HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2303-11441.Proclamation of May 2023 as Affordable Housing Month
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: May 1, 2023
Report #:2303-1144
TITLE
Proclamation of May 2023 as Affordable Housing Month
RECOMMENDATION
City Council proclaim the month of May as Affordable Housing Month in the City of Palo Alto
BACKGROUND
Affordable Housing Month is a national observance in the United States that is typically held in
the month of May each year. The event was established to raise awareness about the need for
affordable housing and to recognize the important role that affordable housing plays in building
strong, sustainable, and inclusive communities.
Affordable Housing Month typically includes a variety of activities and events, such as workshops,
rallies, and community outreach efforts. The focus of these events is to raise awareness about
the need for affordable housing, educate the public about the benefits of affordable housing, and
advocate for policies and programs that support the development of more affordable housing
options.
The City, in collaboration with Silicon Valley at Home, is hosting for the first time ever an
Affordable Housing Resources Fair on Saturday, May 13 at 1:00 pm in King Plaza (in front of City
Hall). The fair is primarily focused on resources for low-income households and provides
information about affordable housing in Palo Alto, fair housing, tenant protections, and other
housing services. This is an exciting event to celebrate Affordable Housing Month. More info on
the event available at: www.cityofpaloalto.org/housingfair.
In addition to the City’s event, there are other events taking place in the Bay Area in May
(information at https://siliconvalleyathome.org/events/?category=affordable-housing-month).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Proclamation
APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director
______________________________
Lydia Kou
Mayor
AFFORDABLE HOUSING MONTH
WHEREAS, safe and affordable housing is a basic human right and yet, each year, thousands of Silicon
Valley families and individuals struggle to find an affordable home in this expensive housing market; and
WHEREAS, the City has been active in affordable housing development with four affordable housing
projects in process that will include much needed very low-income units, housing for persons with developmental
disabilities, and teacher housing in which the City has committed financial support for three of the projects.
WHEREAS, the City has also implemented other meaningful housing actions by approving City parking lots
to be developed for affordable housing, creating a permanent source of affordable housing funding by dedicating
a portion of the business tax revenue for affordable housing, crafting additional renter protections, and continued
support of fair housing services; and
WHEREAS, the City, in collaboration with Silicon Valley at Home, is hosting an Affordable Housing
Resources Fair on Saturday, May 13 at 1:00 pm in King Plaza (in front of City Hall). More info on the event
available at: www.cityofpaloalto.org/housingfair.
WHEREAS, many organizations throughout Silicon Valley are dedicated to providing safe, stable, permanent
and affordable housing to all members of the community; these organizations along with local agencies and
community members have organized Affordable Housing Month; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lydia Kou, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto on behalf of the entire City Council do
hereby proclaim the month of May as Affordable Housing Month in the City of Palo Alto, to call upon our
community to support affordable housing solutions and to recognize the successful efforts of the City of Palo Alto
and its partners who seek to improve access to affordable housing in Palo Alto.
PRESENTED: May 1, 2023
Proclamation