Sustainability Commission

The Cupertino Sustainability Commission consists of five members appointed by the City Council to serve four-year overlapping terms.

The commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council and provides expertise and guidance on major policy and programmatic areas related to the environmental, economic and societal goals noted within Cupertino’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and General Plan (GP) Environmental Resources/Sustainability Element (also see Municipal Code 2.94.080 Powers and Functions). The Sustainability Commission falls under the Political Reform Act of 1974 and financial disclosure is required.

Regular meetings are held at least once every three months at 4:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at City Hall, Conference Room C, 10330 Torre Avenue, and other meetings may be held as necessary.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings and contribute to the conversation about sustainability in Cupertino. The discussion topics may include programs, policies, and procedures about building electrification, alternative transportation, waste management, water conservation, biodiversity, and climate resiliency and adaptation. The discussion topics for each meeting are posted on an agenda the week prior to each meeting. 


Commissioners

Chair: Sonali Padgaonkar

Vice Chair: Susan Hansen

Staff Liaison 

Council Liaison:

 

Sonali Padgaonkar

Community Member
First term ending 1/30/26
spadgaonkar@cupertino.gov

 

Bio: Biography not yet available

 

Susan Hansen

Sustainability-commission-Susan.png

Educational Representative
First term ending 1/30/28
shansen@cupertino.gov

 

Bio: Susan Hansen is a dedicated educator and community leader with a multifaceted background in engineering, education, and sustainability, all aimed at fostering positive change. Rooted in the serene landscapes of the Santa Clara Valley, Susan's journey was shaped by her deep reverence for nature and her passion for teaching, fostered through experiences like the Montebello Ridge Outdoor initiative at Marian A. Peterson High School.

Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from U.C. Berkeley and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University, Susan thrived in a rewarding 20-year career in technology, honing her skills as an engineer and manager. However, propelled by her dedication to education, she transitioned to teaching, acquiring credentials in Math, Science, and Chemistry. For over two decades, Susan has illuminated young minds at Cupertino Union School District, infusing sustainability principles into her curriculum and earning accolades such as the Horace Lucich Award.

Continuing her academic pursuits, Susan enhances her interdisciplinary perspective, remaining actively engaged as an Educational Representative on Cupertino's Sustainability Commission. Leveraging her expertise, she champions eco-conscious practices. Outside her professional realm, Susan finds joy in outdoor activities and creative pursuits. Her unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility serves as an inspiration to both her students and the community at large.

 

Alexander Fung

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Business Representative
First term ending 1/30/28
afung@cupertino.gov

 

Bio: Alexander Fung is a dedicated leader and project manager who leads and launches projects that uplift communities and enhance residents' quality of life. Outside of the commission, he serves as the Economic Development Manager for the City of Eastvale. Alexander's work and responsibilities include overseeing and managing the city's economic development, community development, workforce development, and planning projects. Additionally, Alexander and his wife, Ariel, are proud small business owners in Cupertino.

Prior to joining the City of Eastvale, he worked for a regional government planning agency known as the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. In his various roles with the agency, he launched and led high-level sustainability, transportation, public outreach, and solid waste projects. Most notably, Alexander is known for creating and starting Los Angeles County's largest municipal Regional Zero Waste Policy, wildfire prevention outreach program, VMT mitigation study, municipal food recovery program, and coyote management program.

Born in Hong Kong and raised in Southern California, Alexander is fluent in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin. He graduated from UCLA with a Master’s in Public Policy degree with distinctions and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UC Irvine with the highest honor of “Chancellor’s Award of Distinction.”

 

Steve Poon

Community Member
First term ending 1/30/26
stevepoon@cupertino.gov

 

Bio: Biography not yet available

 

Conny Yang

Community Member
First term ending 1/30/28
cyang@cupertino.gov

 

Bio: Biography not yet available