HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 14838 (2)
City of Palo Alto (ID # 14838)
City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: 11/7/2022 Report Type: Information Reports
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Title: 2022 City Council Priorities - Major Projects Quarterly Update
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Information
This is an informational report; no action is needed. This report provides progress
updates on the 2022 City Council Priorities and associated workplan elements approved
by the City Council in April 2022.
Background
Each year, the City Council reviews its priorities for the upcoming calendar year at its
annual Council Retreat. A Council priority is defined as a topic that will receive
significant attention during the year. The Palo Alto City Council convened to set its 2022
priorities on February 5, 2022, informed in part by community feedback through an
online survey, e-mails to Councilmembers, and public participation during the City
Council retreat. The City Council adopted four priorities for 2022, including:
• Economic Recovery and Transition (ERT),
• Climate Change - Protection and Adaptation (CCPA),
• Housing for Social and Economic Balance (HSEB), and
• Community Health and Safety (CHS).
The major workplan elements for each priority are listed in Attachment A and a few
projects are highlighted in the body of this report. Individual project updates can be
found in Attachment B. These workplan elements, or “major projects”, provide context
and enumerate the efforts underway to advance Council priorities. In addition to these
major projects, there is a great deal of work being completed on other high-priority
projects as directed by the City Council in addition to delivering 24/7 core services. In
this time of resource challenges, the City continues to focus on maintaining core city
services and managing the vulnerabilities and risks associated with available resources
while pursuing the major projects listed in this report.
Discussion
Based on the City Council’s four 2022 adopted priorities, the following discussion
presents the major workplan elements involved. The attached status update and
tracking table includes the following columns:
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• Project Target Start- indicates in which calendar quarter the project is targeted
to begin.
• Project Status- indicates whether a project is substantially complete, ongoing,
not started, or dropped. Dropped projects may no longer be feasible or relevant.
• Next Review Target Date- indicates in which calendar quarter the project can be
expected to be reviewed by a legislative body.
• Not Yet Resourced- Projects not yet resourced are still considered priorities but
resources are not currently available or are otherwise “on hold.”
While actual completion dates will vary, the workplan communicates the breadth and
volume of concurrent activities. Projects that have been identified as priorities but
where resources are not currently available will be considered as opportunities for new
resources arise.
A brief description of a few highlighted projects is included in the body of this report.
The numbering of the major projects is consistent with the numbering presented in
CMR 14103 approved by the City Council on April 4, 2022 (agenda item 15) for ease of
tracking through the two documents. Of the 65 identified major projects supporting
Council priorities, 12 have been completed, 11 have not yet started, the remaining 42
are mostly ongoing.
Completed Ongoing Not Yet
Started or
Dropped
Total
ERT: Economic Recovery &
Transition
1 11 1 13
CCPA: Climate Change
Protection & Adaptation
0 8 0 8
HSEB: Housing for Social &
Economic Balance
8 7 9 24
CHS: Community Health &
Safety
2 17 1 20
TOTAL 12 42 11 65
ERT: ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND TRANSITION;
I. COHESIVE VISION FOR OUR COMMERCIAL CORES
Economic Recovery and Transition reflects evolution of the Community and Economic
Recovery priority set by the City Council in 2021, and the ongoing work in this priority
area aligns closely with the workplan that was approved and continues for this topic.
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The 2022 priority also includes looking at a cohesive vision for Palo Alto’s commercial
cores.
Project Highlights-
ERT2. Economic Development Request for Proposal (RFP): The contract for
development of a near-term and longer-term Economic Development Strategy
was approved unanimously by the City Council on September 12, 2022.
StreetSense was the firm selected and they will be participating in a City Council
study session on November 7.
ERT5. University Avenue Streetscape Design Project: Staff has begun the work to
implement the community engagement strategy, complete data collection,
develop concept alternatives, and prepare cost estimates, per the scope of work
approved by Council.
ERT6. California Avenue Closure: Council directed staff to return with a short-term
recommendation on an interim design strategy for California Avenue and to
explore whether the streets should remain closed or open to vehicular traffic.
This work is underway, and staff anticipates returning to City Council with a
progress update in winter 2022 or early 2023. A longer-term recommendation
is pending a consultant Alternatives Analysis study.
ERT7. Ramona Street Closure: Council directed staff to return with a short-term
recommendation on whether Ramona should remain closed to vehicular traffic
or open to vehicular traffic. Staff anticipates this work will be in tandem with
the work for California Ave., building on lessons learned from the pandemic and
preliminary engagement. As with California Ave., this work is underway, and
staff anticipates returning to City Council with a progress update this winter. A
longer-term recommendation for Ramona is also pending a consultant
Alternatives Analysis study.
CCPA. CLIMATE CHANGE - PROTECTION AND ADAPTATION
Climate Change - Protection and Adaptation reflects the continuation of the Council
priority set by the City Council in 2021. The ongoing work in this priority area continues
the accomplishments achieved in calendar year 2021 and reflects next steps as part of
that workplan and Council direction thus far.
Project Highlights-
CCPA1. Municipal Code Amendments to Facilitate PV, ESS, EVCS and Heat Pump
(Water/Furnace) Installations: Identify municipal code requirements that may
impede installation of electrification systems and recommend changes after
public review before the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) and Parking and
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Transportation Commission (PTC) and transmit recommendations to the City
Council. PTC review is expected in October 2023.
CCPA4. Sustainability/Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) update: Council meetings on
September 27, 2022, and October 3, 2022, included comprehensive discussions
on the status of the S/CAP update and the S/CAP Ad Hoc Committee’s work and
recommendations. Council accepted the full set of the draft S/CAP Goals and
Key Actions, approved multiple actions allowing the new Advanced Heat Pump
Water Heater Pilot Program to commence, and adopted a new goal to achieve
carbon neutrality by 2030. With the draft Goals and Key Actions identified, staff
is working to complete CEQA review of the S/CAP and to bring an updated 3-
Year Workplan to Council for approval in December 2022. CEQA must be
complete and certified before Council can approve or adopt the Goals and Key
Actions.
HSEB. HOUSING FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BALANCE
Housing for Social and Economic Balance reflects the continuation of the Council priority
set by the City Council in 2021. The ongoing work in this priority area continues the
accomplishments achieved in calendar year 2021 and reflects next steps as part of that
workplan and Council direction thus far.
Project Highlights-
HSEB1. HomeKey Application: The City and LifeMoves publicly received a $26.6M
Homekey award notification on August 24, 2022. Staff is finalizing the
agreement with the State for funding while also moving forward on a variety of
agreements with LifeMoves, Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing,
and the Santa Clara County Housing Authority in relation to building and
operating the shelter.
Construction is anticipated to begin in October/November 2022. Additionally, the
Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) forwarded a Comp Plan
Amendment recommendation to the City Council amending the land use
designation for a small portion of the 1237 San Antonio Road Homekey site.
The amendment will create alignment between existing use and its designation.
This item is anticipated to come before the City Council in December 2022.
CHS. COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY:
I. CRIME, MENTAL HEALTH, AIR QUALITY, NOISE, SENSE OF
BELONGING
Community Health and Safety has been interwoven in prior City Council priorities,
including the previous priorities of Economic Recovery and Community Wellness and
Wellbeing. As the community continues to recover from effects of the pandemic, this
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priority highlights the importance of quality-of-life resources in the community. Projects
in this Council priority reflect the ongoing programs provided through Community
Services and Public Safety, continuation of items established in 2021 for community
wellness and wellbeing, and areas for new focus.
Project Highlights-
CHS4. Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Upgrade: The Police Department is working
with its consortium partners (Mountain View and Los Altos) to identify a new
CAD system to replace the legacy system version, the RFP document is
expected to be completed in November 2022. Staff will return to Council with a
recommendation for purchasing a new CAD system in early 2023.
CHS5. Complete Reopening of Libraries: On May 10, 2022 the Library expanded
hours, both Mitchell Park and the Rinconada Library open 5 days a week and
the Children’s, Downtown and College Terrace Libraries opened 3 days. On June
20, 2022, the City Council adopted the FY23 budget to restore additional hours
to the Library. This includes adding a fourth day of service to the Children’s,
College Terrace and Downtown Libraries; and a sixth day to Mitchell Park and
Rinconada Libraries; and the hiring of additional staff.
The Library is working with the Human Resources Department to fill vacancies
and move forward with the expansion of library hours. As staff vacancies are
filled, the Library plans to phase the expansion of hours starting fall through the
first trimester of 2023.
Resource Impact
Although there are no additional direct resource impacts for the projects described as
occurring during the 2022 calendar year, several projects in this report are identified as
either not yet being resourced or temporarily ‘on hold’. To appropriate resources for
such projects, staff would need to be reallocated from existing work to those projects
and additional appropriation actions would likely be necessary.
Stakeholder Engagement
Significant stakeholder engagement is planned across each of these workplan elements
both internally and externally. Major community engagement plans were outlined in a
Study Session with the City Council on March 14, 2022 at which time staff received
Council input. To the extent the workplan elements are changed, adjustments to the
community engagement plans will be evaluated based on staffing resources available
and changes made within existing budgetary constraints, where possible. The staff
report outlining engagement can be found here on page 181:
<https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/city-council-agendas-minutes/2022/20220314/20220314pccsm-amended-final-
revised-ppt.pdf>
City of Palo Alto Page 6
Environmental Review
The recommended action is not a project for the purposes of the California
Environmental Quality Act.
Attachments:
• Attachment A - Major Projects by Council Priority
• Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
Attachment A- Major Projects by Council Priority
Calendar Year (CY) 2022 City Council Priorities: Major Projects by Priority AreaTarget Start StatusNext Review Target DateNot Yet ResourcedPriority Area, Project Number, and Project Name
ERT ‐ ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND TRANSITION
CY23Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY23Q2 FC ‐ERT001 ERT1. Downtown Business Improvement District (BID)
Pre‐CY22 Completed ‐ERT002 ERT2. Economic Development Request for Proposal (RFP)
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing ‐ERT003 ERT3. Economic Development Committees for Downtown and California Avenue
CY22Q3/Q4 Ongoing CY22Q4 CC ‐ERT004 ERT4. Retail and Retail‐Like Land Uses and CUP Thresholds
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing ‐ERT005 ERT5. University Avenue Streetscape Design Project
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY22Q4 CC ‐ERT006 ERT6. California Avenue Closure and feasibility study (closed to vehicles)
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY22Q4 CC ‐ERT007 ERT7. Ramona Street Closure and feasibility study (closed to vehicles)
Pre‐CY22 Ongoing CY22Q4 CC ‐ERT008 ERT8. Build Out Fiber Backbone as Foundation for Fiber‐to‐the‐Premises (FTTP)
CY22Q3/Q4 Ongoing CY23Q1 CC ‐ERT009 ERT9. Electronic Plan Review RFP to integrate with Accela
CY22Q3/Q4 Ongoing CY23Q1 CC ERT010 ERT10. Development of New Parking Facilities in the University Avenue Downtown (potential BMH site)
Dropped ERT011 ERT11. California Avenue Subscription Parking Program (Commercial Uses)
CY22Q3/Q4 Ongoing CY23Q1 PTC ERT012 ERT12. Citywide Retail Recovery Ordinance
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY23Q2 PTC ERT013 ERT13. Retail Preservation
CCAP ‐ CLIMATE CHANGE: PROTECTION AND ADAPTATION
CY22Q3/Q4 Ongoing CY22Q4 ‐CCPA001 CCPA1. Municipal Code Amendments to Facilitate PV, ESS, EVCS and Heat Pump (Water/Furnace) Installations (see also CCPA002 & 005)
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing ‐CCPA002 CCPA2. Permit/Inspection Streamlining for Electrification Projects (see also CCPA001 & 005)
Pre‐CY22 Ongoing CY23Q1 CC ‐CCPA003 CCPA3. Valley Water Purified Water Facility at LATP Area B
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY22Q4 CC ‐CCPA004 CCPA4. Sustainability/Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) update
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY22Q3 CC ‐CCPA005 CCPA5. Residential Home Electrification Strategy (see also CCPA001 & 002)
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY22Q3 UAC ‐CCPA006 CCPA6. Grid Modernization to Prepare for Electrification
Pre‐CY22 Ongoing ‐CCPA007 CCPA7. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
Pre‐CY22 Ongoing ‐CCPA008 CCPA8. Commercial Electrification Retrofit
HSEB ‐ HOUSING FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BALANCE
Pre‐CY22 Completed ‐HSEB001 HSEB1. HomeKey Application
CY22Q1/Q2 Completed ‐HSEB002 HSEB2. Parking in Lieu Downtown Office Parking Ban
CY22Q1/Q2 Completed ‐HSEB003 HSEB3. SB35 Objective Standards Ordinance
Pre‐CY22 Ongoing CY23Q4 CC ‐HSEB004 HSEB4. North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP)
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY22Q4 CC ‐HSEB005 HSEB5. Housing Element Update
Pre‐CY22 Ongoing HSEB006 HSEB6. Respond to Grand Jury Recommendations 9b, 10a, 12b
CY22Q1/Q2 Completed ‐HSEB007 HSEB7. SB‐9 Urban Lot Split Interim Ordinance / SB‐9 Historic Resources Policy Discussion and Follow‐up Action
CY22Q1/Q2 Completed ‐HSEB008 HSEB8. City/Sobrato Ad Hoc Discussion Regarding 340 Portage (& Related Code Interpretation)
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY23Q1 CC ‐HSEB009 HSEB9. Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations (Ordinance Update)
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY22Q4 CC ‐HSEB010 HSEB10. Downtown Housing Master Plan
CY22Q1/Q2 Completed ‐HSEB011 HSEB11. Renter Protection ‐ Tenant Relocation Assistance
Pre‐CY22 Completed ‐HSEB012 HSEB12. Safe Parking Program
CY22Q3/Q4 Completed ‐HSEB013 HSEB13. LifeMoves Operating/Lease Agreement
Pre‐CY22 Not Started ‐HSEB014 HSEB14. SB‐9 Permanent Ordinance (Objective Standards / Urban Lot Splits)
CY22Q3/Q4 Ongoing CY23Q1 CC ‐HSEB015 HSEB15. Renter Protection ‐ Rental Survey
Pre‐CY22 Not Started X HSEB016 HSEB16. Renter Protection ‐ Just Cause Eviction
Pre‐CY22 Not Started CY22Q4 CC HSEB017 HSEB17. Grand Jury Report Recommendation #3
CY23Q3/Q4 Not Started X HSEB018 HSEB18. Retail and Residential Parking Adjustment
CY23Q3/Q4 Not Started X HSEB019 HSEB19. PHZ/PC Amendment to Allow Greater Height
CY23Q3/Q4 Not Started X HSEB020 HSEB20. Inclusionary Housing Program
CY23Q3/Q4 Not Started X HSEB021 HSEB21. Streamline Application Pre‐Screening Processing
CY23Q3/Q4 Not Started X HSEB022 HSEB22. Commerical Office Zoning Adjustments
Dropped X HSEB023 HSEB23. Residential Zoning Name Change
CY23Q3/Q4 Ongoing CY23Q4 CC HSEB024 HSEB24. Grand Jury Report Recommendations #4 and #8
CHS ‐ COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing ‐CHS001 CHS1. Palo Alto Animal Shelter Services Review
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing ‐CHS002 CHS2. Cubberley Next Steps
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing ‐CHS003 CHS3. Improve Fire Safety in Foothills
CY22Q3/Q4 Ongoing CY23Q1 CC ‐CHS004 CHS4. Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Upgrade
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing ‐CHS005 CHS5. Complete Reopening of Libraries
CY22Q3/Q4 Ongoing ‐CHS006 CHS6. Hire Ahead up to Five Police Officers
Pre‐CY22 Completed ‐CHS007 CHS7. Rinconada Park Improvement Project
CY22Q1/Q2 Completed CY23Q2 CC ‐CHS008 CHS8. Tree Protection Ordinance Update
Pre‐CY22 Ongoing CY23Q1 CC ‐CHS009 CHS9. Public Safety Building Capital Project
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CHS010 CHS10. Newell Road Bridge Replacement (PE‐12011)
Pre‐CY22 Ongoing CHS011 CHS11. Monitor and Respond to SFO/FAA Airplane Noise Issues
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CY22Q4 CC CHS012 CHS12. Provide and Promote Use of Unleaded Fuel at Palo Alto Airport
Pre‐CY22 Ongoing CY22Q4 Compl ‐CHS013 CHS13. Sewer System Replacement Project 30
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing CHS014 CHS14. Evaluate Gym Feasibility
CY22Q3/Q4 Ongoing ‐CHS015 CHS15. Emergency Plans Updates
CY22Q3/Q4 Ongoing CY22Q4 CC ‐CHS016 CHS16. Gas‐Powered Leaf Blower Amendment
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing ‐CHS017 CHS17. Fire Station 4 Project
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing ‐CHS018 CHS18. Sewer System Laterals Repair and Replacement throughout the City
CY22Q1/Q2 Ongoing ‐CHS019 CHS19. Water Main Replacement Project 28
CY23Q1/Q2 Not Started X CHS020 CHS20. Seismic and Resiliency Ordinance
Total (65)
ERT ‐ ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND TRANSITION
ERT1. Downtown Business Improvement District (BID)
Status: On Track Progress: 25%
Update: Staff is working in partnership with the Chamber to re‐establish support for the BID, and
explore options for the future of BID management, and the re‐establishment of the BID levy. On June 6,
2022 Council voted not to levy assessments against businesses within the Downtown Palo Alto Business
Improvement District or FY 2023. Staff will continue work on this item and return to City Council for
consideration of next steps for FY 2024.
ERT2. Economic Development Request for Proposal (RFP)
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Update: The contract for the development of a near‐term and longer‐term Economic Development
Strategy was brought before the City Council on September 12, 2022 and approved unanimously.
Streetsense was the firm selected and they will be participating in a study session to discuss the creation
of a comprehensive economic development strategy at the City Council meeting on November 7.
ERT3. Economic Development Committees for Downtown and California Avenue
Status: On Track Progress: 60%
Update: Staff is working on the establishment of Economic Development Committees, one focused on
the University Avenue downtown area and another for the California Avenue area. Outreach to
potential members of the committees has begun and scheduling of the first committee meetings will be
the next step.
ERT4. Retail and Retail‐Like Land Uses and CUP Thresholds:
Status: On Track Progress: 85%
Update: Staff brought a permanent ordinance before the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC)
for their recommendation to City Council on August 31, 2022. PTC recommended extending the interim
ordinance, allowing more time to holistically address the City’s retail recovery strategy before adopting
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
a permanent ordinance. It is anticipated that this will be brought before City Council in November 2022
with a recommendation to conclude this effort and focus more on ERT12 and ERT13.
ERT5. University Avenue Streetscape Design Project
Status: On Track Progress: 10%
Update: Staff has begun the work to implement the community engagement strategy, complete data
collection, develop concept alternatives, and prepare cost estimates, per the scope of work approved by
Council in the consultant contract.
ERT6. California Avenue Closure (closed to vehicular traffic)
Status: On Track Progress: 40%
Update: Council has asked staff to return with a short‐term recommendation on an interim design
strategy for California Avenue to explore whether the streets should remain closed or should open to
vehicular traffic. This work is underway, and staff anticipates returning to City Council with a progress
update in winter 2022 or early 2023. A longer‐term recommendation is pending a consultant
Alternatives Analysis study.
ERT7. Ramona Street Closure (closed to vehicular traffic)
Status: On Track Progress: 40%
Update: Council has also asked staff to return with a short‐term recommendation on whether Ramona
should remain closed to vehicular traffic or should open to vehicular traffic. Staff anticipates that the
work for Ramona will be in tandem with the work for California Ave., building on lessons learned from
the pandemic and preliminary engagement. As with California Ave., this work is underway, and staff
anticipates returning to City Council with a progress update in winter 2022 or early 2023. A longer‐term
recommendation for Ramona is also pending a consultant Alternatives Analysis study.
ERT8. Build Out Fiber Backbone as Foundation for Fiber‐to‐the‐Premises (FTTP)
Status: On Track Progress: 25%
Update: On November 2, 2022 staff will present options for next steps to the Utilities Advisory
Committee (CMR 14845) and will incorporate their feedback and direction into the item scheduled for
City Council December 19, 2022 (CMR 14800). A joint Council/Utilities Advisory Committee study
session was previously held on September 19, 2022. At that meeting, the Council and Committee
discussed risks and advantages of City provided fiber and approved the current direction.
ERT9. Electronic Plan Review RFP to integrate with Accela
Status: On Track Progress: 60%
Update: A Request for Proposals (RFP) was posted on August 22, 2022; vendor selection is targeted for
the end of November. The City Council action to award the contract is expected to be brought forward
in the first quarter of 2023.
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
ERT10. Development of New Parking Facilities in the University Avenue Downtown (potential BMR
site)
Status: On Track Progress: 50%
Update: The Request for Information (RFI) has been drafted and is expected to be posted no later than
December 2022, with Council review expected in the first quarter of 2023.
ERT11. California Avenue Subscription Parking Program (Commercial Uses)
Status: Dropped Progress: 0%
Update: Recent changes to State law (AB 2097) make this effort unnecessary. Commercial and
residential land uses on California Avenue within ½ mile of qualifying public transit (Caltrain & certain
bus lines) are exempt from parking requirements. Land uses, starting January 1, 2023, can intensify
without the need of a subscription parking program. This program was intended to create an
opportunity for restaurants and other more parking‐intensive land uses to establish on California Ave
utilizing existing public parking resources.
ERT12. Citywide Retail Recovery Ordinance
Status: On Track Progress: 25%
Update: As part of the development of a comprehensive economic development strategy (ERT2)
Streetsense will conduct a retail market analysis. Data gathering, including stakeholder interviews, are
underway. The report will outline retail best practices and recommendations and is expected to be
completed in the summer of 2023.
ERT13. Retail Preservation
Status: On Track Progress: 25%
Update: As part of the Citywide Retail and Recovery effort, a consultant is reviewing the City’s retail
preservation policy and identifying potential implications that support or hinder the City’s policy
interests and recommendations for change as appropriate. Consultant work is underway and expected
to be shared with the Planning and Transportation commission by end of the second quarter 2023.
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
CCAP ‐ CLIMATE CHANGE: PROTECTION AND ADAPTATION
CCPA1. Municipal Code Amendments to Facilitate PV, ESS, EVCS and Heat Pump (Water/Furnace)
Installations
Status: On Track Progress: 25%
Update: Identifies municipal code requirements that may impede installation of electrification systems
and recommend changes after public review before the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC)
and transmit recommendations to the City Council. PTC review is expected by December 2022.
CCPA2. Permit/Inspection Streamlining for Electrification Projects
Status: On Track Progress: 75%
Update: On January 10, 2022, Council adopted procedures for streamlining application review for
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) and have been posted to the website. Implementation of the
Solar App+ Pilot Program launched in 2022.
CCPA3. Valley Water Purified Water Facility at LATP Area B
Status: On Track Progress: 5%
Update: A Council study session was held on September 22, 2022, to provide Council with a status
update on the City’s efforts with Valley Water and the City of Mountain View to improve the quality of
recycled water produced by the City and increase water reuse at the regional level.
CCPA4. Sustainability/Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) update
Status: On Track Progress: 75%
Update: Council meetings on September 27, 2022, and October 3, 2022, included comprehensive
discussions on the status of the S/CAP update and the S/CAP Ad Hoc Committee’s work and
recommendations. Council accepted the full set of the draft S/CAP Goals and Key Actions, approved
multiple actions allowing the new Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Pilot Program to commence, and
adopted a new goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. With the draft Goals and Key Actions
identified, staff is working to complete CEQA review of the S/CAP and to bring an updated 3‐Year
Workplan to Council for approval in December 2022.
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
CCPA5. Residential Home Electrification Strategy
Status: On Track Progress: 75%
Update: Council approved funding for an Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater program in October 2022
with a goal of 1000 units by the end of 2023. Implementation is in progress. Staff and the Council S/CAP
Ad Hoc Committee will bring an S/CAP to Council in December which will include additional residential
electrification activities planned for 2023‐2025.
CCPA6. Grid Modernization to Prepare for Electrification
Status: On Track Progress: 70%
Update: Staff anticipates providing an update regarding the City’s planned grid modernization, including
the development of the systematic grid modernization project and incorporation of Goals and Key
Actions for electrification. Review with Utilities Advisory Committee is expected in November 02, 2022.
CCPA7. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
Status: On Track Progress: 20%
Update: The project is in the Alpha phase, which includes testing meter configurations and software
integrations. Due to supply chain issues and delay of electric meter delivery, the Beta start date of
installing 1,000 electric, gas, and water AMI meters has been moved to the end of 2022. As part of the
Beta phase, we will be installing AMI meters for the electrification and grid modernization project to
gather more data for transformer load analysis and time‐of‐use rate design. Full implementation of the
program is expected to begin in the summer of 2023 through beginning of 2025.
CCPA8. Commercial Electrification Retrofit
Status: On Track Progress: 25%
Update: A business pilot program for electrification of commercial kitchens and heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning (HVAC) units is currently underway and early projects are being evaluated. The Council
adopted an all‐electric commercial building mandate in October 2022 for new construction. Staff and
the Council S/CAP Ad Hoc Committee will bring an S/CAP to Council in December which will include
additional commercial electrification activities planned for 2023‐2025.
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
HSEB ‐ HOUSING FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BALANCE
HSEB1. HomeKey Application
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Update: The City and LifeMoves publicly received a $26.6M Homekey award notification on August 24,
2022. Staff is finalizing the agreement with the State for funding while also moving forward on a variety
of agreements with LifeMoves, Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing, and the Santa Clara
County Housing Authority in relation to building and operating the shelter.
Construction is anticipated to begin in November 2022. Additionally, the Planning and Transportation
Commission (PTC) forwarded a Comp Plan Amendment recommendation to the City Council amending
the land use designation for a small portion of the 1237 San Antonio Road Homekey site. The
amendment will create alignment between existing use and its designation. This item is anticipated to
come before Council in December 2022.
HSEB2. Parking in Lieu Downtown Office Parking Ban
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Update: Staff is working with Rail Committee in performing additional studies and refinement of
underpass alternatives as directed by the Council. Staff will report to Council for approval as
recommended.
HSEB3. SB35 Objective Standards Ordinance
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Update: Ordinance was adopted (PAMC 18.24) in June 2022, converting existing subjective development
standards to objective standards for qualifying housing and mixed‐use housing projects.
HSEB4. North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP)
Status: On Track Progress:40%
Update: Council approved a contract amendment with existing consultant in June 2022 to create a
coordinated area plan for North Ventura. The Plan will facilitate development of a walkable, mixed‐use
neighborhood with multifamily housing, commercial services, and well‐defined connections to transit,
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. The Refined Alternative Plan is scheduled for Council endorsement on
October 24, 2022; following endorsement, CEQA technical studies will commence. February through July
2023, staff will hold public meetings with the Planning and Transportation Commission and Architectural
Review Board, and prepare and publish the CEQA document and Draft Plan. August 2023 is the target
month for Council to certify the CEQA document and adopt the Plan; the Plan must be adopted by
December 1, 2023, to avoid forfeiting grant funding.
HSEB5. Housing Element Update
Status: On Track Progress: 40%
Update: A draft of the Housing Element is proposed for Council review in November 2023. It will
incorporate prior Council direction on other housing topics, including outstanding items from the
2018/2019 Housing Work Plan and recent renter protection policy initiatives adopted by the City
Council. The Housing Element will also include an implementation schedule to complete various policies
over the next eight‐year housing cycle.
HSEB6. Respond to Grand Jury Recommendations #9b, #10a, #12b
Status: On Track Progress: 66%
Update: Recommendation 9b of the report stated that the City explore combining the Planning and
Transportation Commission and Architectural Review Board into a single review in order to streamline
processes. In June 2022, Council approved an ordinance to streamline 100% of affordable housing
projects by eliminating the legislative review component. Other qualifying projects that meet the City’s
Objective Standards are required to have only one courtesy review.
Recommendation 10a calls for an Affordable Housing Manager responsible for ensuring the City meets
its housing target and coordinates among key stakeholders. This recommendation was considered
during the FY 2023 budget process but no position was added.
Recommendation 12b requires further analysis and outreach to discuss with Santa Clara County the
possibility of entering a memorandum of understanding to leverage Measure A funds. Discussions are
pending.
HSEB7. SB‐9 Urban Lot Split Interim Ordinance / SB‐9 Historic Resources Policy Discussion and Follow‐
up Action
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Update: Council adopted interim and emergency ordinances in December 2021 establishing objective
development standards for R1 urban lot splits (subdivision) authorized by SB 9, with follow up meetings
in early 2022. Staff provided information regarding potential implications for potentially historic
resources, which led to Council authorizing implementation of a Comp Plan policy to update the Historic
Inventory to include properties previously found eligible for National and California registers (not yet
commenced). The Interim ordinance continues to be in effect for a second year.
HSEB8. City/Sobrato Ad Hoc Discussion Regarding 340 Portage (& Related Code Interpretation)
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
Update: At the recommendation of Council, an ad hoc committee was formed to explore potential
shared redevelopment interests for the project site with Sobrato Organization representatives. After six
months of meetings, a Council study session was held on August 1, 2022, to receive public input on
Initial Negotiated Terms and Conduct a preliminary screening for anticipated Development Agreement
and associated zoning. On October 12 and 26, the Planning and Transportation Commission held public
study sessions enabling public comments on the Draft EIR for the Development Agreement, Planned
Community Zoning, and Tentative Map, to allow redevelopment of the 14.65‐acre site.
HSEB9. Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations (Ordinance Update)
Status: On Track Progress: 75%
Update: Prepare an ordinance(s) that responds to changes required by HCD to ensure the City's local
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) regulations comply with State law; propose other ordinance
modifications based on Council direction for additional community outreach. The Planning and
Transportation Commission reviewed a draft ordinance in September 2022. Council is scheduled to
receive the updated ordinance December 12, 2022; adoption is expected in early 2023.
HSEB10. Downtown Housing Master Plan
Status: On Track Progress: 15%
Update: In April 2022 Council authorized City Manager to accept an $800K grant from Metropolitan
Transportation Commission (MTC) to develop a downtown housing master plan intended to spur greater
housing production in proximity to fixed transit centers. Council also initiated a planning process,
directing staff to return to Council to identify goals for a Downtown Housing Plan. A consultant contract
award is expected to be presented to Council in February 2023.
HSEB11. Renter Protection ‐ Tenant Relocation Assistance
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Update: January 31, 2022, Council adopted ordinance 5543 lowering the threshold from 50 units to 10
units. Enhanced property‐owner provided financial assistance to renters subject to no‐fault evictions in
developments with 10 or more units.
HSEB12. Safe Parking Program
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Update: Adopted an interim ordinance amending Title 18 (zoning) of Palo Alto Municipal Code to
temporarily allow overnight safe parking as an ancillary use to churches and religious institutions.
HSEB13. LifeMoves Operating/Lease Agreement
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Update: In collaboration with LifeMoves, the City’s partner for its Project HomeKey application, a letter
of intent outlining operating agreement and/or lease agreement terms is currently in draft.
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
HSEB14. SB‐9 Permanent Ordinance (Objective Standards / Urban Lot Splits)
Status: Not Started Progress: 0%
Update: Prepare an ordinance to codify SB‐9 objective development and urban lot split standards based
on additional public outreach and public hearings before the Planning and Transportation Commission.
Interim ordinance remains in effect, a limited number of SB9 project applications received. Outreach has
not begun.
HSEB15. Renter Protection ‐ Rental Survey
Status: On Track Progress: 10%
Update: On September 13, 2022, the Policy and Services Committee was presented with
recommendations to expand, redesign, and recommend an implementation strategy for an updated
rental survey including proposed fees, resources, and timeline. Staff will return to the Committee by
late Spring with additional information on utilization of data collected.
HSEB16. Renter Protection ‐ Just Cause Eviction
Status: Not Started Progress: 0%
Update: Prepare an ordinance to amend just cause eviction regulations to include properties built within
the last 15 years, excluding units occupied less than a year or single‐family homes not owned by a
corporation or renters who live in a duplex when one unit is owner occupied. This project has not been
resourced.
HSEB17. Grand Jury Report Recommendation #3
Status: Not Started Progress: 0%
Update: Submit a recommended communication strategy to the City Council to increase community
support for affordable housing. Implementation of this recommendation is expected by December
2022.
HSEB18. Retail and Residential Parking Adjustment
Status: Not Started Progress: 0%
Update: Return to Council with an ordinance for the special commercial (CS) and CDC zones to reduce
rental housing parking requirements to one space/unit and allow a maximum 1,500 square feet or retail
use when more is required by the City's Retail Preservation Ordinance; these changes are intended to
facilitate a 15% and 20% inclusionary requirement for rental housing in these districts respectively. This
project has not been resourced.
HSEB19. PHZ/PC Amendment to Allow Greater Height
Status: Not Started Progress: 0%
Update: Amend the code to allow greater height for Planned Home Zone (PHZ) projects beyond 50 feet
and encroach into transitional height limits. This project has not been resourced.
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
HSEB20. Inclusionary Housing Program
Status: Not Started Progress: 0%
Update: Engage the PTC and explore possible zoning amendments or other factors that could support a
future 20 percent inclusionary requirement for ownership and rental housing. This project has been
incorporated into the draft Housing Element as a future work item and is not yet resourced.
HSEB21. Streamline Application Pre‐Screening Processing
Status: Not Started Progress: 0%
Update: Council directed to look at ways to streamline the pre‐screening process. This project has been
incorporated into the draft Housing Element as a future work item and is not yet resourced.
HSEB22. Commercial Office Zoning Adjustments
Status: Not Started Progress: 0%
Update: Adjust commercial zoning standard to further incentivize housing and disincentivize office
development including, but not limited to, the CC2 district. This project has been incorporated into the
draft Housing Element as a future work item and is not yet resourced.
HSEB23. Residential Zoning Name Change
Status: Dropped Progress: N/A%
Update: Review changes to the designation of R‐1 Zoning to reflect the current zoning allowances for
two Accessory Dwelling Units per parcel. Project is not feasible at this time.
HSEB24. Grand Jury Report Recommendations #4 and #8
Status: On Track Progress: 50%
Update: Recommendation #4 calls for a “lessons Learned” analysis from the 4‐year North Ventura
Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP) planning process. Create an improved process to bring residents to a
shared understanding of the needs and complexities of affordable housing development and include
direct involvement of Palo Alto elected leaders in community outreach. Complete analysis pending
conclusion of NVCAP process.
Recommendation #8 has been completed, the City has published at least two years of Housing Element
Annual Updates and cover memos. Instead of separating the Comprehensive Plan Updates as
recommended by the Grand Jury Report, for the 2023 reporting period, staff will explore opportunities
to improve readability and format to achieve the report recommendation.
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
CHS ‐ COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY
CHS1. Palo Alto Animal Shelter Services Review
Status: On Track Progress: 20%
Update: In collaboration with the City’s current service provider Pets in Need (PIN), work to review
services, infrastructure needs, and determine next steps such as contract negotiations and approvals.
The PIN Contract has been extended to May 2023; and progress has been made on negotiating a Term
Sheet framework for a new Agreement.
CHS2. Cubberley Next Steps
Status: On Track Progress: 10%
Update: Updates on next steps regarding use of the Cubberley Community Center include
communication with PAUSD on potential land acquisition at Cubberley. Staff is determining next steps
for repair of Cubberley Gyms A and B, which have been closed since February 2022 due to damage
caused by water line breaks.
CHS3. Improve Fire Safety in Foothills
Status: On Track Progress: 75%
Update: OES continues to participate in the South Bay Incident Management Team (SB‐IMT), lead a
multi‐departmental Foothills Fire Management Plan group, and lead the Silicon Valley Homeland
Security Coordination Group (SV‐HSCG). Equipment improvements include early fire detection, thanks
to partnership with alertwildfire.org. OES is also working on the deployment of solar battery back‐up
improvements in key locations to keep equipment online when electricity may be disrupted or
disconnected during a fire.
CHS4. Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Upgrade
Status: On Track Progress: 10%
Update: The Police Department is working with its consortium partners (Mountain View and Los Altos)
to identify a new CAD system to replace the legacy system version, the RFP document is expected to be
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
completed in November 2022. Staff will return to Council with a recommendation for purchasing a new
CAD system in early 2023.
CHS5. Complete Reopening of Libraries
Status: On Track Progress: 90%
Update: On May 10, 2022 the Library expanded hours, both Mitchell Park and the Rinconada Library
open 5 days a week and the Children’s, Downtown and College Terrace Libraries opened 3 days. On June
20, 2022, the City Council adopted the FY23 budget to restore additional hours to the Library. This
includes adding a fourth day of service to the Children’s, College Terrace and Downtown Libraries; and a
sixth day to Mitchell Park and Rinconada Libraries; and the hiring of additional staff.
Library is working with the Human Resources Department to fill vacancies and move forward with the
expansion of library hours. As staff vacancies are filled, the Library plans to phase the expansion of hours
starting this fall through first trimester of 2023.
CHS6. Hire Ahead up to Five Police Officers
Status: On Track Progress: 80%
Update: As authorized by Council as part of the FY 2022 Mid‐Year Budget review, maintain a pipeline of
recruits for police officer staffing including up to an additional five (5) officers via a hire‐ahead program.
To date, three new officers have been hired and are currently undergoing the department’s field
training program.
CHS7. Rinconada Park Improvement Project
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Update: In partnership with Community Services Department and City Manager’s Office, organized a
joint Rinconada Park/Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo community event.
CHS8. Tree Protection Ordinance Update
Status: Completed Progress: 100%
Update: On June 6, 2022, Council adopted an ordinance amending Title 8 of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code to expand tree protection to include additional protected tree species, revise grounds for tree
removal, and make clarifying changes. Additional considerations were referred to the Planning and
Transportation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
CHS9. Public Safety Building Capital Project
Status: On Track Progress: 60%
Update: Continue construction of the new facility in the California Avenue area including build and
fixtures, furniture, and equipment, with the Public Safety Building construction scheduled to be
completed in fall 2023.
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
CHS10. Newell Road Bridge Replacement (PE‐12011)
Status: On Track Progress: 70%
Update: Complete design and right‐of‐way acquisition, obtain regulatory permits, and seek
programming of construction funding by Caltrans to allow construction to begin in calendar year 2023.
CHS11. Monitor and Respond to SFO/FAA Airplane Noise Issues
Status: On Track Progress: 75%
Update: Complete consultant review of SFO Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) proposal and
consider submitting a comment letter, while tracking other issues that may arise. Council held a study
session in August 2022 to discuss updates.
CHS12. Provide and Promote Use of Unleaded Fuel at Palo Alto Airport
Status: On Track Progress: 50%
Update: Complete upgrades at airport facilities to provide for the sale of unleaded fuel, bring unleaded
fuel to the airport, and work with users to promote use of the fuel. Next steps include tank recoating
and execution of a contract for piping unleaded fuel.
CHS13. Sewer System Replacement Project 30
Status: On Track Progress: 90%
Update: 10‐19‐22 There have been delays due to unforeseen field conditions, so the project is now
anticipated to be completed around beginning of January 2023. Contractor started construction on March
28, 2022. The work along the E. Charleston Corridor was completed in April, and now work is being
performed in the Ventura area (east side of El Camino Real). The project is anticipated to be completed
by November 2022.
CHS14. Evaluate Gym Feasibility
Status: On Track Progress: 30%
Update: On March 7, 2022, Council directed staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission to conduct
public outreach on a new gym, including location, siting, gym features, cost estimates, funding timeline,
demand assessment and prioritization of projects, and to investigate fundraising.
CHS15. Emergency Plans Updates
Status: On Track Progress: 25%
Update: OES will be coordinating with the County on updates to emergency plans, including the Palo
Alto Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). See also CHS3. Council received a progress report on
September 12, 2022. Extensive community engagement is planned in the coming months, with final
recommendations and adoption of the plan targeted for 2023.
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress
CHS16. Gas‐Powered Leaf Blower Amendment
Status: On Track Progress: 25%
Update: Specifically cite those that employ and those that operate gas‐powered blowers in residential
districts; modify citation authority that prevents immediate citation issuance upon violation. A Council
study session is planned for January 2023.
CHS17. Fire Station 4 Project
Status: On Track Progress: 25%
Update: Council approved the design contract in May 2022, with a schedule to complete schematic
design and begin design development stage to allow construction to begin in Fiscal Year 2024.
CHS18. Sewer System Laterals Repair and Replacement throughout the City
Status: On Track Progress: 25%
Update: 10.20.22 Casey Construction has replaced 21 laterals so far. We have more lateral replacements and
main repairs planned. As part of the Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Program (SSMP), the City’s goal is to
inspect and clean 3,300 sewer laterals annually out of the approximate 18,000 City owned sewer
laterals. Currently there are approximately 188 sewer laterals on the priority 1 list to be replaced to
minimize sanitary sewer overflows and reduce annual inspections.
CHS19. Water Main Replacement Project 28
Status: On Track Progress: 34%
Update: 10.20.22 Barron Park and adjacent El Camino work is nearly complete. Dinah Court work has begun.
Edgewood Drive will be next after Dinah Court. Anticipated project completion is early November 2023.
Contractor started construction on April 18, 2022. Anticipated project completion is early November
2023. The first phase is in Barron Park neighborhood around Matadero Avenue and includes some pipe
replacement on the west side of El Camino.
CHS20. Seismic and Resiliency Ordinance
Status: Not Started Progress: 0%
Update: Comprehensively update the City’s seismic rehabilitation ordinance with mandatory and
voluntary measures to seismically strengthen vulnerable buildings. Project is expected to be resourced
in early 2023.
Attachment B- Major Projects by Council Priority Progress