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

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).