted to adopt Resolution No. 25‑021, reaffirming recent amendments to the City Council Procedures Manual. The motion passed after debate, with Council members Mohan and Fruin recording votes in opposition.

Council discussion focused on access to information and public records. Opponents argued the revisions limited some council members’ access to city records and that Public Records Act (PRA) requests have been used by some individuals to generate heavy workload for staff. Supporters said members retain the same rights as other members of the public and that clarifications in the manual codify appropriate channels for requesting information while balancing staff workload and security concerns.

Public commenters raised concerns about meeting conduct and public access to meetings. The council chair noted this item had been through multiple revisions and that further changes to the manual could be considered in the future, but the body adopted the resolution at this meeting.

The action will update the council’s rules of order; staff will finalize redlined language per the council’s action and post the updated manual in the council materials.","The Cupertino City Council adopted a resolution reaffirming amendments to the council Procedures Manual (Resolution No. 25‑021). The measure passed despite objections from two council members, who raised concerns about member access to public records and about internal process for receiving proposed changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council forms two‑member Legislative Review subcommittee for 2025 session; directs lobbyist scope change

Cupertino council restores Economic Development Committee with ordinance; first reading passes 3-2

Council confirms two new strategic goals and finalizes 2‑year work program framework after contentious session

Audit firm completes citywide policy inventory; council directs confidential access to administrative policies

Council adopts revised procedures manual; two members oppose amid procedural dispute