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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2504-4466CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Monday, May 05, 2025 Council Chambers & Hybrid 5:30 PM     Agenda Item     8.2025 City Council Priority Objectives, and Committee Objectives and Workplans City Council Staff Report From: City Manager Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR Lead Department: City Manager Meeting Date: May 5, 2025 Report #:2504-4466 TITLE 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, and Committee Objectives and Workplans RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve the 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, and Committee Objectives and Workplans EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Palo Alto’s 2025 City Council Priority Objectives and associated Committee Workplans outline a comprehensive roadmap to advance the City’s core priorities throughout the calendar year. Following Council's adoption of the 2025 priorities—Economic Development & Retail Vibrancy; Climate Action and Adaptation & Natural Environment Protection; Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic Balance; and Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging—staff has developed a set of 70 objectives to be implemented in alignment with these priorities. This report reflects extensive City Council feedback from the March 17, 2025 meeting, resulting in a refined and actionable list of objectives. Each objective includes estimated completion timelines, crossover benefits across multiple priorities, and funding requirements, all of which will inform budget planning for FY 2026. The report also includes updates to the Climate Action & Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee and the Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee Objectives and includes current workplans for both the Policy & Services Committee and the Finance Committee. BACKGROUND Following the City Council approval of its Priorities, staff developed and recommended for City Council approval a set of objectives to advance each priority throughout the calendar year. The 2025 Priorities are: •Economic Development & Retail Vibrancy •Climate Action and Adaptation, & Natural Environment Protection •Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic Balance •Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging On March 17, 20251, the City Council completed its review of the proposed 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, including Committee Objectives and Workplans. This report incorporates the Council’s feedback and is recommended for final approval. Upon adoption, staff will define the scope and milestones for each objective and provide quarterly progress updates. ANALYSIS This report organizes the City Council’s feedback on the 2025 Priority Objectives, as well as Committee Objective and Workplans. A total of 70 objectives are being recommended for City Council approval, Attachment A includes the summary table with the following elements: 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. 1 March 17, 2025 City Council Meeting: https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meetings/ItemWithTemplateType?id=7574&meetingTemplateType=2&comp iledMeetingDocumentId=13521 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND RETAIL VIBRANCY Objective: (Formerly Row 10) 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) Council Feedback: This objective reflects ongoing core work, recommend removing or re- writing to reflect a specific intention. Staff Response: Objective has been removed from the list. The Retail Committee has designated committee members to serve as liaisons to various local business groups. Objective: ED6. 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 and other medium-term investments such as a Mobility Hub. City Council Feedback: Concrete action should be placed in reactivating the intermodal center and primarily the station building in recognition of future partnership with Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). Staff Response: Objective now reflects investing in the Mobility Hub as a medium-term enhancement in the Downtown area. Objective: ED 8. 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) City Council Feedback: Identify concrete actions such as milestones and completion dates. Staff Response: The near-term signage improvements for California Avenue include replacement of El Camino Real (ECR) and Oregon Expressway signs to be completed by calendar year Q3. Longer-term improvements will include formulating a comprehensive sign program, with a proposal to be developed and reviewed by Q3, and built into Fiscal Year 2027 CIP budget cycle, for implementation in Q3 of 2026. Objective: ED 12. Refine destination marketing efforts and enhance Palo Alto’s international reputation. Meet with hospitality partners and incubator/accelerators to assess willingness to partner with the City on destination marketing efforts and propose next steps, including necessary appropriation actions, to City Council. City Council Feedback: Palo Alto is internationally known for incubator and innovative businesses, we should be capitalizing on our reputation instead of losing it. Staff Response: The objective has been edited to capture City Council feedback to recognize our incubator/accelerators partners and the City of Palo Alto’s international reputation on business innovation. CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION, & NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION New Objective: CA 22. Complete implementation of the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan, including Strategy 4 – conducting a cost/benefit analysis of flexible energy resources such as battery storage and microgrids (including evaluation of the airport microgrid), and Strategy 5 – recommending potential programs for Council consideration. City Council Feedback: Initiate work on assessing how to establish a microgrid and battery storage system in Palo Alto. Staff Response: Staff has added a new objective to address City Council feedback. Objective: CA 23. 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. City Council Feedback: Keep objective high level, consider removing Palo Alto Student Coalition. Staff Response: Objective has been edited with recommended edits. New Objective: CA 25. Identify locations and design concepts for additional east-west bicycle and pedestrian crossings of the Caltrain railroad tracks in the southern part of the city. Council Feedback: There is a missing objective on the East-West bike/pedestrian grade crossing project, would like to see it listed as recommendations will come back to City Council this year. Staff Response: A new objective has been added to incorporate recommendations from the South Palo Alto Bike/Pedestrian Connectivity project, which will be reviewed by the City Council. By Q4 2025, community engagement efforts will focus on identifying preferred crossing locations, design options, and related network improvements for east-west bicycle and pedestrian grade crossings. A formal report summarizing these recommendations will be publicly circulated and presented for City Council adoption in 2026. Subsequent steps will include pursuing grant funding for final design and construction. IMPLEMENTING HOUSING STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL & ECONOMIC BALANCE Objective: IHS 48. 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) City Council Feedback: Remove Ongoing designation from the estimated completion date and add 2025 milestones. Staff Response: The above objective will be completed by Q4 of 2025. Staff plans to present the City Council with the Community Assessment in Q2, and will continue policy development and community engagement efforts through Q4 of 2025. Objective: IHS 49. 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) City Council Feedback: Remove ongoing designation for estimated completion date and add milestones for the above objective. Additionally, planning for future infrastructure needs such as bike lanes and adding park land needs to start now and should be added to the objective. Staff Response: The 2025 milestones for the above objective include securing professional services to conduct community outreach and as part of that engagement, form a community advisory committee by Q2. Community outreach will commence in Q3 and conclude by Q4. To the extent feasible and in a manner that respects the public engagement aspects of the area planning initiative, staff will engage with prominent property owners and key stakeholders on future infrastructure planning, including exploring any short-term needs to support future multi-modal improvements in the project area. Objective: IHS 50. 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) City Council Feedback: Update objective with concrete milestones and estimated completion dates. Staff Response: 2025 milestones include an exclusive negotiating agreement with Alta Housing to Council in Q2. Revised project concept design based on January 2025 Council direction, with pre-screening, if applicable, for Council consideration in Q4. Objective: IHS 53. Work with the Santa Clara County Housing Authority to determine next steps to maintain affordability and improve conditions at Buena Vista Mobile Park. (56) City Council Feedback: How will the project move forward? Identify the milestones. Staff Response: Staff plans to meet with Housing Authority regularly to identify feasible next steps. Including reviewing financing approach and maintaining Council abreast of identified options and approach. Work on this project will be reported quarterly and as necessary, with activities concluding in Q4. Objective: IHS 54. Update development impact fees for public safety, government facilities, housing, transportation, parks, and community services. Conduct a nexus and feasibility study to ensure housing remains viable. Consider potential policy to waive impact fees associated with for low-income inclusionary units with when 20% of the units are deed restricted. (Housing Element Programs 2.1B; 3.1 B&C) City Council Feedback: Update objective with concrete milestones and estimated completion dates. Staff Response: In Q2, a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to conduct a feasibility study on development impact fees and ensure housing production remains viable. Explore solutions that ensure housing production viability by considering waiving fees for low-income units. The project will begin in Q3. New Objective: IHS 55. Present options to address homelessness impacts, particularly relating to individuals living in vehicles, to Policy & Services Committee for prioritization. Identify feasible regulatory approaches to manage the use of public space and policy solutions to expand RV safe parking. Present options to the Policy & Services Committee for consideration and prioritization. City Council Feedback: None Staff Response: New objective has been added to address homelessness impacts, in particular, solutions to manage RV safe parking originally discussed during the February 10th City Council Study Session. New Objective: IHS 56. Identify and evaluate Organize an initial review of sources and methods to raise funding to support new affordable housing production for future evaluation. Conduct research to identify and evaluate sources and methods. Present findings Work with Finance Committee to develop recommendations for City Council direction. City Council Feedback: Identifying funding strategies is a key strategy to advance affordable housing production in the city. Add back objective “n” from the Staff Not Recommended list. Staff Response: Objective n has been added to the 2025 Priority and Objectives list and staff has also added it to the Finance Committee Workplan. PUBLIC SAFETY, WELLNESS & BELONGING Objective: PS 62. Implement the 2024-2025 Equity Wellness & Belonging Action Plan. Complete the 28 action items in the action plan in collaboration with partners. City Council Feedback: Edit title of the action plan while continuing to implement the strategies within the plan. Staff Response: The 2024-2025 Equity Action plan will be renamed to the 2024-2025 Wellness & Belonging Action Plan. Objective: PS. 63 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) City Council Feedback: Update objective with concrete milestones and estimated completion dates. Staff Response: In Q1, City Council reviewed and provided feedback on the Special Events Workplan. Staff has begun implementing the Workplan and will be providing quarterly updates, concluding in Q4 of 2025. Objective: (Formerly Row 67) 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) City Council Feedback: This objective is “business as usual,” the Police Department should continue efforts to reduce officer vacancies but does not need to be reflected on the list of 2025 Priority Objectives. Staff Response: Objective has been removed. Objective: PS 64. 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) City Council Feedback: Update objective with concrete milestones and estimated completion dates. Staff Response: Estimated completion date has been updated to Q4, staff will continue to provide quarterly updates on progress. Objective: PS 67. 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 City Council Feedback: Update objective with concrete milestones and estimated completion dates. Staff Response: Q1 Enhanced accommodation request process for community, partnered with local organization to expand inclusive programs and events including Magical Bridge and Community Advisory Committee for Special Education in Palo Alto (CAC). Q2 Launch City of Palo Alto Therapeutic Recreation programs that foster emotional and social connection, as well as physical movement. Q3 Implement a new summer aide staff position to support our expansive and diverse summer camp programs. Q4 Continue to support community partnerships, facilitate City sponsored Therapeutic Recreation programs, and provide accommodation support for the community. Objective: PS 68. Support Community Mental Health. Provide support for all ages through community partnerships, programs, and initiatives. (65) City Council Feedback: Update objective with concrete milestones and estimated completion dates. Consider adding a partnership with the Jed Foundation. Staff Response: 2025 milestones under this objective will include that by Q4, the City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto School District further refine the scope with stakeholders for Council discussion and potential direction and for continued collaboration with the School District. Objective: PS 69. 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. City Council Feedback: Update objective with concrete milestones and estimated completion dates. Staff Response: Engagement with business owners to establish a Business Watch Program will be initiated in early 2025 and implemented by Q4 of 2025. Objective: PS 70. 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) City Council Feedback: Update objective with concrete milestones and estimated completion dates. Staff Response: Milestones for the update of the Seismic Hazards Ordinance will include the update of the eligible buildings list (Task A) from the previous study and present findings to the City Council by Q3. COMMITTEE WORKPLANS AND OBJECTIVES In addition to reviewing 2025 Priority Objectives, the City Council also reviewed Committee Objectives (Attachment B), Policy & Services Workplan (Attachment C), and Finance Committee Workplan (Attachment D). Climate Action & Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee The City Council provided feedback on the Climate Action & Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee objectives, requesting that it reflect more of the work on the sustainability aspect of the Climate Action & Sustainability Plan. The Ad Hoc Committee’s objective has been edited as follows: The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee will support implementation 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 recommendations on S/CAP implementation strategy leading to Council approval and the development of the upcoming 2026-2027 S/CAP Workplan, including consideration of appropriate actions toward the 2030 Carbon Neutrality goal. Recommendations for funding S/CAP programs through the budget process will be made by the Utility Advisory Commission (UAC) and Finance Committee based on priorities established by the Climate Action & Sustainability Committee. Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee The Council reverted the Cubberley Committee to a non-Brown Act Ad Hoc at the March 10th City Council meeting2. As a non-Brown Act body, the Cubberley Ad Hoc must work on a set subject and timeframe. Staff recommends the following purpose statement. Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee (as a non-Brown Act body) - The Cubberley Ad Hoc will review and advise staff on efforts related to polling and development of a ballot measure that will successfully receive voter support in 2026. Efforts include polling, financial and revenue forecasting, master planning, and community outreach to complete the Master Plan and place a measure on the November 2026 ballot. Policy & Services Committee Workplan Committee workplans will continue to evolve as City Council advances objectives within each Priority. Each workplan also reflects City Council referrals throughout the year on other important City projects. Staff inadvertently left out a referral on gas powered leaf blowers. The following City Council referral will be retained for future consideration of the Policy & Services Committee: •Refer to Policy & Services Committee discussion considering a ban on gas powered leaf blowers citywide and evaluate replacement of internal combustion engines for residences and commercial properties maintenance based on available replacement 2 March 10, 2025, City Council Action Minutes file:///C:/Users/lalamos/Downloads/Meetings2415Action%20Minutes_20250311233000342.pdf technologies. Discussion should also address evaluation of decibel levels for leaf blower equipment. 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 16, 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: 2025 City Council Priority Objectives Attachment B: 2025 Committee Objectives Attachment C: 2025 Policy & Services Committee Workplan Attachment D: 2025 Finance Committee Workplan APPROVED BY: Ed Shikada, City Manager ATTACHMENT A 2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES Council Priority OBJECTIVES (70 in total) Economic Development & Retail Vibrancy (ED) 1 X 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 X2 3 X X R 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) 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 4 5 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 XNCouncil 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 6 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 and other medium‐term investments such as a Mobility Hub . X $$ 7 8 X X X X X X R R Council approval of Ramona Street design and funding appropriations. Engage stakeholders to develop design proposals for Car‐Free Ramona Street and present to Council for necessary funding appropriations to implement initial phase(s). (4) X X X $$ $$$ $$$ $$ Council approval of a final signage plan for California Avenue and funding appropriations. Review the signage plan for California Avenue with the Architectural Review Board (ARB), incorporate feedback, and seek Council approval to implement the plan. (2) 9 R Council approval of a design option for California Ave. Engage stakeholders to refine alternative street designs for California Avenue and present them to Council for discussion and action, including funding appropriations to pursue a street design. (3) 10 11 12 X X N N N Begin feasibility analysis of Assessment District for University Avenue Streetscape. Conduct analysis to determine practicality of an assessment district or similarly funding strategy as a funding mechanism for capital enhancements to University Avenue Streetscape. X X X Propose and implement outdoor activation guidelines for Car‐Free Ramona Street. Initiate implementation of Council approved outdoor activity guidelines informed by continued engagement with stakeholders on a refined priorities and recommendations. $$ Refine destination marketing efforts and enhance Palo Alto’s international reputation. Meet with hospitality partners and incubator/accelerators to assess $$ willingness to partner with the City on destination marketing efforts and propose next steps, including necessary appropriation actions, to City Council. Climate Action and Adaptation, & Natural Environment Protection (CA) 13 14 X X X X R 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 XBegin 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) Page 1 of 5 ATTACHMENT A 2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES Council Priority OBJECTIVES (70 in total) 15 16 X X C R 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 homes. (16) X X X 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 17 18 19 X X X C C R Council consideration of an ordinance implementing updated Stream/Creek Corridor Setback requirements. (34) Council consideration of an ordinance implementing Bird Safe Glass & Wildlife Light Pollution Protections standards. (35) 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 X 20 21 22 X X X R N N 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 X 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. Complete implementation of the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan, including Strategy 4 – conducting a cost/benefit analysis of flexible energy resources such as battery storage and microgrids (including evaluation of the airport microgrid), and Strategy 5 – recommending potential programs for Council consideration. 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. 23 24 X X N R X XXRefine 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 each of the three crossings. (30) 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 X X X X X X X X X X N C R N C R C Identify locations and design concepts for additional east‐west bicycle and pedestrian crossings of the Caltrain railroad tracks in the southern part of the city.X X X X X Advocate for the San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection capital project (Reach 2) through Council’s JPA representation and any Council approvals involved. (31) 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) Initiate Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Clearance Work for Quarry Road Extension in Partnership with Stanford University, Caltrans, & VTA. Complete deployment of 65,000 residential Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters by end of FY 2025 and begin deployment of commercial AMI meters. (13) 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 $ X 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) 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 $$ 32 33 X X R $$ $$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. Page 2 of 5 ATTACHMENT A 2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES Council Priority OBJECTIVES (70 in total) 34 35 X X R R Council approval for Phase 2 (full service program) of the Advanced Whole Home Electrification Pilot Program and begin implementation. (19)X X $$$ Develop an Advanced Commercial Rooftop HVAC Pilot Program proposal and review with the Climate Action and Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee for recommendation to Council. (20) $$$ 36 37 X N R Propose an updated multifamily EV charger program (EV 2.0) for Council approval.X $$$ Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic Balance (IHS) X Prepare an ordinance for Council review expanding the housing focus area. Increase housing development potential along El Camino Real and consideration of an X exemption from payment of development impact fees for inclusionary units under certain circumstances, consistent with Housing Element Program 3.4 E. (41) 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 X X X X X X X C N C R R R R 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 XPrepare 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. 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 X 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) Report out on initial data from the rental registry program and project implementation; receive feedback and recommendations for next steps. (57) 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 XExtend 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) 45 46 X X N 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 XIdentify 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. 47 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 48 49 X X R 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) 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) 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 XX X X X 50 X R X Page 3 of 5 ATTACHMENT A 2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES Council Priority OBJECTIVES (70 in total) 51 52 53 X X X R R C 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) 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) Work with the Santa Clara County Housing Authority to determine next steps to maintain affordability and improve conditions at Buena Vista Mobile Park. (56) Meet with Housing Authority regularly to identify feasible next steps. Review financing approach and options. Update Council on identified, proposed next steps and approach. X X X $$ X X $$ $X X54XX N Update development impact fees for public safety, government facilities, housing, transportation, parks, and community services. Conduct a nexus and feasibility study to ensure housing remains viable. Consider potential policy to waive impact fees associated with for low‐income inclusionary units with when 20% of the units are deed restricted. (Housing Element Programs 2.1B; 3.1 B&C) (Housing Element Programs 2.1B; 3.1 B&C) X $$ 55 56 X X X N N Present options to address homelessness impacts, particularly relating to individuals living in vehicles, to Policy & Services Committee for prioritization. Identify feasible (1) regulatory approaches to manage the use of public space and (2) policy solutions to expand RV safe parking. Present options to P&S for consideration and prioritization.X Initiate the evaluation Organize an initial review of sources and methods to raise funding to support new affordable housing production for future evaluation.X $ Conduct research to identify and evaluate sources and methods. Work with Finance Committee to develop recommendations for City Council. Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging (PS) 57 58 X X C 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 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 59 60 61 X X X C N R Council approval of construction contract for Fire Station No. 4 Replacement project and initiation of construction. (73)X XActivate a fire engine at Fire Station 4. Augment staffing at Fire Station 4 to deploy either ambulance or fire engine response. 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 62 63 X X N R Implement the 2024‐2025 Equity Wellness & Belonging Action Plan. Complete the 28 action items in the action plan in collaboration with partners.X XImplement 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) Ongoing 64 65 66 X X X C R 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 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 $$ $$Council Approval of Quiet Zone Concept Plans at Churchill Ave, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Rd Rail Crossings. (76) Page 4 of 5 ATTACHMENT A 2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES Council Priority OBJECTIVES (70 in total) 67 X N Enhance and Expand Inclusive Programs and Services. Enhance services to support individuals with disabilities seeking accommodation support, expand X $ community partnerships that serve the disability community, and implement new therapeutic recreation programs 68 69 X X R N Support Community Mental Health. Provide support for all ages through community partnerships, programs, and initiatives. (65) 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 X $ $$X 70 X R Initiate an update to the City’s seismic hazards ordinance. Conduct an assessment of previous study, update potentially eligible buildings, and begin work on X $$ seismic hazard identify and mitigation ordinance. (75) $ ‐ 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 Page 5 of 5 ATTACHMENT B 2025 Committee Objectives And meeting schedules Rail Ad Hoc Committee To meet every third Tuesday of 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 Meets as needed Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee (as a non-Brown Act body) - The Cubberley Ad Hoc will review and advise staff on efforts related to polling and development of a ballot measure that will successfully receive voter support in 2026. Efforts include polling, financial and revenue forecasting, master planning, and community outreach to complete the Master Plan and place a measure on the November 2026 ballot. 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 on the third Wednesday of 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 B 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 recommendations 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 rRecommendations 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 C Finance Committee: See Attachment D City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – April 2025 ATTACHMENT C UPDATED POLICY & SERVICES TENTATIVE TOPICS CALENDAR 2025 As of April 24, 2025 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 •Recommendations for Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan Phase 1 (continued item) •Auditor Quarterly Report April •Legislative Update (State and Federal) •Auditor Report: Wildfire •Auditor Report: Risk Assessment and Annual Audit Plan (might move to May) •Referral (3/10/2025): Discuss interviewing process for Boards and Commissions May •Recommended Approval of Safe Streets for All Action Plan •Discussion and Direction on Establishing Council Chambers Facilities Use and Reservation Policy and Procedures •Update on Recent Wellness and Belonging Work •Referral Follow Up: Discussion and Recommendation to Council Regarding Potential New Procedure for Councilmembers to Make Referrals to Staff Besides Colleagues’ Memo •Informational: Auditor 3rd Quarter Status Report City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – April 2025 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 •Nonprofit funding recommendations for 2025-2026 •Tentative: Auditor Report: Dispatch Assessment •Tentative: Auditor Report: Purchasing Card Audit •Tentative: Auditor Report: CSD Equipment and Materials Inventory Management Audit •Referral: Board and Commission Member Onboarding Support July No meeting; Council break August •Auditor Report: PS Overtime •Auditor Report: Building Permit and Inspection Fees •Wellness and Belonging Update Report •Unhoused services prioritization discussion (re the ‘Previous Council Discussions’ items below) September •Auditor Report: Junior Museum and Zoo •Tentative: Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) •Auditor Report: Annual Follow-up on Audit Recommendations •Legislative Update (State and Federal) •Legislative Agenda and Guidelines – Will also include the Legislative Manual October •Quarterly Audit Status Report •Referral (2024): Policy & Services to review and make recommendations for any initiatives to support and strengthen neighborhood programs (linked to discussions in 2021) •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; November •Auditor Report: TBD •Quarterly Update on Recent Wellness and Belonging Work •Legislation anything after the September discussion December •Auditor Report: TBD •Procedures & Protocols Handbook Discussion (Annual Discussion) •2026 City Council Priorities Discussion (focused on process, the retreat and submitted ideas) City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – April 2025 •Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals •Informational: Update of Legislation 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 (Committee action completed. 4.Initial Discussion Regarding Potential New Procedure for Councilmembers Referrals to Staff 5.Directly elected Mayor discussions Pending Referrals: 1. Continued follow up of: Seismic Ordinance Update 2. Leaf blowers (2023 discussion continued) 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 D 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