CC 06-17-2025 Item No. 15. Anti-Displacement BMR Policy_Written Communications (updated 6-17-25)CC 06-17-2025
Item No.15
Options on
preservation and anti-
displacement of BMR
units
Written Communications
From:Cassandra Magana
To:City Council; Public Comments
Subject:Item 15 Anti Displacement BMR Policy
Date:Monday, June 16, 2025 5:54:02 PM
Attachments:Support%20Letter%20WVCS%20BMR%20.pdf.pdf
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Dear Mayor Chao and City Council,
Please find attached a letter from West Valley Community Services in support of Agenda Item
15 regarding the BMR Anti-Displacement Policy.
Thank you for your continued leadership.
With Compassion,
Cassandra Magana (She/Her/s/Ella
Manager of Policy & Advocacy
West Valley Community Services, Inc.
10104 Vista Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014
Email: cassandram@wvcommunityservices.org direct: (408)-471-6122 Main: 408.255.8033 |
Fax: 408.366.6090
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Dear Mayor Chao and Honorable Members of the City Council,
On behalf of West Valley Community Services (WVCS), I am writing to express our strong
support for the proposed amendments to Cupertino’s Policy and Procedures Manual for
Administering Deed-Restricted Affordable Housing Units, also known as the Below Market Rate
(BMR) Anti-Displacement Policy.
WVCS has proudly served Cupertino and the West Valley region for over 50 years. We see
firsthand the challenges our neighbors face when they are displaced from stable affordable
housing, especially our seniors, families with children, and individuals with disabilities. The loss
of affordability protections for BMR units puts over a hundred families at risk of displacement
by 2040. This policy offers a critical step forward to preserve housing stability and dignity for
those who have built their lives in Cupertino.
We commend the proposed resolution for prioritizing current and recently displaced BMR
tenants in the city’s waitlist system and for requiring landlords to provide advance notice and
relocation assistance. The inclusion of priority points for public workers and those who live and
work in Cupertino reflects the community’s values and invests in those who serve and sustain
the city.
We are particularly encouraged by the provisions that:
● Establish a clear definition and protections for displaced BMR tenants and special
circumstance households, including older adults, people with disabilities, and families
with minor children.
● Mandate fair relocation payments based on HUD Fair Market Rent standards, ensuring
tenants have real support in transitioning to new housing.
● Create stronger noticing and enforcement requirements to ensure tenants are informed
of their rights and landlords are held accountable.
Housing is more than shelter; it's stability, health, and community. This policy will help prevent
the displacement of low-income tenants who have contributed to Cupertino for years and are
at risk through no fault of their own. It sets a meaningful precedent for other cities in Santa
Clara County grappling with expiring affordability covenants.
We urge the Council to adopt this resolution and stand with our neighbors who deserve the
opportunity to stay rooted in their community.
Thank you for your leadership and for considering this important policy.
Sincerely,
Sujatha Venkatraman Cassandra Magaña
Executive Director Asst. Manager of Advocacy & Public Policy
West Valley Community Services West Valley Community Services