City of Cupertino Government News Digest

As the state scrutinizes Cupertino’s tax deal with Apple, the city has launched a survey to help identify community preferences in the face of a potential 73 percent reduction in revenues.

Cupertino’s finance director is scheduled to provide the City Council with an informational budget forecast this afternoon that includes a potential potential 73 percent reduction in local tax revenue.

A Cupertino planning commissioner accused of harassing community members and city officials has been ousted. The City Council voted 3-2 to remove R “Ray” Wang, who was supposed to serve until January 30, 2025.

A Cupertino official who repeatedly berated city employees and harassed residents may soon be booted from a powerful commission. The city council will consider removing Cupertino planning commissioner R "Ray" Wang at its March 7 meeting. Councilmember J.R. Fruen, who was elected recently, called for Wang's removal last month.

Cupertino Mayor Hung Wei described the city as “challenging, progressing, promising, full of opportunities and evolving” as part of her first State of the City speech.

Nearly two months after a civil grand jury report accused members of the Cupertino City Council of fostering a toxic work environment within city government, councilmembers concedes that, while some of the claims were inaccurate, the panel identified genuine problems.

As the revitalization of Memorial Park continues, Cupertino residents are being asked whether they want the space to focus on local gatherings or to focus on nature.

A status update given to the Cupertino City Council revealed the city is significantly behind in submitting its state-mandated housing plan.

Cupertino is implementing its first pedestrian scramble at the intersection of Bubb and McClellan roads beginning Jan. 23.

J.R. Fruen, an attorney and third-generation Cupertino resident, won a seat on the Cupertino City Council in a crowded race against seven other candidates.

Ellis Partners made an $28 million all-cash purchase on a five-acre property along Highway 101 in Sunnyvale. Changes of ownership could lead to redevelopment—specifically a forecasted 150,000 square feet of office space where 89.900 is standing now.

Local matchups include the race between congressional incumbent Ro Khanna and his Republican opponent, Ritesh Tandon, as well as an eight-way battle for three seats on the Cupertino City Council.

Following the sale of the beloved local landmark, the prior owners will continue to operate the park for another decade.

Jim Throop's departure marks the seventh position change in the last four years.

The city of Cupertino is asking residents to help decide a new name for the Fine Arts Commission. The City wants a name that will increase public interest and align better with its set goals.

The city of Cupertino has hired Matt Morley as its new director of public works. Morley, who assumes his new role on April 4, is a South Bay native with degrees from UC Davis and University of Phoenix.

Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Director Matt Morley is leaving. The fourth executive staff member to leave in the past four months, Morley will become Cupertino ’s public works director. His last day in Los Gatos is March 25.

The Cupertino City Council made new appointments to fill vacancies during its Jan. 24 and Feb. 1 meetings. New commissioners will hold their position for a four-year term, ending Jan. 30, 2026.

With several state housing bills going into effect on Jan. 1, Cupertino has joined a lengthening list of cities that support a potential ballot measure to take back some local control over land-use decisions.

Over the years, Cupertino has earned a reputation for challenging state housing mandates and downplaying the housing crisis. But some members of the Cupertino City Council say they’ve been unfairly singled out, and that things are changing.

Jim Throop was unanimously voted into Cupertino’s vacant city manager role. He will begin in January.

The League of California Cities recently honored Cupertino for the city’s efforts to get young people engaged in politics. It was one of 11 California cities recognized.

Cupertino has built Engage Cupertino, an online platform for capturing feedback and informing the public about city policies, programs and projects around the community.

In addition to selecting Greg Larson to take over as interim city manager on July 14, the city also announced the appointment of Chris Jensen as the new in-house city attorney.

Noting that “increasing the quantity, range, and diversity of housing options will be integral to the community’s success,” the City of Cupertino has begun a month-long survey seeking input from residents.

Senior residents in five Santa Clara County municipalities will soon benefit from an expansion of Reach Your Destination Easily (RYDE), which provides transportation to people over 65.

According to a message sent from her city email address on May 26, Cupertino City Manager Deb Feng has given her 30-day notice.

In a attempt to mitigate Cupertino’s past problems with affordable housing production, the council tried to skirt state laws in favor of its own legislation—potentially opening itself up to legal action.

Political pressure is rising against local trustees, with a few recall notices issued in the past week. One of the biggest pushes is against Cupertino Unified School District trustees.

The intersection of De Anza and Stevens Creek boulevards became the site of a rally on March 5 to demand in-person instruction in Cupertino Union School District schools.