Housing Commission

The Housing Commission consists of five members appointed by the City Council to four year terms. The Housing Commission is required to hold at least one regular meeting each quarter. Meetings are held at 5:30 p.m., the fourth Thursday of the scheduled month at the Quinlan Center Conference Room.

2.86.100 Duties-Powers-Responsibilities

The powers and functions of the Housing Commission shall be as follows:

  1. To assist the Planning Commission and the City Council in developing housing policies and strategies for implementation of general plan housing element goals;
  2. To recommend policies for implementation and monitoring of affordable housing projects;
  3. To facilitate innovative approaches to affordable housing development and to generate ideas and interest in pursuing a variety of housing options;
  4. When requested by the Director of Community Development or the City Council, to make recommendations to the Planning Commission and the City Council regarding affordable housing proposals in connection with applications for development including, but not limited to, recommendations for possible fee waivers, other incentives, the number and type of affordable units and the target groups to be served. Any referral to the Housing Commission shall be limited to consideration of affordable housing proposals which exceed normal housing requirements under the applicable provisions of the City’s general plan or ordinances related thereto;
  5. To make recommendations regarding requests for money from the CDBG and Affordable Housing Funds;
  6. To provide information about affordable housing;
  7. To meet with neighborhood, community, regional and business groups as necessary to receive input and assist in generating affordable housing;
  8. To help identify sources of funds to develop and build affordable housing;
  9. To perform any other advisory functions authorized by the City Council. 

Commissioners

Connie Cunningham, Chair

Connie Cunningham

Second term ending 1/30/2027

Email: CCunningham@cupertino.gov

Bio: Connie earned her Masters in Public Administration at Harvard University. She managed the Acquisition Division at NASA Ames Research Center for ten years prior to her retirement. Since 2017, She has been actively engaged in community dialogue about affordable housing for all incomes and abilities with residents and at Cupertino City Council meetings. She is pleased to serve on the Commission whose focus is housing for all. As a Commissioner, she supports policies that will address Cupertino’s challenges: Black Lives Matter. Social Justice. Cupertino’s Below Market Rate Housing program. A hand up for all neighbors needing a pathway to permanent housing, including those suffering housing insecurity. Connie has lived in Cupertino over 33 years. She and her husband, Dennis, have two adult children and have six grandchildren aged 9 to 27. Her stepchildren attended Cupertino schools before graduating from college. She and Dennis love to camp. Connie loves birding. She is a member of the Audubon Society, and has over 260 wild birds on her Life List, with her own photos of 40 wild birds in her neighborhood.

Ryan Golze, Vice Chair

Ryan Golze

First term ending 1/30/2027

Email: RGolze@cupertino.gov

Yuyi He

Yuhi He

First term ending 1/30/2027

Email: YHe@cupertino.gov

Bio: Born in Zhejiang, China in 2001, Yuyi came to the United States at the age of 13. After graduating from college in 2022 she moved to Cupertino. Having been a renter for 6 years, Yuyi is passionate about renters’ rights and their representation within the City. She aims to amplify renters’ voices and encourage more young adults like her to be involved in the operations of the City.

In her free time, Yuyi loves to play badminton and video games. She also likes taking fun classes over the weekend and enjoys eating ice cream.

Feel free to reach out to her about anything, from affordable housing and renters’ rights, to discussing video games or the best ice cream places in town.

Lida Xhindi

Lida Xhindi

Email: LXhindi@cupertino.gov

Bio: Born and raised in Albania during its communist era, Lida came to the United States as a political refugee, seeking a new beginning. She feels deeply fortunate to have built her life and family in Monterey, where her two daughters were born, and later in Cupertino, where she raised them. A former Albanian national swimming champion and record holder, Lida earned her degree in Physical Education and instilled her passion for swimming in her daughters, who went on to swim competitively throughout high school and for De Anza College.

For over 25 years, Lida has proudly called Cupertino home. She has dedicated her career to serving the community, working as a teacher at Good Samaritan and Bethel Lutheran preschools. During her time at the Northwest YMCA, she held roles such as Aquatics Coordinator and Group Exercise Director, where she not only enriched the lives of countless residents but also built lasting relationships. In recent years, Lida has found joy working in retirement communities, including The Forum, where she has contributed to programming and activities that enhance the lives of seniors.

Outside of her professional life, Lida cherishes spending time with her two daughters and friends. She is an active participant in local meetup events, enjoying activities like hiking, social gatherings, and live music in the park. Recently, she has developed a love for Bikram Yoga, which has become a regular part of her routine. Lida is passionate about making a positive impact on the Cupertino community. She is a strong advocate for affordable housing, believing that everyone who works in Cupertino should have the opportunity to live here and call this beautiful city home, just as she does. Through her work and advocacy, Lida hopes to help create a more inclusive and vibrant community for all.

Usha Narayan

Usha Narayan

Email: UNarayan@cupertino.gov

Bio: Usha has called Cupertino home since the late 1990s, living in the same community where her children grew up and attended local public schools. With over 35 years of experience in architecture, she is currently a Senior Associate at an architectural firm in Palo Alto. Throughout her career, she has managed more than 100 public school projects, overseeing everything from design to construction. For Usha, architecture isn’t just a career—it’s her passion. She values listening, responsiveness, and follow-through, principles that guide both her work and her role on the Cupertino Housing Commission. Committed to creating accessible and well-planned housing solutions, she is excited to help shape Cupertino’s future. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her on a long hike with her hiking group, binge-watching crime dramas, or enjoying classic rock music.