HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2503-4420CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Monday, May 05, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
3.Proclamation of May 2025 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 5, 2025
Report #:2503-4420
TITLE
Proclamation of May 2025 as Affordable Housing Month
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the 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.
This year, the City is hosting an Affordable Housing Resources Fair on May 17, 2025, from 11:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on City Hall King Plaza. 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. Residents and stakeholders are
encouraged to attend this event celebrating Affordable Housing Month in Palo Alto. More
information on the event is available at: www.cityofpaloalto.org/housingfair.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Affordable Housing Month Proclamation
APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director
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 Council adopted the 6th Cycle Housing Element that outlines how 6,086 new housing
units can be accommodated within Palo Alto by 2031, and includes implementation programs to increase the
number affordable housing units; and
WHEREAS, the City remains active in supporting affordable housing development and commits financial
assistance for projects that include much needed lower-income units, including the recently-funded Charities
Housing development at 3001 El Camino Real; and
WHEREAS, the City has implemented meaningful housing actions by identifying affordable housing
redevelopment opportunities on 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 has implemented meaningful actions to help those experiencing homelessness in Palo
Alto through making permanent its safe parking ordinance, piloting an outreach worker program, providing an
overnight warming location, and providing funding and partnering to build an interim housing shelter on City-
owned land; and
WHEREAS, the City actively pursues State and Federal grant funds for affordable housing development,
preservation, and rehabilitation; and
WHERAS, the City is hosting an Affordable Housing Resources Fair on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in King
Plaza (in front of City Hall). More information on the event is available at: www.cityofpaloalto.org/housingfair;
and
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.
Proclamation
NOW, THEREFORE I, Ed Lauing, 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 5, 2024
______________________________ Ed Lauing Mayor