HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2503-4334CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Monday, March 17, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
AA1.Adoption of a Resolution Responding to Federal Actions New Item Added
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CITY COUNCIL
Colleague’s Memo
Sponsor(s): Vice Mayor Veenker
Councilmember Stone
Meeting Date: March 17, 2025
TITLE
Adoption of a Resolution Responding to Federal Actions
RECOMMENDATION
In response to direction from the City Council, the ad hoc committee of Vice Mayor Veenker
and Councilmember Stone have prepared and recommend the attached amended Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Resolution Reaffirming Council's Commitment to Palo Alto Values and Interests
in the Context of Recent Federal Administration Actions
Report #: 2503-4334
NOT YET APPROVED
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Resolution No. ________
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Reaffirming Council’s Commitment to Palo Alto
Values and Interests in the Context of Recent Federal Administration Actions
R E C I T A L S
A. The Palo Alto City Council has previously adopted values to guide its decision making:
1. Balance revenues and expenses, now and in the future.
2. Are environmentally sustainable, now and in the future.
3. Will integrate equity into our decisions, considering how decisions affect people
differently based on their identity or circumstances.
4. Create a healthy, safe and welcoming community for all.
5. Will safeguard public trust through transparent practices and open communication.
6. Will embrace innovation.
B. An unprecedented number of Executive Orders have been issued this year, including
those that could severely reduce funds and grants upon which Palo Altans rely and
diminish federal agencies providing services to Palo Alto, are likely illegal, and are in
conflict with our stated values.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1.
The Council reaffirms its commitment to Palo Alto Values as embodied in its previously-adopted
values and previously-adopted legislative guidelines, which support policies that reflect:
○Support for transparent government and the rule of law, including respect for
court decisions;
○Protecting federal grant funding and contracts upon which the City government,
businesses, or residents rely;
○Support for federal workers and the expertise they deploy in providing valuable
services for the City, and oppose unlawful terminations or terminations that put
critical services in jeopardy;
○Support for climate action and adaptation, environmental justice, natural
environment protection, local authority to address climate change, and
collaboration regionally, nationally and internationally to accomplish these goals;
○Support for protecting sensitive data of the City, our residents, and our
businesses, and ensuring that access to critical information and proprietary
information is consistent with privacy and proprietary rights;
○Support for the safety of Palo Altans by supporting sufficient resources for
national security agencies to respond to security threats and prevent domestic
terrorism;
NOT YET APPROVED
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○Support for science and access to healthcare, including the need for experts to
make decisions on issues of scientific protocol and funding priorities;
○Support measures that protect immigrants from unlawful or inhumane
deportation efforts; and
○Consistent with the Council priority to be a place of belonging for all, foster a
diverse and inclusive community and support equity and racial justice.
SECTION 2. The City will
•Communicate with residents about risks to the City due to federal government activity
inconsistent with Palo Alto Values, and about the City’s response;
•Share this Resolution with our Congressional and State representatives and advocate for
and support policies that align with Palo Alto Values;
•Collaborate with other cities and counties to advocate for and support policies that
reflect our common values; and
•Take legal action with Council approval, including bringing or joining lawsuits, or filing or
joining amicus briefs, to protect and promote Palo Alto Values; these opportunities may
be presented to Council for consideration and approval
1.Per existing colleagues memo practices, including the agendizing of the item for
closed session by the City Attorney; or
2.Pursuant to a recommendation from the Policy and Services Committee, which
will consider such items in a closed session committee meeting if brought
forward by the City Manager or any two council members.
SECTION 3. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution does not meet the
definition of a project under Public Resources Code Section 21065, thus, no environmental
assessment under the California Environmental Quality Act is required.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
NOT YET APPROVED
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APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Attorney City Manager