HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 05-19-2026 Item No. 5 Campaign Expenditure Limit for November 3, 2026 City Council Election_Desk ItemCC 5-19-2026
#5
Setting voluntary
campaign expenditure
limit of $50,000 for the
November 3, 2026 City
Council Election
Desk Item
CITY CLERKS’S OFFICE
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3223
CUPERTINO.GOV
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DESK ITEM
Meeting: May 19, 2026
Agenda Item #5
Subject
Setting a voluntary campaign expenditure limit of $50,000 for the November 3, 2026 City
Council election.
Recommended Action
Adopt Resolution No. 26-054 setting a voluntary campaign expenditure limit of $50,000
for the November 3, 2026 City Council election.
Background:
Staff’s responses to questions received from councilmember are shown in italics.
Q1: Since it is voluntary, and candidates may or may not choose to limit themselves,
what is the purpose of even establishing a limit?
Staff response: You are correct that the expenditure limit is voluntary and does not carry the force
of law. The purpose is to establish a general benchmark for local campaigns and provide
candidates with the option to voluntarily accept the limit.
The intent has been that setting a spending limit may allow candidates to spend less time
fundraising and more time engaging with voters, participating in candidate forums, and
discussing local issues and policy priorities.
Historically, the City has brought forward campaign expenditure limits for Council consideration
prior to municipal elections, and the Council may choose whether or not to adopt one for a given
election cycle.
Q2: How do you determine the limit of $50,000?
Staff response: The proposed $50,000 amount reflects a mid-range estimate for campaign costs
associated with a medium-sized city council election. Publicly available campaign consultant cost
estimates for similar local elections commonly reflect campaign budgets ranging from
approximately $25,000 to $75,000.
Historically, the limit has been based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) changes applied to the prior
Council adopted amount and the current registered voter population. In addition to CPI
adjustments this year, consideration was also given to current campaign methods, such as digital
advertising, campaign websites, and consulting services, which may not be fully reflected through
CPI adjustments alone.
Attachments Provided with Original Staff Report:
A. Draft Resolution (and Exhibit A)