HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2501-4037CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, February 24, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
10.Approval of the 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, as well as Committee Objectives
and Workplans. CEQA Status -- Not a Project. Supplemental Report, Public Comment,
Staff Presentation
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: February 24, 2025
Report #:2501-4037
TITLE
Approval of the 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, as well as Committee Objectives and
Workplans. CEQA Status -- Not a Project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve: (a) 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, and (b)
Committee Objectives and Workplans
BACKGROUND
On January 25, 2025, the City Council held its annual retreat to discuss and establish the 2025
Council Priorities. The City Council Protocols and Procedures Handbook defines a priority as a
topic that will receive significant attention during the year. The City Council established the
following Priorities for 2025:
•Economic Development & Retail Vibrancy
•Climate Action and Adaptation & the Natural Environment Protection
•Implementing Housing Strategies for Social and Economic Balance
•Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging
As has been the City’s practice for the past few years, staff has followed the City Council
approval of its priorities by developing and recommending for City Council approval a set of
objectives to advance each priority throughout the calendar year.
These objectives reflect “SMARTIE” principles - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant,
Time-bound, Inclusive, and Equitable. These Objectives primarily consist of City Council actions
and engagement and where significant staff resources are required throughout the calendar
year to further the Priorities. City Council engagement may include a variety of forms, such as
City Council approval, committee/council ad hoc review and recommendations, legislative
advocacy, regional board/committee representation, and budgetary actions. Using the 2024
City Council Priorities and Objectives as a baseline, along with department proposed and City
Council suggested objectives during its Annual Retreat, staff has evaluated and included a
proposed list for City Council consideration in 2025.
In addition to City Council Priorities and Objectives, the City Council evaluates progress on
topics and issues of interest through the approval of Committee objectives, both for standing
and ad hoc committees. These are also included for consideration and approval.
ANALYSIS
The proposed 2025 City Council Priority Objectives lists a total of 68 objectives, compared to
last year’s 78. Attachment A includes the summary table with the following elements to help
guide the City Council in its decision making:
Carryforward/Revised/New- Objectives annotated by (C) are objectives that are carried over
from the 2024 list. (R) are objectives from the 2024 list that may have a second phase to the
project and have been revised to reflect 2025 goals. The number designation from the 2024
workplan is shown in parentheses. New Objectives (N) reflect a project that is new in 2025.
Objective Description- Summarizes the activity to be accomplished in calendar year 2025, and
if needed, a brief sentence describing the project. Once approved, a more thorough description
of the project and milestones will return to City Council at a later meeting.
Estimated Completion- Reflects the 2025 calendar quarter in which the Objective is expected
to be completed, subject to change. Q1 is January-March, Q2 is April-June, Q3 is July-
September, and Q4 is October-December.
City Council Priority Crossover- Identifies objectives that advance more than one City Council
Priority.
Funding Needed- Reflects a project that requires additional resources (staffing, capital
investment, or professional services) to achieve and complete the activity beyond current
budgeted levels. $ - up to 50K, $$ - 51-400K, $$$ - 500K+. Additional resources will be
considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 annual budget.
Staff Not Recommended- For a variety of reasons, any objectives that may have been carried
over from last year or suggested during the Annual Retreat that staff is not recommending be
considered in 2025 are identified in Attachment B.
Committee Objectives
The City Council retreat provided an opportunity to engage in a “big picture” discussion of what
the City Council would like to achieve over the year, and how the City’s decision-making
structure should be used to this end. The City Council selected its ad hoc committees for 2025,
with the understanding that these committees will adhere to Brown Act requirements:
•Retail Ad Hoc Committee
•Rail Ad Hoc Committee
•Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee
•Climate Action & Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee
Based on the City Council action, staff has drafted Objectives for each of these committees and
are provided in Attachment C. In drafting these recommended Objectives, staff used the
principles presented at the City Council retreat:
•Ad hocs facilitate efficient Council meetings by vetting complex topics in advance
•Priorities and assignments, including ad hoc missions (objectives), will be made by the
full Council to ensure transparent management of resources
•Ad hoc recommendations proceed directly to the full Council, not heard by more than
one committee
•Recommendations from ad hocs will be developed in public
Objectives for the perennial Council Appointed Officers Committee and City/Schools Liaison
Committee are also included in Attachment C.
Recommended workplans for the standing Policy & Services Committee and Finance Committee
are provided in Attachments D and E.
As work proceeds over the year, it is likely that changes to committee objectives may be
desired. Staff or committees may recommend such changes for City Council approval at any
point during the year.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
City Council approval of Priority Objectives does not have an immediate fiscal impact; however,
resources will need to be allocated to implement Council Priorities. Opportunities to allocate
resources to projects include the FY 2026 annual budget process, with adoption scheduled for
June 2025. In addition, the City Council may amend the budget throughout the year.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
City Council, community and stakeholder engagement is a key area of focus that is woven into
the workplans to implement the proposed City Council objectives contained in this report.
The City uses the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) as a guide to structure
community participation and align that participation with the type of input or feedback needed
based on the project/issue. Workplan engagement typically fit within these general focus areas-
Inform: Fact sheets, webpages, blog posts, information sessions, open houses, frequently asked
questions, community briefings, and website feedback forms
Consult & Involve: Surveys, focus groups, questions and answer sessions, office hours, public
meetings like community meetings, town halls, panel discussions, workshops, and polling
Collaborate & Empower: Working groups, ad hoc groups, feedback groups, boards,
commissions and committee meetings, community advisory panels, advisory groups, digital
engagement platforms, and voter ballot measures
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
City Council action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because the City Council
discussion on 2025 Priority and Committee Objectives are a continuing administrative or
maintenance activity. CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b)(2).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Proposed 2025 City Council Priority Objectives
Attachment B: 2025 Staff Not Recommended Objectives
Attachment C: Committee Objectives
Attachment D: 2025 Policy & Services Committee Workplan
Attachment E: 2025 Finance Committee Workplan
APPROVED BY:
Ed Shikada, City Manager
ATTACHMENT A
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9
10
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A B C D E F G H I J O
ED CA IHS PS
X R Council approval of outdoor activation guidelines for California Avenue. Council approval of outdoor activity guidelines informed by continued engagement with
stakeholders on a refined priorities and recommendations and Initiate implementation. (2)
X
X R Resume work on new parking structure in downtown core (Lot D). Staff will present parking garage design options to City Council for selection. (8)X
X R Complete build-out of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) pilot Phase 1 with grid modernization. Complete building out of a reliable and high-speed municipal fiber
service in a pilot area and work to establish internet service provider operations including necessary business tools such rate setting, billing and operations
software to roll out services in the initial build. (9)
X
X R Council consideration of an ordinance that expands retail opportunities and promotes retail resiliency. Consider further refinement to retail and retail-like
definition and explore changes to retail preservation ordinance. (12)
X
X N Council consideration of an ordinance restoring subjective wireless communication facility regulations. Hold a public hearing on a draft ordinance implementing
the City Council's direction from late 2024 to eliminate objective standards for the placement of wireless antennas within the public right of way on street light or
utility poles.
X
X R Enhance partnerships with private-sector stakeholders. Meet regularly with businesses, brokers, property owners, and other private-sector partners to shape,
inform, and enhance economic development efforts . (10)
X N Council approval of funding to continue Downtown cleanliness enhancements and other medium-term investments. Include necessary proposals and budget
appropriations as part of the development of the FY 2026 Operating Budget to continue enhanced Downtown Cleanliness enhancements.
X $$
X R Council approval of Ramona Street design and funding appropriations. Engage stakeholders to develop design proposals for Car-Free Ramona Street and present
to Council for necessary funding appropriations to implement initial phase(s). (4)
X $$
X R Council approval of a final signage plan for California Avenue and funding appropriations. Review the signage plan for California Avenue with the Architectural
Review Board (ARB), incorporate feedback, and seek Council approval to implement the plan. (2)
X $$$
X R Council approval of a design option for California Ave. Engage stakeholders to refine alternative street designs for California Avenue and present them to Council
for discussion and action, including funding appropriations to pursue a street design. (3)
X $$$
X N Begin feasibility analysis of Assessment District for University Avenue Streetscape. Conduct analysis to determine practicality of an assessment district or similarly
funding strategy as a funding mechanism for capital enhancements to University Avenue Streetscape.
X $$
X N Propose and implement outdoor activation guidelines for Car-Free Ramona Street. Initiate implementation of Council approved outdoor activity guidelines
informed by continued engagement with stakeholders on a refined priorities and recommendations.
X $$
X N Refine destination marketing efforts and enhance Palo Alto’s reputation. Meet with hospitality partners to assess willingness to partner with the City on
destination marketing efforts and propose next steps, including necessary appropriation actions, to City Council.
X $$
X R Council Adoption of the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan. Informed by feedback from the Policy & Services Committee, bring forward a Safety Action
Plan providing a roadmap for eliminating traffic deaths and severe injuries through the reduction of vehicle miles traveled enabling staff to seek grant funding for
implementation. (14)
X
X X R Begin construction of the Newell Road Bridge Replacement project. Award of a construction contract for the replacement of Newell Road Bridge in time to begin
construction taking advantage of the 2025 in-channel construction season. (32)
X
X C Complete construction of initial pilot area of electric grid modernization. Project will increase electrical capacity and reliability in initial pilot area bounded by
Louis, Amarillo, 101, & Embarcadero about 1,200 homes; once completed, staff will continue the grid upgrades to the "Phase 1" area which impacts approx 6,000
X
X X R Begin construction of Hamilton Avenue storm drain system capacity upgrades project. Prioritization of the Hamilton Avenue project from the list of 2017 ballot
measure priority projects will increase the ability of the storm drain system to convey water in the event of a San Francisquito Creek overflow. (31)
X
N/R
/
C
2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
Climate Action and Adaptation, & Natural Environment Protection (CA)
Ongoing
Council Priority
Economic Development & Retail Vibrancy (ED)
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $ N
e
e
d
s
OBJECTIVES
(68 in total)
Page 1 of 4
ATTACHMENT A
1
2
3
A B C D E F G H I J O
ED CA IHS PS N/R
/
C
2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
Council Priority
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $ N
e
e
d
s
OBJECTIVES
(68 in total)
23
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25
26
27
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31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
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40
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42
X C Council consideration of an ordinance implementing updated Stream/Creek Corridor Setback requirements. (34)X
X C Council consideration of an ordinance implementing Bird Safe Glass & Wildlife Light Pollution Protections standards. (35)X
X R Council Adoption of the 2025 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP). Consideration of the BPTP effort informed by stakeholder engagement and
review and feedback from the PTC for City Council adoption. (15)
X
X R Develop and begin implementing a City Facility Electrification Plan. Building on the citywide Facilities Assessment, create a multi-year plan to begin replacing
fossil fuel use in City buildings in alignment with S/CAP goals, and begin implementing through the Capital Improvement Program. (19)
X
X N Develop an updated Regional Water Quality Control Plant Biosolids Facility Plan. Complete initial work to develop plan, including consideration of PFAS pollutants
and the Measure E site, and review with a Council committee in advance of Council acceptance of the plan in late 2025 or early 2026.
X
X N Develop and obtain Council approval for strategies and a 2026/2027 work plan for the next phase of S/CAP implementation of climate and sustainability goals,
including engaging with Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition on its Heat Mapping project for possible inclusion.
X
X X R Refine Grade Separation Design Alternatives per Council Direction and Conduct Outreach to Support Rail Committee Review of Locally Preferred Alternatives.
Review advanced alternatives to minimize right of way impacts and improve traffic circulation, conduct outreach, and develop conceptual plans (15% design) for
X
X X C Advocate for the San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection capital project (Reach 2) through Council’s JPA representation and any Council approvals involved.
(31)
X
X X R Begin development of a Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan meeting new standards approved by BCDC. Engage with neighboring cities for potential partnership
and review status with the City Council. (33)
X
X N Initiate Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Clearance Work for Quarry Road Extension in Partnership with Stanford University, Caltrans, & VTA.X
X C Complete deployment of 65,000 residential Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters by end of FY 2025 and begin deployment of commercial AMI
meters. (13)
X
X R Complete E-Mobility Strategic Plan for Council acceptance. Develop, approve and implement the Plan which reflects feedback on strategies reviewed by the
Council Ad Hoc Climate Protection Committee and its Working Group. (21)
X $
X R Share preliminary analysis of strategies for a physical and financial transition of the gas utility to relevant policymakers and stakeholders. Utilize initial subject
matter expert work that developed a minimum future gas grid need for system retirement to analyze alternatives for scaling down the gas distribution system. (17)
X $$
X N Present an ordinance to Council enacting the 2026 California Building Standards Code update, including the California Green Building Standards Code; submit to
the California Building Standards Commission for approval.
X $$
X R Council approval for Phase 2 (full service program) of the Advanced Whole Home Electrification Pilot Program and begin implementation. (19)X $$$
X R Develop an Advanced Commercial Rooftop HVAC Pilot Program proposal and review with the Climate Action and Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee for
recommendation to Council. (20)
X $$$
X N Propose an updated multifamily EV charger program (EV 2.0) for Council approval. X $$$
X R Prepare an ordinance for Council review expanding the housing focus area. Increase housing development potential along El Camino Real and consideration of an
exemption from payment of development impact fees for inclusionary units under certain circumstances, consistent with Housing Element Program 3.4 E. (41)
X
X C Present to Council an ordinance updating the City’s housing incentive program. Increase housing development potential and expand provisions to multi-family
zoning and other commercial districts in accordance with Housing Element Program 3.4 D. (46)
X
Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic Balance (IHS)
Page 2 of 4
ATTACHMENT A
1
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A B C D E F G H I J O
ED CA IHS PS N/R
/
C
2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
Council Priority
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $ N
e
e
d
s
OBJECTIVES
(68 in total)
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
X N Prepare an update to the City's accessory dwelling unit ordinance. Update local implementation regulations to respond to changes in State Law, consistency with
the State Housing and Community Department's 2025 ADU Handbook and address applicable deficiencies identified in HCD's comment letter.
X
X C Partner with Santa Clara County Housing Authority to achieve construction timeline milestones for the Palo Alto Homekey project (which will provide
transitional housing and services for unhoused residents). (51)
X
X R Present a renter protection fair chance ordinance to Council. Present findings of an analysis and policy recommendations in the form of a draft ordinance to
reduce barriers to housing by individuals with criminal records, consistent with Housing Element Program 6.6 I. (54)
X
X R Report out on initial data from the rental registry program and project implementation; receive feedback and recommendations for next steps. (57)X
X R Present to Council an analysis related to anti-rent gouging. Consistent with prior Council direction, examine implications of a possible ordinance from a legal,
policy and anticipated resource demand perspectives; receive direction on next steps. (55)
X
X R Extend for one year or codify R1/SB 9 interim ordinance. Establish objective development standards and increases the maximum floor area for SB 9 units from 800
to 1200 square feet consistent with Housing Element Program 6.3A; consider implications of similar objective standards for R1 and SB 9 projects relative to the
City’s Individual Review Program. (45)
X
X N Initiate evaluation of South of Forest Area Coordinated Area Plan (SOFA) development standards. Review and explore options to amend the coordinated area
plan with the intent to replace subjective development standards with objective standards consistent with Housing Element Program 3.7.
X
X N Identify different housing typology options for the one-acre site near Matadero Creek. Use grant funded technical analysis to consider housing options for a
future affordable housing development on land to be dedicated to the City from the 2023 Sobrato/City Development Agreement; present findings and receive
direction from Council.
X
X N Prepare the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan. The Quinquennial update helps jurisdictions to
assess affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions when distributing
federal CDBG grant funds.
X
X R Present to Council the Downtown Housing Plan Community Assessment report and receive Council direction on draft housing plan scenarios. Continue
advancing the plan development and public engagement strategy to prepare draft housing plan and environmental review. (36)
X X X X R Initiate the San Antonio Road Area Plan. Begin data gathering, document review, implementing a community outreach and engagement strategy, check-in
meetings with appointed and elected officials, and review by the City Council of a community assessment report and receive updated project direction, consistent
with Housing Element Program 6.6 C. (40)
X R Advance affordable housing project on Downtown surface parking lot (Lot T). Enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement with Alta Housing; receive an
updated project concept design & prescreening application for Council review; receive formal planning entitlement application, consistent with Housing Element
Program 1.4 A. (8)
X R Present an ordinance to Council that supports innovative housing structures. Creates zoning incentives or update development standards to support various
housing typologies, including micro-units, intergenerational housing, aging adults, students and lower-income units, consistent with Housing Element Program 6.5.
(48)
X $$
X R Present findings to Council on a study that explores code amendments reducing commercial floor area and possible extension of Downtown in-lieu parking
program to residential development: Evaluate opportunities that make multi-family housing an attractive alternative to commercial office development,
consistent with Housing Element Program 3.9. (50)
X $$
X C Work with the Santa Clara County Housing Authority to determine next steps to maintain affordability and improve conditions at Buena Vista Mobile Park. (56)$
X X X X N Update development impact fees for public safety, government facilities, housing, transportation, parks, and community services. Conduct a feasibility study to
ensure housing remains viable. Consider waiving fees for low-income units with 20% deed restrictions. (Housing Element Programs 2.1B; 3.1 B&C)
$$
Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging (PS)
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Page 3 of 4
ATTACHMENT A
1
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A B C D E F G H I J O
ED CA IHS PS N/R
/
C
2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
Council Priority
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $ N
e
e
d
s
OBJECTIVES
(68 in total)
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
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74
757677
X C Open the new Public Safety Building for daily Police, OES, and Fire services. Complete construction, move-in of departments, and a ribbon-cutting event to
commemorate the official availability of public safety services from the facility for all. (72)
X
X C Council to adopt the updated Foothills Fire Management Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Plan to reflect alignment with Santa Clara County and
other agencies and entities to address early warning technology, planning and procedural elements and risk mitigation. (71)
X
X C Council approval of construction contract for Fire Station No. 4 Replacement project and initiation of construction. (73)X
X N Activate a fire engine at Fire Station 4. Augment staffing at Fire Station 4 to deploy either ambulance or fire engine response.X
X R Develop Master Plan for Cubberley site. Complete a master plan by December 2025 for 15 acres anticipated to be purchased from PAUSD pending a successful
bond measure in November 2026 and begin community polling to inform the development of a ballot measure for voter consideration. (61)
X
X N Implement the 2024-2025 Equity Action Plan. Complete the 28 action items in the action plan in collaboration with partners. X
X R Implement New Expanded CSD Recreation Special Events Workplan. Approve and implement the Workplan which expands Community Special Events that foster
togetherness, belonging and celebrate the rich diversity of our community (60)
X R Support visible police presence by maintaining full police officer staffing through continuous recruiting and retention efforts. Identify and plan for anticipated
vacancies and retirements, hold monthly testing and interview sessions and timely background checks to maintain a vacancy of less than 5%. (67)
X C Continue engagement with San Francisco Airport on SFO's Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) project and other potential opportunities to decrease
SFO noise impacts on Palo Alto. (79)
X R Open 445 Bryant Street Community Center. Complete construction and any necessary partnership agreements to begin La Comida Senior Lunch Program at the
facility by end of July, 2025; plan further work for general community center operations concurrently. (64)
X $$
X C Council Approval of Quiet Zone Concept Plans at Churchill Ave, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Rd Rail Crossings. (76)X $$
X N Enhance and Expand Inclusive Programs and Services. Enhance services to support individuals with disabilities seeking accommodation support, expand
community partnerships that serve the disability community, and implement new therapeutic recreation programs
$
X R Support Community Mental Health. Provide support for all ages through community partnerships, programs, and initiatives. (65)$
X X N Enhance safety and improve quality of life in commercial areas by reducing criminal activity through business engagement and the deployment of officers and
technology. Establish a Business Watch program to enhance collaboration with businesses and assign two officers at a minimum to patrol high traffic commercial
areas.
$$
X R Initiate an update to the City’s seismic hazards ordinance. Conduct an assessment of previous study, update potentially eligible buildings, and begin work on
seismic hazard identify and mitigation ordinance. (75)
$$
X C Implement plan for phaseout of leaded fuel at Palo Alto Airport. With unleaded fuel now available at the airport, implement plan to conduct lead monitoring,
encourage and track use of the fuel, explore potentially subsidizing the cost of unleaded fuel, and develop updated lease requirements to promote unleaded fuel.
(77)
$$
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
$ - up to 50K; $$ - 51-400K, $$$ - 500K+
(C) are objectives that are carried over from the 2024 list, (R) are objectives from the 2024 list that may have a second phase to the project and have been revised to reflect 2025 goals, (N) reflect a project that is new in 2025
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Page 4 of 4
ATTACHMENT B
Staff Not Recommended Objectives
For various reasons—including staff capacity to advance, feasibility challenges, or that work is already
underway —some objectives from the 2024 Priority Objectives list, previous Council suggestions, or the
Annual Retreat suggestions are not recommended to become priority objectives for 2025. Objectives
that were part of the 2024 list will have their corresponding number in parentheses at the end of the
sentence. These objectives are listed below. Staff will be prepared to respond to any Councilmember’s
questions.
Economic Development and Retail Vibrancy
a)Develop and present preliminary options for activating vacant storefronts: Explore regulatory
strategy and low friction/barrier permitting for temporary popup stores. (11)
b)Facilitate the establishment of sustainable business organization in the Cal Ave, DT, and Midtown
districts. (1)
c)Council Consideration and Adoption of Parking Permit Policies and Program Updates: Improve
Customer Experience, Align with Environmental and Transportation Goals, and Recover Costs. (26)
d)Comprehensively Update the City's Zoning Code including policies that support Economic
Development Strategies. Reformat for improved readability, update definitions, use categories,
development standards and permitting processes. (12)
Climate Action and Adaptation & Natural Environment Protection (CA)
e)Evaluate the integration of biogas into the gas utility business model and share results with
Council and other policymakers.
Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic Balance
f)Initiate study that identifies options and feasibility of regulations to limit short-term rentals
Citywide consistent with Housing Element Programs 4.2D&E.
g)Enforcement policy recommendations related to Ghost Houses: Survey existing enforcement
mechanisms and Ghost House (extended vacancy) data collection in other jurisdictions and return to
Council by end of 2024, consistent with Council direction from November 27, 2023.
h)Amend the zoning code to ensure residential uses in commercially zoned areas receive the same
protections as those in exclusively residential zones. The City Council on November 13, 2023
supported this request from the Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowners Association.
i)Amend the City’s Comprehensive Plan Safety Element to align with State law.
j)Evaluate and make policy recommendation to Council regarding a partnership with the California
Community Housing Agency (CalCHA). CalCHA issues governmental bonds for the purpose of
financing projects that provide, preserve and support affordable local housing for low-income,
moderate-income and middle-income families and individuals.
k)Present options to Council for increasing housing in the California Avenue corridor. Consistent with
Council direction from August 14, 2023.
ATTACHMENT B
l)Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan or similar for California Avenue.
m)Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan or similar for El Camino Real.
n)Present options to the City Council that identify and evaluate sources and methods to raise
significant funding to support new affordable housing production and preservation. (42)
Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging
o)Complete next steps for Palo Alto Airport Long Range Planning work. Develop new alternatives
considering Council's September 2024 Study Session input, conduct community engagement, and
return to Council for review and action.
p)Support Caltrain’s Corridor Safety and Security Initiatives. (74)
ATTACHMENT C
2025 Committee Objectives
And Tentative meeting schedules
Rail Ad Hoc Committee
To meet every other month
The Rail Committee reviews the projects and provides recommendations to the City Council based on
the Rail Guiding principles adopted by the City Council (August 8, 2022). The projects include: the grade
separations and safety improvements at existing crossings, additional east-west bicycle and pedestrian
crossings, and quiet zone improvements. Rail committee will review and advance projects for Council
approval.
With the exception of bicycle and pedestrian railway crossings, all matters related to cycling and
pedestrians such as the Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) will be reviewed by the Policy &
Services Committee for recommendations to the full City Council.
Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee
To meet monthly, possibly immediately before the Finance Committee given the
membership of both are the same
The Cubberley Ad Hoc will ensure the City Council’s vision is reflected through the master plan process
and serve as the Council ambassador for engagement with the community and building community
support for development for a new community center at the Cubberley site. This includes making
recommendations to the Council on the future operating model (e.g. services available, approach to fees
& charges, space allocation) and master plan that will successfully receive voter support in 2026.
Coordination with PAUSD on Cubberley will occur through this committee rather than CSLC. Operations,
funding, and ballot measure work (including polling) may be heard by the Finance Committee rather
than the Cubberley Ad Hoc for recommendations to the full City Council.
Retail Ad Hoc Committee
To meet every other month
The retail committee will provide a regular forum for business and community stakeholders to engage
with Council members on implementation of the City’s economic development strategy. The retail
committee will make recommendations to the City Council on economic development and retail
vibrancy efforts, such as additional business support, proposed University and California Avenue
improvements, and citywide retail zoning code changes.
ATTACHMENT C
Climate Action & Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee
To meet monthly
The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee will support implementation of the Climate Action
workplan items of the Three-Year Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Workplan and the 2025
Council Priority Objectives for the Climate Action & Adaptation, and Natural Environment Council
priority. The Committee will also discuss and provide input on S/CAP implementation strategy leading to
Council approval and the development of the Climate Action sections of the upcoming 2026-2027 S/CAP
Workplan, including consideration of appropriate actions toward the 2030 Carbon Neutrality goal.
Implementation of the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan will continue to be reviewed primarily by
the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC), and recommendations for funding S/CAP programs through the
budget process will be made by the UAC and Finance Committee based on priorities established by the
Climate Action & Sustainability Committee.
Council Appointed Officers Committee
Meets as needed
The CAO Committee meets on an as-needed schedule to address issues that Council has referred to the
Committee related to Council's four direct appointees: the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and
City Auditor. For example, the committee may be tasked with duties related to performance
evaluations, compensation, and the filling of vacancies. The CAO Committee is to make
recommendations to the Council annually regarding the process for CAO evaluations and the selection
of the consultant to serve as the facilitator for the CAO evaluations for the year. The CAO Committee is
also to schedule the CAO performance evaluations in partnership with staff.
City/Schools Liaison Committee
Typically meets monthly
The City-Schools Liaison Committee is composed of two Councilmembers and two members of the
Board of Education of the Palo Alto Unified School District. The committee’s purpose is to share
information, collaborate, and coordinate on issues related to Palo Alto’s school-aged children and youth.
Policy & Services Committee: See Attachment D
Finance Committee: See Attachment E
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – February 2025
ATTACHMENT D
POLICY & SERVICES WORKPLAN
CALENDAR 2025
As of February 2025
The Municipal Code states that the role of the Council Policy & Services Committee is to consider and
make recommendations on matters referred to it by the Council relating to parliamentary and
administrative procedures and policy matters pertaining to intergovernmental relations, personnel
policies, planning and zoning, traffic and parking, public work, and community and human services.
(§2.04.220)
The end of the document contains information on the completed 2024 referrals as well as the pending
referral with no set date.
January
•Mayor appoints Committee and designates Chair; no Policy & Services Committee meeting
February
•Auditor Report: Grant Management Audit
•Auditor Report: Utility Billing Audit
•Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan
•Follow Up from City Council Retreat re Umbrella Operating Strategies
March
•Auditor Report: Dispatch Assessment
•Recommendations for Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan Phase 1
•Auditor Quarterly Report (tentative)
•Auditor Task Order Report (if needed)
April
•Update on Recent Race and Equity Work
•Legislative Update (State and Federal)
•Referral: Board and Commission Member Onboarding Support
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Auditor Report: TBD
May
•Recommended Approval of Safe Streets for All Action Plan
•Referral (2024): Establish a frequency for joint City Council meetings or Policy & Services meeting
with Boards and Commissions, Youth Council, and meetings with Boards and Commissions Chairs;
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – February 2025
•Referral Follow Up: Discussion and Recommendation to Council Regarding Potential New
Procedure for Councilmembers to Make Referrals to Staff
•Auditor Report: TBD
June
•Referral (2024): Review of an annual schedule of repeat items that occur annually on agendas for
Policy & Services, Finance Committee, and City Council along with the approximate month they
occur
•Referral (2024): Policy & Services to review and make recommendations for any initiatives to
support and strengthen neighborhood programs (linked to discussions in 2021)
•Audit task orders
•Tentative: Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP)
July
No meeting; Council break
August
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Race and Equity Update Report
•Legislative Update (State and Federal)
September
•Auditor Report: TBD
October
•Quarterly Audit Status Report
November
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Legislative Agenda and Guidelines (can also go in December)
•Quarterly Update on Recent Race and Equity Work
December
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Procedures & Protocols Handbook Discussion (Annual Discussion)
•2026 City Council Priorities Discussion (focused on process, the retreat and submitted ideas)
•Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals
Completed Referrals (status and date of referral):
1. Public Arts Program Discussion
2. Council Discretionary Funds Policy
3.Discussion of the Creation of the Advisory Committee regarding Council Compensation
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – February 2025
4. Initial Discussion Regarding Potential New Procedure for Councilmembers Referrals to Staff
Pending Referrals:
1. Continued follow up of: Seismic Ordinance Update
Previous Council Suggestions:
1. Lead inclusive engagement and outreach to co-create an implementation plan to address
homelessness in Palo Alto
2.Explore options to expand RV safe parking, in particular near Geng Road. Present findings to
Council
3.Pursue options for ensuring sanitary and safe conditions related to unhoused populations.
Relates to efforts to address health and safety impacts of homelessness.
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org
ATTACHMENT E
FINANCE COMMITTEE WORKPLAN
CALENDAR 2025
As of February 13, 2025
The Municipal Code states that the role of the Council Finance Committee is to consider and
make recommendations on matters referred to it by the Council relating to finance, budget,
financial audits, capital planning and debt. (§2.04.210).
See the end of the document for information on the completed 2024 referrals as well as the
outstanding and on hold referrals to date.
January
Mayor appoints Committee and designates Chair; usually no FC meeting
February
No Meeting, City Council meeting scheduled for Cubberley visioning
March (4th & 18th)
•Planning and Development Services Municipal Fee Update
•Real Property Transaction Review
•Storm Water Management Fee
April (1st & 15th)
•Utilities Advisory Commission Rate Forecasts and Five-Year Financial Plans: Gas, Electric,
Water, Wastewater Collection
•Review Human Services Resource Allocation Program recommended grants after Human
Resources Commission Review in March [tentative]
May (6th, 7th, & 20th)
•Annual Budget Review: Operating and Five-year Capital Improvement Plan
o Alternative meeting times (9:00am – 5:00pm) 5/6 and 5/7
•City-wide Municipal Fee Study
June (3rd & 17th)
•Review Cubberley [tentative]
•Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Report
•Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy (to be done by June 30 per code)
July
No meeting; Council Break
Finance Committee Tentative Topics, Calendar 2025
As of February 13, 2025
August
•Grid Modernization Capital Improvement review issuance of debt for project financing
September
•Accept California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Pension Annual Valuation.
Reports as of June 30, 2024
o Every 3-4-year review/decision on pension funding policy assumptions next review
scheduled for FY 2026.
October
November
•Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals
•Discussion and Recommendation to the City Council to Accept the Macias Gini & O'Connell's
Audit of the City of Palo Alto's Financial Statements as of June 30, 2025 and Management
Letter
•Discussion and Recommendation to Approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Approve Budget Amendments in Various Funds
December
•Review and Forward the FY 2027 - FY 2036 Long Range Financial Forecast
•First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Report
•Preliminary Utility Rate Forecast Review
Referred Topics:
A full report on the status of Finance Committee referrals and the status can be found here1,
Item 2 on the November 19, 2024 agenda.
Completed/Scheduled Referrals
1)JMZ ticket pricing analysis to understand interactions between changes to $18 ticket,
attendance, and cost recovery.
2)Planning and Development Services Fee Study [scheduled March 2025]
3) Parking Permits Pricing and Parking Permit Funds Financial Status. [scheduled for FY 2026
budget process]
4) Ability Path financial support [addressed in FY 2025 Mid-Year Report]
5) Analyze Fire Emergency Medical Response Fee. [scheduled for FY 2026 Municipal Fee
Schedule]
In Progress/Pending Referrals:
6) Fire Emergency Medical Response; Supplemental Resources. [Initial review completed
November 2024, additional resources addressed in FY 2025 Mid-Year Report]
7) Review Parks Restroom Prioritization; Specifically, Pardee Park.
8) Active Recruitment Digital Marketing Services (Contract Services)
Finance Committee Tentative Topics, Calendar 2025
As of February 13, 2025
9) Establish Organizational Development & Safety Division
10)Explore financial, outreach, and policy processes for adding East Palo Alto to resident rates
for the golf course
11)Increasing Revenue- Generating CSD Programming to Meet Demand
Item No. 10. Page 1 of 3
6
5
6
9
City Council
Supplemental Report
From: Ed Shikada, City Manager
Meeting Date: February 24, 2025
Item Number: 10
Report #:2502-4185
TITLE
Approval of the 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, as well as Committee Objectives and
Workplans - Supplemental Information on Attachment B ‘Objectives Not Recommended’
REPORT UPDATE
Attachment B: Objectives Not Recommended provides a list of objectives that been suggested
in various venues, but for a variety of reasons, were not included in the proposed 2025 City
Council Priority Objectives. Below is the list of objectives not recommended (as outlined in
Attachment B), with an added brief bullet point explanation for the reason the objective is not
recommended.
Economic Development and Retail Vibrancy
a) Develop and present preliminary options for activating vacant storefronts: Explore regulatory
strategy and low friction/barrier permitting for temporary popup stores. (11)
This work is already underway for pop-up businesses that fall into the same use category.
Popups requiring a change of use raise significant building code and potential safety concerns
that require additional staff resources to address.
b) Facilitate the establishment of sustainable business organization in the Cal Ave, DT, and Midtown
districts. (1)
Staff will continue to meet with businesses to engage on key projects and investments,
however at this time there is not support from the business community to engage in
establishing new or more robust organizations.
c) Council Consideration and Adoption of Parking Permit Policies and Program Updates: Improve
Customer Experience, Align with Environmental and Transportation Goals, and Recover Costs. (26)
This item is an open referral with the Finance Committee and included in the Committee
workplan and is already underway. The next schedule discussion will be part of the FY 2026
Item No. 10. Page 2 of 3
6
5
6
9
budget process. Proposed parking program amendments and relevant changes to Title 10 will
be presented to PTC on March 26, 2025.
d) Comprehensively Update the City's Zoning Code including policies that support Economic
Development Strategies. Reformat for improved readability, update definitions, use categories,
development standards and permitting processes. (12)
Staff capacity to advance this with the other priority objectives is not feasible given
prioritization of Housing Element programs. In addition, significant investment in consultant
services would be required.
Climate Action and Adaptation & Natural Environment Protection (CA)
e) Evaluate the integration of biogas into the gas utility business model and share results with Council
and other policymakers.
While not a component of the Sustainability & Climate Action Plan, biogas could support the
City’s climate goals; however, rising utility rates raise questions about its feasibility. Staff could
explore this strategy but would need direction on its desirability at this time.
Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic Balance
f) Initiate study that identifies options and feasibility of regulations to limit short-term rentals
Citywide consistent with Housing Element Programs 4.2D&E.
An Ordinance Adoption is not required by Housing Element until July 1, 2027. This objective is
not recommended for approval in 2025 due to limited staff capacity to manage the effort
required. Instead, this will be a recommended priority in 2026.
g) Enforcement policy recommendations related to Ghost Houses: Survey existing enforcement
mechanisms and Ghost House (extended vacancy) data collection in other jurisdictions and return to
Council by end of 2024, consistent with Council direction from November 27, 2023.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
h) Amend the zoning code to ensure residential uses in commercially zoned areas receive the same
protections as those in exclusively residential zones. The City Council on November 13, 2023 supported
this request from the Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowners Association.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
i) Amend the City’s Comprehensive Plan Safety Element to align with State law. Update will include
modifications related to hazards, public safety, emergency response, and climate action to reflect State
requirements that have come into effect since 2018.
This project is currently underway and will be reflected in the Planning and Transportation
Commission (PTC) workplan for 2025.
Item No. 10. Page 3 of 3
6
5
6
9
j) Evaluate and make policy recommendation to Council regarding a partnership with the California
Community Housing Agency (CalCHA). CalCHA issues governmental bonds for the purpose of financing
projects that provide, preserve and support affordable local housing for low-income, moderate-income
and middle-income families and individuals.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
k) Present options to Council for increasing housing in the California Avenue corridor. Consistent with
Council direction from August 14, 2023.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
l) Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan or similar for California Avenue.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
m) Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan or similar for El Camino Real.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
n) Present options to the City Council that identify and evaluate sources and methods to raise
significant funding to support new affordable housing production and preservation. (42)
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging
o) Complete next steps for Palo Alto Airport Long Range Planning work. Develop new alternatives
considering Council's September 2024 Study Session input, conduct community engagement, and return
to Council for review and action.
Based on Council feedback at the Airport study session and to meet constraints to not expand
its footprint, staff are reconsidering planning alternatives while also working to make near-
term progress on leaded fuel and noise issues. The Airport long range plan will therefore pause
while this work proceeds.
p) Support Caltrain’s Corridor Safety and Security Initiatives. (74)
Caltrain has begun installing safety fencing along the rail corridor. City staff will support these
efforts but are not positioned to lead these investments, and no City Council action is required.
APPROVED BY:
Ed Shikada, City Manager
From:hglann@gmail.com
To:Council, City
Cc:david@evcl.com; "Andrea Eckstein Gara"
Subject:Please Make Cycling and Pedestrian Infrastructure a Higher Priority
Date:Sunday, February 23, 2025 6:44:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
52 volunteers from 350SV Palo Alto Climate Action have signed on to David Coale’s letter on
Bike and Ped Infrastructure.
Bike and ped infrastructure needs to be at a higher priority. The Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan (BPTP) is two years late and the last plan spanning over 12 years is only
30% built-out. We need to do better than this. In reading through the packet for 2025 City
Council Priority Objectives I have some suggestions on how to make Palo Alto a leader again in
serving our community with better bike/ped infrastructure.
1) The BPTP needs to be at a higher priority. Consider bringing this before the Council in Q3
(ASAP). Objectives #23 and #24 are not time sensitive and can be done in Q4 to make room for
the BPTP in Q3.
2) There needs to be a better review of the BPTP. This should be done at a ½ day workshop
with the PABAC and PTC committees. The BPTP is a complex plan and needs the expertise of
these two groups. One workshop for this with both groups would make best use of Staff time
and committee members.
3) The BPTP should have tick marks in both the Climate Action and Public safety
priorities. It could be argued that good bike/ped infrastructure should be in all the city's
priorities as our housing plans will be inadequate without it, and good bike/ped infrastructure
is essential for local retail and adding to the vitality of our community.
4) Make sure the Safe Streets for All Safety Action plan is not delayed as this is essential
for the BPTP. How many more lives do we want to lose to poor design of our streets and
crossings? The SS4A also needs to be listed as a Public Safety priority as well as a Climate
Action priority.
5) Add the east-west bicycle and pedestrian crossing project, as noted in the Rail Ad Hoc
Committee, as its own objective with timelines and reviews. This should go under the
Climate Action and Public Safety priorities. This is a must build item before any rail crossings
are built and has been a priority of the Rail Committee for a while. This will reduce congestion
and increase safety for our school children and others and could be a real game changer for
how Palo Altans get around our city.
6) All of the above measures are needed if we are to reach our SCAP goals of a 20%
increase of bike/ped mode share in the next five years; from 19% now to 40% by 2030. The
SCAP has done pretty well in many categories but has not yet addressed this mode shift, and it
needs attention if we are to meet our goals. This could also help make up the 9% shortfall in
the SCAP 80 by 30 GHG reduction goals.
It is interesting that there is no mention of bike/ped or even transportation in any of the
objectives regarding housing. Without good bike/ped planning and transportation integrated
into our housing plans, they will fail miserably. These items must be included and called out
as such to make sure it really happens.
If you build it they will come, so let’s make sure we build the right things, no more parking
garages that promote car use and congestion while increasing GHGs at a very high cost. We
need more bike/ped infrastructure, which reduces congestion, parking problems and GHGs
while making our community more healthy, resilient, and supports our local businesses. This
is the most cost-effective way to reduce our GHGs as noted in Project Drawdown that studied
the top 100 actions that can be done to reduce GHGs.
Thanks for your consideration of these changes to make Palo Alto more livable, vibrant and
safer for all road users.
Sincerely,
David Coale, Carbon Free Palo Alto (CFPA), Bike Palo Alto, and SVBC Palo Alto team
Elaine Uang
Nils Angliviel de La Beaumelle
Joel Davidson
Michael Slinger
Cynthia Chinlee
Jay Whaley
Steven Atneosen
Virginia Tincher
Mary Lou Meeks
Ava Kwok
Marilyn Keller
Tobias Wolff
Edward Miszkiewicz
Tom McCalmont
Aiden Miao
Michael Saunders
Santiago Olvera
Kelly Miller-Sanchez
Jordan Briskin
Nancy Krop
Aditee Kumthekar
Sheila Gholson
Gail Price
Guoping Su
Tom Malzbender
Barbara Peters
Sean van Dril
Leticia Gonzalez-Ratchev
Dirk Hoekstra
Mel Kronick
Myrna Rochester
Nancy Martin
Kevin Coleman
Steve Eittreim
Luke Beckman
C Ruth
Celeste Crystal McGurl
Carl Trumello
James Felix Cook
John Van Horne
Margaret Rosenbloom
Ezra Kainz
Emily Zurcher
Matt Schlegel
Peter Cross
Scott Mellberg
Mark Hoffberg
Andrea Gara
Hilary Glann
Lawrence Garwin
Lynnie Melena
Jane Gwin-Kerr
From:bretande@pacbell.net
To:Council, City
Subject:Regarding the 2025 priorities - Make Palo Alto great with bicycling and walking infrastructure!
Date:Saturday, February 22, 2025 1:52:50 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment during your deliberations on the 2025 priorities. I have
the following comments on this item 10 on the February 24th agenda.
Please raise the priority of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan. Facilitating active
transportation is arguably the most effective way to make Palo Alto a more attractive, productive
and engaged community. Pedestrian zones, safe and direct walking and biking connections are
essential to addressing our housing, transportation and environmental problems. They also have
important co-benefits of health and socializing that are withering in face of our increasingly isolated,
on-line lives these days.
Please also push to accelerate the east-west bicycle and pedestrian crossing project. I am a long-
time Palo Alto cyclist and sorely miss a direct and safe route across the south area of town between
Middlefield and the El Camino corridor. I hear year after year that the old Bryant Street bike
boulevard is the best thing that ever happened to cycling in Palo Alto. So there should be room to
save money and time with simple, utilitarian approaches that often serve better.
Thank you for your consideration.
Bret Andersen, Palo Verde, Palo Alto
From:Ken Joye
To:Council, City
Subject:2025 City Council Priority Objectives
Date:Friday, February 21, 2025 10:10:35 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Item #10 for the 24 February council meeting is "Approval of the 2025 City Council Priority
Objectives”
I ask you to direct staff to prioritize work on our active transportation efforts, which will beinstrumental in meeting our SCAP goals.
At the annual kickoff meeting of Emergency Services Volunteers on 20 February 2025, Mayor
Lauing and others talked about the PAFD mutual aid offered to the communities in LosAngeles hit by Santa Ana driven wild fires. We must do what we can here in Palo Alto to
diminish our contributions to the climate crisis.
Please:(1) have the BPTP emphasize mode shift for those commuting within, into and out of our city
and focus on that plan update in the Climate Action and Public Safety priorities
(2) ensure that the Safe Streets for All and South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity projects are
both reflected in the Climate Action and Public Safety priorities
(3) see to it that new housing built along the San Antonio Rd corridor has adequate pedestrian
and bicycle infrastructure
thank you for your service,Ken Joye
Ventura neighborhood, Palo Alto
From:David Coale
To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed
Cc:Abendschein, Jonathan; Eggleston, Brad
Subject:Please make Bike Ped infrastructure a higher priority
Date:Thursday, February 20, 2025 11:01:12 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
Bike and ped infrastructure needs to be at a higher priority. The Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan (BPTP) is two years late and the last plan spanning over 12 years is only
30% built-out. We need to do better than this. In reading through the packet for 2025 City
Council Priority Objectives I have some suggestions on how to make Palo Alto a leader again
in serving our community with better bike/ped infrastructure.
1) The BPTP needs to be at a higher priority. Consider bringing this before the Council in
Q3 (ASAP). Objectives #23 and #24 are not time sensitive and can be done in Q4 to make room for the BPTP in Q3.
2) There needs to be a better review of the BPTP. This should be done at a ½ day workshop with the PABAC and PTC committees. The BPTP is a complex plan and needs the
expertise of these two groups. One workshop for this with both groups would make best use
of Staff time and committee members.
3) The BPTP should have tick marks in both the Climate Action and Public safety
priorities. It could be argued that good bike/ped infrastructure should be in all the city's
priorities as our housing plans will be inadequate without it, and good bike/ped infrastructure is essential for local retail and adding to the vitality of our community.
4) Make sure the Safe Streets for All Safety Action plan is not delayed as this is essential for the BPTP. How many more lives do we want to lose to poor design of our streets and
crossings? The SS4A also needs to be listed as a Public Safety priority as well as a Climate
Action priority.
5) Add the east-west bicycle and pedestrian crossing project, as noted in the Rail Ad Hoc
Committee, as its own objective with timelines and reviews. This should go under the
Climate Action and Public Safety priorities. This is a must build item before any rail crossings are built and has been a priority of the Rail Committee for a while. This will reduce
congestion and increase safety for our school children and others and could be a real game
changer for how Palo Altans get around our city.
6) All of the above measures are needed if we are to reach our SCAP goals of a 20%
increase of bike/ped mode share in the next five years; from 19% now to 40% by 2030.
The SCAP has done pretty well in many categories but has not yet addressed this mode shift, and it needs attention if we are to meet our goals. This could also help make up the 9%
shortfall in the SCAP 80 by 30 GHG reduction goals.
It is interesting that there is no mention of bike/ped or even transportation in any of the
objectives regarding housing. Without good bike/ped planning and transportation integrated
into our housing plans, they will fail miserably. These items must be included and called out
as such to make sure it really happens.
If you build it they will come, so let’s make sure we build the right things, no more parking
garages that promote car use and congestion while increasing GHGs at a very high cost. We
need more bike/ped infrastructure, which reduces congestion, parking problems and GHGs
while making our community more healthy, resilient, and supports our local businesses. This
is the most cost effective way to reduce our GHGs as noted in Project Drawdown that studied
the top 100 actions that can be done to reduce GHGs.Thanks for your consideration of these changes to make Palo Alto more livable, vibrant and
safer for all road users.
Sincerely,
David CoaleCarbon Free Palo Alto (CFPA), Bike Palo Alto, and SVBC Palo Alto team
Additional signatories:Amie Ashton, Palo Alto Forward, SVBC-PA
Debbie Mytels, long time cyclist and environmental educator
LaurenWeston, Acterra ED
Frank Viggiano, SVBC-PAGarrett Clark, SVBC-PA
Bruce Hodge, CFPA
Audrey Gold, Bike Palo Alto
Ofer Ben-Shachar, SVBC-PABret Andersen, CFPA
Zafarali Ahmed, SVBC-PA
Roy Kornbluh, SVBC-PA
Michael Regula, SVBC-PATim Oey, League Cycling Instructor, SVBC
Jeralyn Moran, Wildlife Biologist, Palo Alto
Mimi Wolf, Palo Alto
Randi Bethel, SVBC-PASven Thesen, Project Green Home Palo Alto
Kate Kramer, MD Palo Alto
Jennifer Wells, Los Altos
Lynn Hollyn, Palo AltoNincole Kenneny, 350 Silicon Valley
Mark Hoffberg, CFPA
Susan Chamberlain, Palo Alto
Carol Muller, SVBC-PAShannon Rose McEntree, PAF
Peter Phillips, PAF
Joby B Bernstein, PAF
James Cook, Palo Alto
Marilyn Keller, Palo Alto
From:Mark Shull
To:Council, City
Subject:Prioritizing and Improving BPTP in City"s Strategic Plan
Date:Wednesday, February 19, 2025 2:27:47 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi,
I would like to join and support David Cole's excellent letter below to Make Bikes a Priority in the City's strategic
plan. I would also add three points to it:
1) Electric bikes are an absolute necessity if the city is actually going to reach its goal of 40% of trips by
2030. There is simply too low a ceiling if the city's bike plan is limited to non-assisted bikes. Electrics
dramatically expand those who can or want to use a bike rather than a car. Firstly, this means a better
understanding of the differences in eBikes -- pedal assist vs throttle -- and new motor vehicle laws related to types of
eBikes -- eg. Class 2 riders must be 16 yo and must wear helmets. In other words, the state already has relatively
nuanced eBike regulations under motor vehicle law, and the City should start form these, not a repeat of it legally
questionable, under CA law, restrictions on eBikes.
Related to this, the City is not allowed under CA law to restrict eBikes outside of '"trails and paths" in parks, but
even in parks, not on roads. To the contrary, the City should encourage them, and look for opportunities, such as
along major roads and in terms of parking or charging facilities (eg. in multi-tenant housing) to encourage them.
E-bikes, love them or hate them, is almost certainly the most promising way to make a dramatic difference in the
number of car trips vs alternative modes of transportation.
2) Don't Forget the importance of efficient inter-city and longer distance bike routes. Most of the draft bike
plan seems to focus on intra-Palo Alto routes. Frankly, the current city bike paths within the city are pretty good,
but extremely convoluted, poorly connected and unnecessary long for those who commute across cities. (It is
frustrating to hear opinions like riders should take Park Ave if they want to ride from Menlo Park to Mountain View
-- no one would take this meandering and clumsy route twice.)
The new El Camino path will go a long way to alleviate this problem, but the BPTP plan should give much more
attention to efficient inter-city paths.
3) The draft BPTP dramatically overstates bike parking facilities because much of the city's bike parking --
including on city property and garages -- is unusable. In many cases, the shapes are simply a poor design, are
located too close to buildings to be usable -- as is the case in the city garage across from the new police station -- or
place bikes too close together to work. The upside down U shaped installations are the most flexible. (Frankly,
sign poles are the very best design, yet for some reason the only place they exist is when actually being signs, rather
than bike parking facilities.) My point is, we need practical bike parking, not unusable installations, faked numbers,
or art projects.
Lastly, while I hope for these changes, I sincerely appreciate that I live in one of the few places in the US where I
have the opportunity to use my bike as a primary mode of transportation for work, pleasure and shopping.
Thanks,
Mark Shull
2020 Tasso St.
Palo Alto
301-466-9836
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
Bike and ped infrastructure needs to be at a higher priority. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP)
is two years late and the last plan spanning over 12 years is only 30% built-out. We need to do better than this. In
reading through the packet for 2025 City Council Priority Objectives I have some suggestions on how to make Palo
Alto a leader again in serving our community with better bike/ped infrastructure.
1) The BPTP should come before the Council in Q3 (ASAP). Objectives #23 and #24 are not time sensitive and
can be done in Q4 to make room for the BPTP in Q3.
2) There needs to be a better review of the BPTP. This should be done at a ½ day workshop with the PABAC
and SRTS committees. When I look at the reprocess for the BPTP listed on the transportation page, there is no
review by the SRTS committee. The BPTP is a complex plan and needs the expertise of these two groups. One
workshop for this with both groups would make best use of Staff time and committee members.
3) The BPTP should have tick marks in both the Climate Action and Public safety priorities. It could be
argued that good bike/ped infrastructure should be in all the city priorities as our housing plans will be inadequate
without it, and good bike/ped infrastructure is essential for local retail and adding to the vitality of our community.
4) Make sure the Safe Streets for All Safety Action plan is not delayed as this is essential for the BPTP. How
many more lives do we want to lose to poor design of our streets and crossings? The SS4A also needs to be listed as
a Public Safety priority as well as a Climate Action priority.
5) Add the east-west bicycle and pedestrian crossing project, as noted in the Rail Ad Hoc Committee, as its
own objective with timelines and reviews. This should go under the Climate Action and Public Safety priorities.
This is a must build item before any rail crossings are built and has been a priority of the Rail Committee for a
while. This will reduce congestion and increase safety for our school children and others and could be a real game
changer for how Palo Altan’s get around our city.
6) All of the above measures are needed if we are to reach our SCAP goals of a 20% increase of bike/ped
mode share in the next five years; from 19% now to 40% by 2030. The SCAP has done pretty well in many
categories but has not yet addressed and needs attention if we are to meet our goals. This could also help make up
the 9% shortfall in the SCAP 80 by 30 GHG reduction goals.
It is interesting that there is no mention of bike/ped or even transportation in any of the objectives regarding
housing. Without good bike/ped planning and transportation integrated into our housing plans, they will fail
miserably. These items must be included and called out as such to make sure it really happens.
If you build it they will come, so let’s make sure we build the right things, no more parking garages that promotes
car use and congestion while increasing GHGs at a very high cost. We need more bike/ped infrastructure, which
reduces congestion, parking problems and GHGs while making our community more healthy, resilient, and supports
our local businesses. This is the most cost effective way to reduce our GHGs as noted in Project Drawdown that
studied the top 100 actions that can be done to reduce GHGs.
Thanks for your consideration of these changes to make Palo Alto more livable, vibrant and safer for all road users.
Sincerely,
David Coale
February 24, 2025 www.cityofpaloalto.org
2025 City Council Priority Objectives & Committee Objectives and Workplans
February 24, 2025
2025 Council Priorities & Objectives Introduction
•Lists the 68 proposed Objectives that build on the 2024 incomplete or returning objectives, department proposed, or Council suggested during the 2025 Annual Retreat.
•Reinforces the Council’s annual priority setting process
•Shares the role of Council Committees in the work ahead, including Council ad hoc committees and standing committees (committee objectives and workplans review
tonight)
•Begins discussion on the Council, community and stakeholder engagement necessary to implement the proposed Council Objectives
•Recognizes tension between capacity, resource limitations, and potential interest in
additional objectives for the year
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February 24, 2025
Discussion Facilitation
•Staff is seeking input on and approval of the 2025 Council Objectives and will guide
Council through a review and discussion of the proposed Objectives by Council Priority.
•Council Objectives are stated in a manner to reflect a milestone of completion within
calendar year 2025, work on many of these objectives will continue beyond 2025 with
subsequent milestones.
•Both estimated completion and funding needs are reflective of the 12-month
milestone goal and resource needs; additional resources are expected to be
necessary for subsequent milestones of some objectives in future years.
•Staff will guide Council to discuss the Committee objectives and Standing Committee
Workplans following discussion of Objectives
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2025 Council Priorities & Objectives (68 objectives)
Economic Development and Retail Vibrancy
# of Objectives $$ Needs
13 7
Climate Action and Adaptation & Natural Environment
Protection
# of Objectives $$ Needs
21 6
Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic
Balance
# of Objectives $$ Needs
18 4
Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging
# of Objectives $$ Needs
16 5*
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*Updated to reflect reduced funding needs upon further
consideration.
Economic Development & Retail Vibrancy (13 Objectives)
Resource Needs- $ up to 50K, $$ 51-400K, $$$ 500K+C- 2024 Carryover R- Revised Objective N-New Objective 5
Climate Action and Adaptation & Natural Environment Protection (21 Objectives)
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Implementing Housing Strategies for Social and Economic Balance (18 Objectives)
7Resource Needs- $ up to 50K, $$ 51-400K, $$$ 500K+C- 2024 Carryover R- Revised Objective N-New Objective
Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging (16 Objectives)
Resource Needs- $ up to 50K, $$ 51-400K, $$$ 500K+C- 2024 Carryover R- Revised Objective N-New Objective 8
February 24, 2025
Committee Objectives and Workplans
•Committee Objectives reflect principles reflected at the City Council Retreat:
•Ad hocs facilitate efficient Council meetings by vetting complex topics in advance
•Priorities and assignments, including ad hoc missions (objectives), will be made by the full Council to ensure transparent management of resources
•Ad hoc recommendations proceed directly to the full Council, not heard by more than one committee
•Recommendations from ad hocs will be developed in public
•Standing committee workplans reflect annual agenda items and current referrals (to the best of our knowledge) from Council
•As work progresses on the 2025 Objectives, these committees will be used for review and feedback as appropriate to ensure continued progress
•Council may discuss and identify any adjustments to the Committee Objectives and Standing Committee Workplans including updates on the status of Council referrals
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Committee Objectives
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Rail Ad Hoc Committee
The Rail Committee reviews the projects and provides recommendations to the City Council based on the Rail
Guiding principles adopted by the City Council (August 8, 2022). The projects include: the grade separations and
safety improvements at existing crossings, additional east-west bicycle and pedestrian crossings, and quiet zone
improvements. Rail committee will review and advance projects for Council approval.
With the exception of bicycle and pedestrian railway crossings, all matters related to cycling and pedestrians such
as the Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) will be reviewed by the Policy & Services Committee for
recommendations to the full City Council.
Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee
The Cubberley Ad Hoc will ensure the City Council’s vision is reflected through the master plan process and serve
as the Council ambassador for engagement with the community and building community support for
development for a new community center at the Cubberley site. This includes making recommendations to the
Council on the future operating model (e.g. services available, approach to fees & charges, space allocation) and
master plan that will successfully receive voter support in 2026.
Coordination with PAUSD on Cubberley will occur through this committee rather than CSLC. Operations, funding,
and ballot measure work (including polling) may be heard by the Finance Committee rather than the Cubberley
Ad Hoc for recommendations to the full City Council.
Committee Objectives
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Retail Ad Hoc Committee
The retail committee will provide a regular forum for business and community stakeholders to engage with
Council members on implementation of the City’s economic development strategy. The retail committee
will make recommendations to the City Council on economic development and retail vibrancy efforts, such
as additional business support, proposed University and California Avenue improvements, and citywide
retail zoning code changes.
Climate Action & Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee
The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee will support implementation of the Climate Action workplan
items of the Three-Year Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Workplan and the 2025 Council
Priority Objectives for the Climate Action & Adaptation, and Natural Environment Council priority. The
Committee will also discuss and provide input on S/CAP implementation strategy leading to Council
approval and the development of the Climate Action sections of the upcoming 2026-2027 S/CAP Workplan,
including consideration of appropriate actions toward the 2030 Carbon Neutrality goal.
Implementation of the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan will continue to be reviewed primarily by the
Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC), and recommendations for funding S/CAP programs through the
budget process will be made by the UAC and Finance Committee based on priorities established by the
Climate Action & Sustainability Committee.
Policy & Services Committee Workplan
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January
•Mayor appoints Committee and designates Chair; no Policy &
Services Committee meeting
February
•Auditor Report: Grant Management Audit
•Auditor Report: Utility Billing Audit
•Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan
•Follow Up from City Council Retreat re Umbrella Operating
Strategies
March
•Auditor Report: Dispatch Assessment
•Recommendations for Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan Phase 1
•Auditor Quarterly Report (tentative)
•Auditor Task Order Report (if needed)
April
•Update on Recent Race and Equity Work
•Legislative Update (State and Federal)
•Referral: Board and Commission Member Onboarding Support
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Auditor Report: TBD
May
•Recommended Approval of Safe Streets for All Action Plan
•Referral (2024): Establish a frequency for joint City Council
meetings or Policy & Services meeting with Boards and
Commissions, Youth Council, and meetings with Boards and
Commissions Chairs;
•Referral Follow Up: Discussion and Recommendation to Council
Regarding Potential New Procedure for Councilmembers to Make
Referrals to Staff
•Auditor Report: TBD
June
•Referral (2024): Review of an annual schedule of repeat items that occur annually on
agendas for Policy & Services, Finance Committee, and City Council along with the
approximate month they occur
•Referral (2024): Review and make recommendations for any initiatives to support and
strengthen neighborhood programs (linked to discussions in 2021)
•Audit task orders
•Tentative: Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP)
July No meeting; Council break
August
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Race and Equity Update Report
•Legislative Update (State and Federal)
September
•Auditor Report: TBD
October
•Quarterly Audit Status Report
November
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Legislative Agenda and Guidelines (can also go in December)
•Quarterly Update on Recent Race and Equity Work
December
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Procedures & Protocols Handbook Annual Discussion
•2026 City Council Priorities Discussion (focused on process, the retreat and submitted
ideas)
•Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals
Finance Committee Workplan
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January
•Mayor appoints Committee and designates Chair; usually no
FC meeting
February
•No Meeting, City Council meeting scheduled for Cubberley
visioning
March (4th & 18th)
•Planning and Development Services Municipal Fee Update
•Real Property Transaction Review
•Storm Water Management Fee
April (1st & 15th)
•Utilities Advisory Commission Rate Forecasts and Five-Year
Financial Plans: Gas, Electric, Water, Wastewater Collection
•Review Human Services Resource Allocation Program
recommended grants after Human Resources Commission
Review in March [tentative]
May (6th, 7th, & 20th)
•Annual Budget Review: Operating and Five-year Capital
Improvement Plan
o Alternative meeting times (9:00am – 5:00pm) 5/6 and
5/7
•City-wide Municipal Fee Study
June (3rd & 17th)
•Review Cubberley [tentative]
•Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Report
•Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy (to be done
by June 30 per code)
July
No meeting; Council Break
August
•Grid Modernization Capital Improvement review issuance of debt for project
financing
September
•Accept California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Pension Annual
Valuation. Reports as of June 30, 2024
o Every 3-4-year review/decision on pension funding policy assumptions next
review scheduled for FY 2026.
October
November
•Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals
•Discussion and Recommendation to the City Council to Accept the Macias Gini &
O'Connell's Audit of the City of Palo Alto's Financial Statements as of June 30, 2025
and Management Letter
•Discussion and Recommendation to Approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Approve Budget Amendments in
Various Funds
December
•Review and Forward the FY 2027 - FY 2036 Long Range Financial Forecast
•First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Report
•Preliminary Utility Rate Forecast Review
TITLE 40 FONT BOLD
Subtitle 32 font
February 24, 2025
Summary and Potential Council Direction
Summary
•Council Priority and Committee Objectives reflect Council action from retreat on January 25th
•Proposed Objectives continue work from previous year and support Council Priorities adopted, and suggested objectives at the retreat.
•Proposed Objectives described to reflect organization’s capacity to accomplish and advance within the calendar year
Potential Action:
•Council approval of 2025 Council Objectives
•Council approval of Committee Objectives and workplans
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Lupita Alamos
Assistant to the City Manager
Kiely Nose
Assistant City Manager
TITLE 40 FONT BOLD
Subtitle 32 font
February 24, 2025
Options for Additional Objectives
Priority Objectives have already been through initial vetting:
Objective → Scope → Resources Required → Schedule → 2025 Milestone
•Should Council wish to add additional objectives, staff will seek clarity on the scope of proposal and may seek the opportunity to review and provide feedback on resource needs.
•As a general path of escalation should Council seek to add:
Seek to understand from the department if the new addition is part of a current body of work/objective under way OR if it is a new effort.
If not in an existing project, seek to better understand the effort sought. Options include but
aren’t limited to referral to committee(s), colleagues' memos, etc.
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