Apple has offered to spend $9.7 million on transportation initiatives in its hometown of Cupertino. As detailed by The Mercury News, Apple’s funding would go towards five transportation projects focused on bikers and pedestrians.
Apple’s offer of $9.7 million in funding comes following a proposal from Cupertino that would have changed the city’s business tax from being based on square footage to being based on total number of employees. The new system, referred to as a head tax, would have generated $10 million annually for the city of Cupertino, much of which would come from Apple:
Apple voiced opposition to the head tax proposal last year, saying that Apple has worked hard improve traffic and congestion for Cupertino. Ultimately, the decision was delayed until 2020 in an effort to give city officials and Apple the chance to come to another agreement.
Apple’s proposal of $9.7 million in funding has received mixed reactions from city council members. Vice Mayor Liang Chao said the offer is disappointing in comparison to the head tax legislation:
Chao also questioned why Apple’s proposal focused on bike and pedestrian projects rather than efforts directly related to relieving traffic congestion. Chao and fellow council member Darcy Paul also suggested they approach Apple for separate funding for a community shuttle project.
Mayor Steve Schaf, however, had a different take and questioned when it’s appropriate to ask Apple for money:
In a letter to the city council, Apple’s Kristina Raspe said that Apple is “happy” to financially support the five bike and pedestrian initiatives:
“I think they’ve decided how much they want to donate,” he later added in response to Chao’s questions.
Cupertino’s council will vote on Apple’s offer at an undisclosed later date.
