Housing Element Update
The City of Cupertino continues preparing the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update, which covers the planning period of 2023 to 2031. The Housing Element is part of Cupertino's General Plan and identifies policies and programs intended to meet the housing needs of the City's current and future residents at all income levels.
Two Special Joint Planning Commission-Housing Commission Meetings were held on Tuesday, June 28 and Tuesday, July 5. At the conclusion of the July 5 meeting the joint commissions made a recommendation to the City Council regarding which housing sites should be included in the Housing Element sites inventory. The City Council will hold a meeting on the sites inventory in August. View the two joint Commission meetings on the City's YouTube channel.
City staff continue efforts to engage and inform the community about the Housing Element Update. The second Community Meeting on the Cupertino Housing Element will be held on Wednesday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. This virtual meeting will focus on the unique barriers and challenges of housing that youth and older adults face in Cupertino and the west Santa Clara County area. The meeting will include a panel of De Anza students, local high school students, and older adults who will share their personal stories related to housing. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with other community members, hear new perspectives, and share their own experiences. Those who wish to attend can register at bit.ly/3bz6cxA.
Additionally, the Community Engagement Plan-Strategic Advisory Committee, which focuses on public outreach related to the Housing Element Update, will meet on Monday, July 25 at 11 a.m. The Advisory Committee meeting will be a virtual meeting as well.
Comments and input from the community are vital to achieve a successful Housing Element Update, and participation in the community engagement process is strongly encouraged. To find details about the Housing Element Update and to stay informed, sign up for future notifications online at engagecupertino.org/housingelement.
Finance Manager Recruitment Updates
The City of Cupertino has had a vacant Finance Manager position since early March. The City conducted a hybrid recruitment, utilizing a recruitment firm for advertising and outreach with the City's Human Resources staff facilitating interview panels. Ultimately, the recruitment was unsuccessful and the City decided to conduct a new recruitment, which was posted on July 1.
In the meantime, staff from the City's Administrative Services Department, Senior Management Analyst Thomas Leung and Senior Accountant Beth Viajar, have been serving in the Interim Finance Manager role during the recruitment process.
The City has now obtained an Interim Finance Manager to assist as efforts continue in recruiting a permanent placement. Lizz Cook, who has over 10 years of government finance experience, most recently served as the Finance Director of Contra Costa Water District. Cook is currently working as a consultant with Boucher Law Firm, who has agreed to place her with the City for a limited time. She will be assisting the City's Finance Division with the year-end financial audit, chairing the Audit Committee, and will be the main point of contact for both internal and external auditors. Additionally, Cook will manage several Requests for Proposals that the Finance Division will be posting for various services. As Cook will be working limited hours, requests for assistance should first be routed to Kristina Alfaro, the City's Director of Administrative Services.
Cupertino Teen Commission Recruitment Open
Cupertino teens are encouraged to apply for four vacancies on the Teen Commission. Applications may be submitted online using the Online Teen Commission Application via cupertino.org/vacancies. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 29. Interviews will be conducted beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 8 and Tuesday, August 9 (as needed).
For more details, visit cupertino.org/vacancies or email the City Clerk's office at cityclerk@cupertino.org.
Cupertino City Facilities are Green Business Certified
The City of Cupertino's municipal facilities have been re-certified as a Green Business by the County of Santa Clara. Our amenities were last re-certified in 2018. Certified facilities include City Hall, Cupertino Library, Community Hall, Senior Center, McClellan Ranch Environmental Education Center, Monta Vista Recreation Center, Quinlan Community Center, Service Center, and Sports Center.
The City joins dozens of local businesses that have made the commitment to conserve resources and prevent pollution in both the facility and operations. A Certified Green Business complies with environmental regulations in the areas of waste, energy, water, pollution prevention, and air quality. Some example actions include efficient appliances, using green cleaning products, printing on both sides of the paper, LED light bulbs, and the staff alternative commute program.
There is more work to be done to improve the City facilities to become more energy efficient and more resilient. The City's Sustainability and Public Works teams are collaborating on projects to make capital investments into City streetlights, electric vehicle charging, and to upgrade out-of-date building systems which are causing carbon pollution. The Green Business Certificate is a great starting place to ensure the basic operations meet guidelines of the program.
All types of businesses in Santa Clara County are encouraged to seek out the certification for their own operation. The certificate shows your customers that you have made the effort for the environment. The State and County have set aside resources to assist our local businesses who are interested. Get in touch by visiting cupertino.org/greenbiz.
Via-Cupertino Summer Sale Provides Relief from High Gas Prices
The community can save money at the pump and get where they need to go for just $2 a ride with Via-Cupertino! Riders can avoid the high gas prices by taking advantage of our summer sale through Monday, August 15.
Anyone can ride for the lower price this summer, and eligible riders can receive a discounted fare year-round. Seniors, students, low-income, and disabled riders should email qualifying documents to viashuttle@cupertino.org.
For more information, visit cupertino.org/shuttle.
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