Commissioners Urge Enhanced Stakeholder Outreach for Santa Clara Valley Development Plans

The County of Santa Clara Planning Commission meeting on August 28, 2025, focused on enhancing stakeholder outreach and streamlining residential development processes. Commissioners emphasized the importance of engaging a broader range of stakeholders in upcoming discussions, particularly those who may not be aware of ongoing planning efforts.

Commissioner Cohen highlighted the need for a robust outreach strategy to ensure all affected parties, including the Hindu American Foundation and local wineries, are informed and can provide feedback on proposed recommendations. This outreach is crucial for understanding the impacts of planning decisions on various stakeholders.

Commissioner O'Donoghue supported this call for increased outreach, noting that previous efforts occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have limited participation. He suggested that property owners should be more actively involved in the planning process, especially as property ownership may have changed since the last outreach.

Commissioner Bauska proposed a specific request for a streamlined process for smaller-scale residential applications. He argued that simplifying the approval process for families looking to build homes on rural lands could prevent them from selling to developers who propose larger projects. This approach, he suggested, would not only help address the housing shortage but also preserve open space in the county.

The discussions underscored the commission's commitment to inclusive planning and the need for policies that support smaller-scale developments, reflecting a growing awareness of community needs and environmental considerations. The commission plans to incorporate feedback from the outreach process into future meetings, aiming for a more informed and engaged planning process.