The Cupertino City Council held a special meeting on February 28, 2026, focusing on council governance, strategic planning, and improving working relationships among council members and staff. The session included a candid discussion about trust issues, public engagement challenges, and the need for respectful communication within the council and with the public. The council emphasized the importance of aligning strategic goals with operational priorities, budgeting, and the city work program. They reviewed the existing two-year strategic planning framework established in 2025, which includes council goals, focus areas, and a city work program, and discussed proposed timelines and processes for maintaining and updating this framework. Key topics included prioritizing projects realistically, integrating operational and capital improvement plans, and exploring the use of AI tools to enhance city operations. The council expressed a commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and collaboration to better serve the community and improve governance effectiveness.

Cupertino City Council - February 28, 2026