Council approves 2027 regular meeting schedule, 2–0

Approval of 2027 regular meeting schedule

2 yes, 0 no

Claudio Bono (yes), Tracy Kosolcharoen (yes)

Approval of July 30, 2026 meeting minutes

2 yes, 0 no

Claudio Bono (yes), Tracy Kosolcharoen (yes)

Consent calendar (three items)

3 yes, 0 no

Appoint a vice chair (Item 4)

3 yes, 0 no

Internal auditor selection subcommittee (Item 8)

3 yes, 0 no

Approval of August 17, 2026 LRC Minutes

0 yes, 0 no

Contract Cities Association membership

Cupertino recently joined the Contract Cities Association, and members want to learn what it offers, get on its committees, and use it as leverage by aligning with other member cities on legislation.

What it means: The city gains allies and information-sharing when pushing legislative positions.

Wildfire Safety Regulations and Insurance Costs

The wildfire funding package died in the Assembly and Prop 36 money remains minimal, so the city wants to get ahead of grant opportunities for wildfire hardening on the west side. Staff will dig into Prop 4 bond funds.

What it means: Homeowners on the city's west side could get wildfire-hardening help if the city wins grants.

State Legislative Advocacy and Bill Tracking

The committee wants a technology section covering AI guardrails, license plate readers, and possible taxes on services like autonomous vehicles — topics the current platform barely addresses.

What it means: Cupertino residents and businesses benefit from a platform that anticipates fast-moving tech regulation.

Internal Audit and Fraud Prevention Programs

The city must select a new internal auditor by June 2027, using an RFP process with committee participation in grading proposals. The internal audit function is one of the city's key financial controls after past issues.

What it means: The contract for internal audit services expires in June 2027; a lapse in coverage would leave a gap in the city's financial controls.

RISE Project Labor and Financing Standards

A carpenters union dispute over a SB 35 below-market-rate project that may not be paying prevailing wage came up. The state Department of Industrial Relations is the enforcer, but members debated whether the city should write a supporting letter.

What it means: Construction workers benefit if prevailing wage is enforced on the project.

November 2026 Ballot Measures (Parkland Protection and UUT Renewal)

A Howard Jarvis-style initiative would raise the vote threshold for local taxes to two-thirds, and members flagged possible state moves to tax services and software licenses — changes that could reshape how cities fund themselves.

What it means: Taxpayers who favor higher vote thresholds would benefit; cities lose flexibility.

FY 2025-26 external financial audit

The city's annual financial audit is on track with no significant issues found so far. The draft report reaches the committee in early December and the council later that month.

What it means: Residents, bondholders, and anyone who relies on the city's financial health.

Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Program and Transportation Funding

A committee member flagged that the city still operates on a two-year work program cycle without a true long-range strategic plan, letting expensive projects — like a $9 million pedestrian underpass at the McClellan Road Bridge — surface without council-level vetting. Staff agreed to bring CIP planning into conversation with strategic goal-setting.

What it means: Better long-range planning could prevent millions in capital spending — like the $9 million bridge underpass — from advancing without full vetting.

Small business community platform

The committee debated creating a free, city-led online group where small businesses can connect, share information, and give feedback to the city. Open questions remain: which platform, who manages it day to day, and what concrete value it delivers versus the Chamber of Commerce.

What it means: Small Cupertino businesses seeking peer connections and a direct feedback channel to the city.

Small Business Permit Streamlining Initiative

The city walked through how commercial permits move from application to inspection, with typical review in 15 business days. New tools — online applications, a chatbot, and AI plan review — are coming to make it faster and more consistent for businesses.

What it means: Current and prospective Cupertino businesses, especially small businesses and restaurants navigating permits.

Shop Local Campaign Performance and Engagement

Data shows only about 22 businesses join each shop local campaign and social media reach is limited. Ideas on the table include an e-passport to gamify visits, dedicated emails for every promotion, business profiles, and billboards at freeway exits where drivers are stuck in traffic.

What it means: Local shops and restaurants that participate in campaigns, plus residents who discover them.

Broker and Realtor Luncheon to attract businesses

A planned Q1 2027 luncheon would connect brokers, realtors, and property owners with city staff to learn about Cupertino's commercial market, zoning, and permitting — with the goal of filling vacancies and attracting new businesses.

What it means: Brokers, property owners, and businesses looking to open or expand in Cupertino.

Commercial Filming Permit Program Implementation

Members debated whether the new CBS legal drama named 'Cupertino' helps or hurts the city's image, and whether the city could leverage it — taping locations, tourism, free advertising for local businesses — rather than dwell on unflattering portrayal.

What it means: Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants if the show tapes locally or drives fan tourism.