Sign the petition to support student housing!
Why This Matters:
In one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, students at De Anza College—many of whom are low-income, first-generation, or working while in school—are being priced out of their education. The Foothill-De Anza Community College District has a chance to change that. Right now, the District is considering a bold and practical proposal: using Measure G bond funds to acquire existing housing near De Anza College and convert it into student housing.
This is not just another development proposal. It’s a timely and cost-effective opportunity to provide real, immediate housing relief to students. Unlike many large-scale construction projects that take years to materialize, this acquisition would preserve dozens of existing homes and repurpose them for student use within a much shorter timeline. It’s a fiscally responsible use of public dollars that aligns with the intent of Measure G: to support student success, equity, and access.
The homes in question are just steps from campus. Without this intervention, they are likely to be purchased by private investors or converted into unaffordable rentals, cutting students off from safe and stable housing options. The District’s proposal also includes a relocation assistance plan that honors the dignity of the current residents—a far more compassionate approach than what we typically see in Silicon Valley’s fast-paced housing market.
This initiative is a perfect match for Cupertino’s own Housing Element, which explicitly calls for partnerships with educational institutions to create more affordable housing opportunities and preserve existing homes. Supporting this proposal isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the locally adopted policy framework we’re supposed to follow.
Ultimately, this project brings us closer to a future where De Anza College is not just a place to take classes, but a place where students can truly live, learn, and thrive in the community. It signals that we are serious about investing in our youth and ensuring housing is a right—not a barrier—for those pursuing an education.
That’s why we’re calling on you to take action today. Email the Foothill-De Anza Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, the College President, and the Cupertino City Council to show your support for this acquisition. Together, we can help ensure that our region takes a meaningful step toward housing justice and educational equity.
Sign the petition here!