Housing
Where it standsCupertino must plan for 4,588 homes by 2031. The state certified its plan in September 2024, but by January 2026 the city was 8 moderate-income units short under state no-net-loss rules.
What's on the tableWhich areas to rezone to close the gap (council hearings run through December 2026, state review in early 2027), two builder's-remedy lawsuits, and pending affordable projects such as Mary Avenue.
- The 4,588-home target: 1,880 very low or low income, 755 moderate, 1,953 market rate. City memo on housing no-net-loss · Jan 30, 2026 ↗
- Lower-density townhome approvals on priority sites left an 8-unit moderate-income shortfall; the city must amend its plan and resubmit it to the state. City memo on housing no-net-loss · Jan 30, 2026 ↗
- Schedule: updated sites list Aug to Dec 2026, hearings through Dec 2026, state review and adoption Jan to Mar 2027. City work program update · Jun 12, 2026 ↗
- The city lists Vista Heights, a 33-home builder's-remedy project, as under review. City project page ↗
The Rise (former Vallco)
Where it standsApproved under state law SB 35 in 2018. The current plan is 2,669 homes (356 affordable), about 1.5 million sq ft of office and 227,000 sq ft of retail. Site work is underway.
What's on the tableCouncil discretion is limited: city staff review changes against objective standards. The council's levers are the fee agreement and how the city replaces lost affordable units in its housing plan.
Budget and taxes
Where it standsUnder a state settlement, Cupertino stopped receiving Apple-related sales-tax revenue in 2025. A new sheriff contract adds about $6.4M a year; this year the gap is covered from reserves.
What's on the tableHow to pay for higher ongoing costs: new or renewed revenue, service cuts, or both, and whether to put a tax measure on a future ballot.
City Hall and the mayor
Where it standsTina Kapoor became City Manager in November 2025 by unanimous vote, after the council placed Pamela Wu on leave by 3-2 in May 2025. Kapoor is the ninth city manager since 2018. The city attorney post is filled on an interim basis.
What's on the tableWho becomes mayor in December (consecutive terms are now allowed), whether to hire a permanent city attorney, and the council's own procedures, which any three members can change.