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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-05 City Council Summary MinutesCITY COUNCIL SUMMARY MINUTES Page 1 of 9 Regular Meeting January 5, 2026 The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers and by virtual teleconference at 5:30 p.m. Present In Person: Burt, Lauing, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, Stone, Veenker Present Remotely: None Absent: None Call to Order Councilmember Lauing called the meeting to order and welcomed the elected officials in attendance, including Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, Congressional Aide Nicholas Hargis representing Congressman Liccardo’s office, Alex Kobayashi from Senator Becker’s office, Helen Wolter from Assemblymember Marc Berman’s office, VTA Board Chair Sergio Lopez, Santa Clara County Assessor Neysa Fligor, Foothill-De Anza Board President Terry Godfrey and Los Altos Hills Councilmember Linda Swan. 2026 Mayor and Vice Mayor Election 1. Election of the 2026 Mayor Councilmember Lauing thanked the residents of Palo Alto, Councilmember Veenker and Council Members, City Manager, Acting City Attorney and City staff for their work and support during his term as Mayor. Councilmember Lauing encouraged everyone to read about the Council’s 2025 accomplishments in the December 26 issue of the Palo Alto Weekly. Councilmember Lauing read the election procedure from the manual. Councilmember Lauing invited nominations from Council Members for the position of Mayor. Council Members may nominate themselves or another Council Member. No second was required. Four votes were required for appointment. Councilmember Lauing nominated Councilmember Veenker for Mayor for 2026. Councilmember Lauing observed Councilmember Veenker successfully demonstrate leadership on various issues and while chairing many internal and external committees and regional boards. Councilmember Lauing noted Councilmember Veenker had great people skills, critical skills and good judgment when making a decision or recommendation and proactively addressed issues and problems. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 2 of 9 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 1/5/2026 Councilmember Veenker accepted the nomination. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims expressed thanks to Councilmember Lauing for his service as Mayor in 2025 and to Councilmember Veenker for accepting the nomination for Mayor for 2026. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims was grateful for Councilmember Veenker’s leadership in the Cubberley real estate negotiations, for bringing a conversation to the Council about the impact of oversized vehicles parked alongside city streets, and for working with Councilmember Stone on a Unity Statement in the wake of the October 7 attacks. Councilmember Lythcott- Haims spoke of Councilmember Veenker’s passion for science, climate change and sustainability, which had taken Palo Alto onto an international stage. Councilmember Stone appreciated Councilmember Lauing’s service as Mayor in 2025. Councilmember Stone was excited for Councilmember Veenker to step into the role of Mayor for 2026. Councilmember Stone highlighted Councilmember Veenker’s mediation the Unity Statement. Councilmember Reckdahl believed that Councilmember Veenker did an excellent job in 2025 and would be a wonderful Mayor. Councilmember Reckdahl echoed comments about Councilmember Veenker’s work on climate action. Councilmember Lu thought Councilmember Veenker was a great communicator and had been a committed leader for Palo Alto and the region. Councilmember Lu echoed previous comments about Councilmember Veenker’s work on Cubberley, the Unity Statement and various committee issues. Councilmember Lu was pleased to support the nomination of Councilmember Veenker for Mayor for 2026. Councilmember Burt thanked Councilmember Lauing for his year of service as Mayor in 2025 . Councilmember Burt appreciated Councilmember Lauing’s help in leading the Council and the City toward the furthering of the City Council’s goals and values as a community, and for tackling problems and challenges in a focused, even -keeled manner. Councilmember Burt was in support of Councilmember Veenker as Mayor for 2026. Councilmember Veenker held a leadership role at the Regional Air Quality Board. Councilmember Burt noted Councilmember Veenker’s commitment to climate policy and public policy. Public Comment: VTA Board Chair Sergio Lopez expressed appreciation for Councilmember Lauing’s service and for the time shared with him in discussing local issues. VTA Board Chair Lopez congratulated and offered his support to the next Mayor of Palo Alto. NOMINATION: Councilmember Lauing nominated Councilmember Veenker for Mayor for 2026. NOMINATION FOR COUNCILMEMBER VEENKER AS MAYOR FOR 2026 PASSED: 7-0 Mary Hughes administered the Oath of Office and Councilmember Veenker was sworn in as Mayor for 2026. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 3 of 9 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 1/5/2026 Mayor Veenker said that meeting milestones on greater housing for all residents, continuing to lead on climate action and improving the Cubberley Community Center were the key to a successful 2026. Regarding housing, Mayor Veenker emphasized prioritizing the opening of Project Homekey before the Council’s summer break, accelerating an RFP for affordable senior housing at the City-owned parking lot behind Avenidas Senior Center downtown, and ensure that staff had enough resources to obtain HCD’s Prohousing designation this year for the City to access affordable housing funds from the Prohousing incentive program and have priority status when applying for various funding programs. The new 2-year work plan coming to the Council would include carbon neutrality. Mayor Veenker was proud to announce that the City was working with Stanford University to convene a conference this year on sustainable data centers to explore best practices and potential solutions such as model ordinances. After almost 20 years of effort, the City reached an agreement last year with the School District to pursue upgrading Cubberley. A resident-driven, right-sized Cubberley Community Center proposal on the November ballot would help realize the promise of this community treasure. Mayor Veenker shared how she was inspired by her 2 daughters and her husband. Mayor Veenker believed this would be a successful year if we all prioritized mutual respect, true communication and center on those whom we serve. 2. Election of the 2026 Vice Mayor Mayor Veenker invited nominations from Council Members for the position of Vice Mayor for 2026. Council Members may nominate themselves or another Council Member. No second was required. Councilmember Lu nominated Councilmember Stone as Vice Mayor for 2026. The Vice Mayor helped plan the Council’s agendas and filled in when the Mayor was unavailable. Councilmember Lu noted it was the Council’s norm for the Vice Mayor to become the Mayor in the following year. Councilmember Stone earned nearly 15,000 votes in the 2024 election cycle. Councilmember Lu highlighted Councilmember Stone’s work on housing, water and environmental issues, the El Camino focus area, the Unity Statement, leading efforts on mental health, assembling the youth taskforce and engagement with The Jed Foundation. Councilmember Lu noted that Councilmember Stone had been on many ad hoc committees, led in many of Council’s closed sessions, and represented Palo Alto’s interests well with BAWSCA, the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority, San Francisco Airport and others. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims advised her fellow Council Members to make a deliberate choice about who was the right person to lead in this moment. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims felt there were others better suited than she was to assume the Vice Mayor leadership role at this time. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims nominated Councilmember Reckdahl for Vice Mayor for 2026. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims highlighted Councilmember Reckdahl’s wisdom, collaborative and collegial manner, excellent reputation, leadership and devotion. Councilmember Reckdahl had served on the PTC, PRC, Cubberley Ad Hoc, Oversized Vehicles Ad SUMMARY MINUTES Page 4 of 9 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 1/5/2026 Hoc, and on various committees including the NVCAP, XCAP, Housing Element, and Comprehensive Plan among others. On the Finance Committee, Councilmember Lythcott-Haims noted Councilmember Reckdahl’s approach to the City’s challenging budget situation was very astute and informative. On the Retail Committee, Councilmember Lythcott-Haims observed Councilmember Reckdahl’s enthusiasm and excitement for improving Palo Alto’s retail districts was matched by his pragmatism. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims said she had the utmost respect for Councilmember Stone and did not doubt that Councilmember Stone would make an excellent Vice Mayor again. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims nominated Councilmember Reckdahl because she felt he was more than ready to take this step and she did not see a need to rotate in the Council’s most experienced member when the bench was strong and deep. Councilmember Stone expressed appreciation for Councilmember Lu’s nomination. Councilmember Stone noted the Council did their best work when in a collaborative mindset. Councilmember Reckdahl said that serving as Vice Mayor would provide him an opportunity to make the community better. Councilmember Burt acknowledged that both nominees for Vice Mayor were strong candidates. Councilmember Burt believed that Councilmember Reckdahl was exceptionally qualified to serve in leadership, so he strongly supported Councilmember Reckdahl as Vice Mayor for 2026. Councilmember Reckdahl’s interactions with his colleagues on the Finance Committee, Cubberley Committee, chairing the Retail Committee and on the Council earned Councilmember Burt’s respect. Councilmember Reckdahl had leadership roles on the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning and Transportation Commission before serving on the Council. Councilmember Reckdahl chaired the Business Tax Committee that brought millions of dollars to the City for affordable housing, transportation and public safety. Councilmember Burt noted Councilmember Reckdahl had an unpretentious leadership style, was civic-minded, and committed, a problem solver who treated everyone with respect and fairness, and listened to colleagues and the community with an open mind. Councilmember Burt observed that Councilmember Reckdahl was focused on real issues in part because of being focused on serving the community exceptionally well instead of just political ambition. Councilmember Lauing said Councilmember Reckdahl was the breadth candidate because he was involved in many things; however, Councilmember Stone had many years of relationships and collaboration. The relationship between the Mayor and Vice Mayor was critical. Councilmember Stone’s accomplishments in the past 5 years on the Council exposed him to more situations. Councilmember Lauing felt that Councilmember Stone would be the best Vice Mayor for this year. Mayor Veenker supported the nomination of Councilmember Stone for Vice Mayor for 2026 . Mayor Veenker stated she had tremendous respect for Councilmember Reckdahl and had seen his analytical approach to addressing problems. Mayor Veenker and Councilmember Stone had done a lot of good work together and collaborated on a variety of projects, including the Unity Statement regarding the war on Gaza; therefore, Mayor Veenker felt they would have a strong SUMMARY MINUTES Page 5 of 9 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 1/5/2026 partnership going forward. Mayor Veenker noticed Councilmember Stone always put residents first. When out in public, Mayor Veenker observed many residents come up to Councilmember Stone to talk to him about an issue or matter that Councilmember Stone helped them on. Mayor Veenker respected Councilmember Lu’s and Councilmember Lythcott-Haims’ decision that it was not the right time for them to move into leadership; however, it was important for the Council to keep in mind that organizations having a diversity of perspectives on the body and in the leadership team performed better. Mayor Veenker emphasized the need to be conscious and intentional about whom the Council selected in the future to ensure appropriate representation and diversity of perspective and talent for the demands of making decisions about our diverse community. Public Comment: 1. Elizabeth A. supported Councilmember Reckdahl’s campaign last year and appreciated his service. Elizabeth A. said that Councilmember Reckdahl loved the city and she wanted him to have a leadership role on the Council. 2. Henry E. commented that Councilmember Lythcott-Haims had the strength of service beyond anyone else and he wanted her to be elected as Vice Mayor; however, she chose not to run despite his arguments. Henry E. wanted to introduce democracy into Palo Alto by having public elections for Mayor and Vice Mayor. Henry E. believed the City Council method of government should be overturned because he thought it was a hidden autocracy with the City Manager hiring consultants to do what he wished. Henry E. endorsed Councilmember Reckdahl in an ad for the 2024 campaign election. Henry E. felt that both candidates were highly qualified and had devoted great service to the city. Henry E. endorsed Councilmember Reckdahl for 2026 Vice Mayor. Councilmember Reckdahl had not held the Vice Mayor position previously and the other candidate had. Henry E. opined Councilmember Stone was a good fellow but he had his faults. Councilmember Stone was invited as Mayor to a campaign event held at Oak Creek and said he was happy to come and give opening remarks but he was a no-show. City Clerk Mahealani Ah Yun sent electronic ballots to each Council Member via their City email. NOMINATION: Councilmember Lu nominated Councilmember Stone for Vice Mayor for 2026. NOMINATION: Councilmember Lythcott-Haims nominated Councilmember Reckdahl for Vice Mayor for 2026. Voting for the position of Vice Mayor with term ending December 31, 2026: Voting For: Reckdahl Burt, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl (3) Stone Lauing, Lu, Stone, Veenker (4) SUMMARY MINUTES Page 6 of 9 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 1/5/2026 NOMINATION FOR COUNCILMEMBER STONE AS VICE MAYOR FOR 2026 PASSED: 4-3 Mary Hughes administered the Oath of Office and Councilmember Stone was sworn in as Vice Mayor for 2026. Action Items 3. Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to Ed Lauing as 2025 Mayor Mayor Veenker read the resolution. Councilmember Lauing served on local and regional bodies including Avenidas, the Cities Association of Santa Clara County, Chair of the Oversized Vehicle Ad Hoc Committee, Council Liaison to the Utilities Advisory Commission and Stanford University, and member the Rail Committee. Councilmember Lauing strongly advocated locally and directly to the State Legislature for new housing in Palo Alto, led the Council on an approach to create more housing with a heavy focus on deed-restricted affordable housing, advised the Planning Department on zoning and program policy options, and interacted with many developers. As a result, 2000 housing units were in the pipeline. Councilmember Lauing met with numerous neighborhood groups and created the Mayor’s Press and Community Forum to increase transparency and outreach. Councilmember Lauing led an effort to create a City resolution authorizing Council participation in lawsuits aligned with Palo Altan values versus the Trump Administration’s attempts to stifle diversity and defund federal grants. Councilmember Lauing created ad hoc committees for the Council to work in depth on grade crossing safety, synthetic turf, oversized vehicle parking and SB 79 downtown housing. Councilmember Lauing engaged with elected leaders in Santa Clara County, California state government, federal government and international partners to advance issues of importance to Palo Alto. The resolution mentioned that Councilmember Lauing’s tenure as Mayor exemplified his innovative vision, tenacity and dedication toward the betterment of Palo Alto . Councilmember Lu was grateful for Councilmember Lauing serving as Mayor last year. Councilmember Lu mentioned Councilmember Lauing’s work on Council and in the community. Councilmember Lu noted Councilmember Lauing operated with a calm demeanor and common sense while showing dignity, compassion and care to every person who spoke to the Council or whom he met in public events. Councilmember Lauing had set action items for the Council to discuss how to work together and how they could improve. Councilmember Lu appreciated the way Councilmember Lauing led the Council. Vice Mayor Stone said Councilmember Lauing led the Council in 2025 with steadiness, integrity, a genuine commitment to public service, a deep sense of care for Palo Alto and a cool sense of humor which was needed in this position. Vice Mayor Stone felt that Councilmember Lauing brought a calm and thoughtful presence to the role of Mayor and embodied what government can and should be. Leadership was about creating space for others to contribute, ensuring every voice was heard and keeping Council discussions focused. Public service was about SUMMARY MINUTES Page 7 of 9 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 1/5/2026 responsibility, patience and persistence. Vice Mayor Stone mentioned that Councilmember Lauing had been a trusted colleague, showed up prepared, listen ed and was willing to engage honestly and that kind of leadership built credibility. Councilmember Burt emphasized Councilmember Lauing’s decades of service to the community beginning with leadership in youth sports, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning and Transportation Commission and on the Council. Councilmember Burt observed Councilmember Lauing had an eye to the future, always thinking about where we were going, how we could make our community better and how we could serve all in the community. Councilmember Burt expressed his appreciation for Councilmember Lauing’s tenure as Mayor. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims commented that Councilmember Lauing’s exceptional reputation permeated the City’s consciousness. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims immensely respected Councilmember Lauing’s frank bluntness, speaking his mind and being clear about what he believed in and what was right. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims highlighted Councilmember Lauing’s combination of being smart and practical, focusing on what could actually get done, his sense of humor, huge heart, as well as his profound and deep care for Palo Alto’s residents, businesses, property owners, visitors and future residents. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims mentioned Councilmember Lauing’s advocacy for affordable housing. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims acknowledged Councilmember Lauing’s wife for her support. Councilmember Lauing’s presence on various commissions made it more productive and enjoyable for Councilmember Reckdahl. Councilmember Reckdahl felt that Councilmember Lauing did a great job as Mayor, ran the Council’s meetings well, had a calm and pleasant demeanor on the dais, and handled community events with grace and ease. Mayor Veenker thanked Councilmember Lauing for being a good leader and said it was a joy working with him. Mayor Veenker highlighted Councilmember Lauing’s care, respect, great leadership style, hard work and gentle sense of humor. Mayor Veenker was impressed that Councilmember Lauing strived to accommodate Council Members when possible, said no in a gentle but firm way when necessary and never raised his voice. Councilmember Lauing kept his promise to be available to the press and the community throughout the year with his great Mayoral briefings. Mayor Veenker had been exploring communication options and would announce those later in the month. Councilmember Lauing encouraged collaboration and gave people confidence in getting to a yes, which Mayor Veenker wanted to continue. Councilmember Lauing fostered an environment where Council Members could work through an issue, express different viewpoints, listen to each other, adjust their viewpoints and reach consensus on how to move forward. Mayor Veenker thanked Councilmember Lauing for his bravery and partnership to bring forward a resolution pushing back on the Federal Administration’s threats to Palo Alto’s values and to our residents. As a result, the City of Palo Alto joined 3 federal lawsuits against the President and federal agencies regarding executive orders that would otherwise require cooperation with ICE, abandonment of DEI initiatives and SUMMARY MINUTES Page 8 of 9 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 1/5/2026 more. On behalf of the Council, Mayor Veenker presented Councilmember Lauing with a plaque in recognition and appreciation for his outstanding public service as Mayor in 2025. Public Comment: 1. Margaret Abe-Koga thanked residents for allowing her to represent them as Santa Clara County Supervisor for District 5. Supervisor Abe-Koga congratulated Mayor Veenker and Vice Mayor Stone. Supervisor Abe-Koga was grateful for the City of Palo Alto’s strong partnership on the PERT program, the Alcove and mental health services for youth, and support for Measure A. Supervisor Abe-Koga congratulated Councilmember Lauing on a successful year as Mayor. Supervisor Abe-Koga appreciated Councilmember Lauing’s steadiness, sense of humor, vision, commitment and dedication. Councilmember Lauing deserved special recognition for his work on housing as Chair of the Housing Element Ad Hoc Committee, El Camino Real rezoning, new housing incentives, and commitment to creating a livable city for all people. With Caltrain’s Local Policy Maker Group, the Stanford Community Resources Group, and the Northern California Power Association , Councilmember Lauing was a great regional leader who ensured Palo Alto’s voice was heard while recognizing our challenges and solutions go beyond city borders. Supervisor Abe-Koga was grateful that Councilmember Lauing guided the creation of a budget that balanced today’s needs with tomorrow’s possibilities. Modernizing the electrical grid for a clean energy future, advancing the Cubberley Community Center and opening the new Public Safety Building were tremendous investments in Palo Alto’s future for generations to come. Public safety was important to Supervisor Abe-Koga. Councilmember Lauing had a strong commitment to emergency response, modernization, and increasing staffing for police and fire. On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Abe-Koga presented Councilmember Lauing with a commendation recognizing Councilmember Lauing’s great service. 2. On behalf of Congressman Sam Liccardo and his office, Congressional Aide Nicholas Hargis presented Councilmember Lauing with a certificate of Congressional recognition of his service as Mayor of Palo Alto, an exemplary commitment to good governance, collaboration and leadership. Congressional Aide Hargis congratulated Mayor Veenker and Vice Mayor Stone. 3. Winter D. mentioned that decades ago Councilmember Lauing would go out on the streets and try to figure out possible ways to support unhoused people in Palo Alto, which spoke to Councilmember Lauing’s deep character that he brought forward to the Council. Winter D. thanked Councilmember Lauing for always being calm and for his decision to serve the city. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims mentioned that Councilmember Lauing worked very closely with her on the Juneteenth proclamation, and she was grateful for his leadership in signing the proclamation. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims was very moved by Councilmember Lauing being SUMMARY MINUTES Page 9 of 9 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 1/5/2026 extremely thoughtful and astute in his pursuit of the right language for the proclamation to acknowledge what the holiday stood for. MOTION: Councilmember Reckdahl moved, seconded by Councilmember Lythcott-Haims to adopt a resolution expressing appreciation to Ed Lauing as 2025 Mayor. MOTION PASSED: 6-0-1, Councilmember Lauing abstained Public Comment 1. Henry E. asked Council Members and Mayor Veenker to fulfill the oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Henry E. believed the constitution was abrogated on Saturday night by Donald Trump acting as an unconstitutional monarch instead of a constitutional president. A resolution was passed when Vice Mayor Stone served as Mayor that the Council would not comment on matters above the local level. Henry E. called upon the Council to make an exception to the resolution because this was a matter directly concerning every citizen of Palo Alto and the nation , and the Council’s actions would be noted everywhere. 2. Samyukta S., U.S. citizen, PhD student at Stanford and a volunteer with the Coalition of Hindus of North America, voiced her concern about religious persecution of the Hindu community in Bangladesh and asked the City to affirm its commitment to religious freedom. Palo Alto constituents who identified as Hindu have been deeply affected by the traumatic incidents that have occurred in Bangladesh where Hindus have faced increasing rates of communal violence including lynching, sexual assault, political targeting of religious leaders and vandalizing of temples. On December 18, 2025, a Hindu factory worker was mob lynched after allegations of blasphemy and his body was set on fire. Footage showed the Bangladeshi Police handed this man over to the mob, one of many documented killings of Hindus over the past couple weeks. Attacks on local media houses suggested such cases were going vastly underreported. As her elected representatives and as representatives of a city that had always championed religious freedom and human rights for its constituents, Samyukta S. asked the Council to use their voice on behalf of her community to issue a proclamation or a value statement condemning the persecution of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh , and to communicate that concern to our congressional representatives and urge them to use their authority at the federal level to push for the protection of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. Samyukta S. thanked the Council for their service to the city. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m.