About Linda Sell

Rooted in Sunnyvale. Stepping up when it matters.

Hello, I’m Linda Sell, I’m your Sunnyvale City Councilmember, and I’m proud to be running for re-election.

I didn’t set out to run for office, I stepped up when my community needed it.

Over 15 years ago, as a Sunnyvale parent, I watched our local public schools face devastating budget cuts and the proposed layoffs of 107 teachers, impacting some classrooms in Sunnyvale. Class sizes would grow, students would lose incredible educators, and our schools would suffer.

I couldn’t let that happen.

So I got to work. Alongside parents, teachers, local businesses, and community leaders, we mobilized quickly and raised $2.5 million in just eight weeks to protect our schools and avoid any cuts to education.

That experience showed me what’s possible when our community comes together, and it set me on a path of public service that continues today.

I carried that same urgency and commitment into other fights for our neighborhoods. When families raised concerns about local air quality and health impacts, I worked with neighbors and leaders across the region to push for stronger oversight of the Lehigh Cement Plant—the county’s largest source of toxic emissions—and to advance real progress on cleaner air. After more than a decade of sustained advocacy, the plant is now moving toward closure and a transition that better protects public health.

At the same time, I wanted to empower my son’s generation to lead. I co-founded an environmental nonprofit that has now engaged thousands of local students in the environmental sciences and climate action efforts, giving young people a voice in shaping the future of our community. In 2026, that nonprofit was recognized by the State as California Nonprofit of the Year.

What started as one moment of stepping up has become over 15 years of service, bringing people together and solving problems.

And that’s exactly how I serve as your City Councilmember today.

Stepping Up for Sunnyvale

As your Councilmember, I’ve focused on listening to residents, bringing people together, and taking action:

  • Public Safety & Neighborhood Quality of Life
    Advanced practical solutions to address neighborhood concerns, including a Council-approved study on street parking that resulted in new tools for the Department of Public Safety to better manage parking, improve enforcement, and support neighborhood livability.
  • Safer Streets for Students & Families
    Championed efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety for thousands of students traveling to Fremont and Homestead High Schools. Successfully advanced a City study to evaluate “pedestrian scramble” intersections during peak school hours, helping create safer routes for Sunnyvale families.
  • Parks & Green Space
    Proposed mini-parks with drought-tolerant, native landscaping, expanding access to walkable green space in neighborhoods that need it most.

    I’m concerned about growing tensions over limited green spaces and recreation resources. In early 2027, I plan to propose continuing to explore a multi-use natural-grass cricket field at Baylands Park, expanding recreational opportunities for youth sports and the broader community.
      
    The proposal aims to expand access to diverse recreational opportunities for North Sunnyvale residents and the wider community, using eco-friendly, water-soluble field markings that naturally fade over time. Baylands Park’s existing parking, restrooms, playgrounds, picnic areas, and convenient access to Highways 101 and 237 and nearby bicycle trails make it a potential location for this multi-use recreational amenity.

  • Transportation & Traffic Reduction
    Represented Sunnyvale on the VTA Board of Directors and Policy Advisory Committee, helping guide regional investments in transit, reduce congestion, and improve coordination across bus, light rail, and regional rail systems like Caltrain and Capitol Corridor

    I helped advance funding for Sunnyvale Beam, our new on-demand shuttle connecting residents to schools, workplaces, shopping, and public transit. Building on Mayor Larry Klein’s longstanding advocacy for microtransit and unanimous Council support, we responded to community requests by directing staff to pursue funding partnerships and apply for state transportation grants.

    In Fall 2024, Sunnyvale secured $4.179 million in state funding through California’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, matched by an additional $4.179 million for a total $8.358 million five-year project. Following state approval in 2025 and City authorization in 2026, Sunnyvale Beam began operating in August 2026, with its official launch on September 1. The City has also identified long-term funding options to support the service beyond the initial grant period.

    Residents can find service details, fares, operating hours, and sign-up instructions on the official Sunnyvale Beam webpage. Riders can request trips through the Sunnyvale Beam app or by calling 408-547-9943; the first three rides are free.

  • Transparency & Acountability
    Supported transparent, responsible budgeting that prioritizes community needs while protecting Sunnyvale’s long-term financial stability.

    Beginning in FY 2024–25, the City established a $3.5 million Service Level Set-Aside to fund expanded services, including community events, neighborhood grants, affordable on-demand transportation, and homelessness services. This investment reflects a commitment to directing public resources toward priorities that improve residents’ quality of life.

    Transparency and accountability must remain central to how these funds are managed. Residents deserve clear reporting on how the $3.5 million is allocated, what services it delivers, and whether those investments achieve measurable results. By regularly reviewing expenditures, tracking outcomes, and communicating progress publicly, Sunnyvale can ensure these funds are used responsibly, deliver meaningful community benefits, and support long-term fiscal sustainability.

    Please vote for me this November so I can continue bringing people together and delivering practical solutions. I believe the best outcomes come from listening, collaboration, and thoughtful decisions. Please reach out anytime. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your support!

    lindasell.sunnyvale@gmail.com

    Remember to vote by Tuesday, November 3rd.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I know there’s more work ahead. I would be honored to earn your support so that we can continue stepping up for Sunnyvale.

–Linda

Linda’s Regional & National Leadership

  • Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board of Directors
  • VTA Mobility Management & Capital Programs Committee Chair
  • Bay Area Air District Board of Directors
  • National League of Cities Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee Member

Linda’s Community Leadership & Recognition

  • Former Vice Chair, Sunnyvale Housing and Human Services Commission
  • Cupertino Education Association, Community Leader Award (2010, 2012)