HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-09 Human Relations Commission Agenda PacketHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, April 09, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
6:00 PM
Human Relations Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to
attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still
maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate
from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in
the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in
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Center https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas and
reports are available at https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Boards-and-
Commissions.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91994548701)
Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone: 1(669)900-6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
HRC@PaloAlto.gov and will be provided to the Commission and available for inspection on the
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referencing in your subject line.
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CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.Approval of the March 17, 2026 Human Relations Commission Special Meeting Draft
Action Minutes. – Action – 5 minutes
BUSINESS ITEMS
2.Discussion on Youth Mental Health with Youth Community Service (YCS), Stanford Center
for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Health Alliance in Response to Adolescent
Depression (HEARD). Update from City Staff on City Efforts with the Jed Foundation. –
Discussion – 60 minutes
3.Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant Funding
Allocations and Review of the Draft Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Action Plan. – Action – 45
minutes
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
•Commissioner Reports
•Council Liaison Report
•Staff Liaison Report
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
OTHER INFORMATION
The materials below are provided for informational purposes, not for action or discussion during this meeting’s agenda. Written
public comments may be submitted in advance and will be provided to the Commission and available for public inspection on
the City’s website three days before the meeting.
A.Public Comments
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1.Written public comments may be submitted by email to hrc@PaloAlto.gov.
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You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to
the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone:1-669-900-6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
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ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to access
City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with government code
DRAFT
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING ACTION MINUTES
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Salwa Ansari, Don Barr, Katie Causey, Amy Hsieh, Michelle Kraus, Mary Kate
Stimmler
Commissioners Absent: Sridhar Karnam
Council Liaison: Vice Mayor Stone
Staff: Sophie Pigman, Alayna Cruz, Robert Cain
Others Present: Amber Stine (MOVE Mountain View), Kevin Ashline (MOVE Mountain View),
and Aaron Glantz (Fellow at Stanford University’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral
Sciences) for Item 2
I) ROLL CALL
II) PUBLIC COMMENT
III) AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS
Council Liaison report was moved to occur after the approval of the minutes. Item 2 was
moved to third, and Item 3 was moved to second.
IV) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the February 12, 2026, Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Draft
Action Minutes.
MOTION: Commissioner Barr moved, seconded by Commissioner Ansari, to approve
the minutes of February 12, 2026.
MOTION PASSED: 6-0-1 (Karnam absent)
V) BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Discussion with Local Providers and Aaron Glantz, Investigative Reporter and Fellow at
Stanford University’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, on Mental
Health Challenges Faced by Veterans and Unhoused Individuals. – Discussion
NO ACTION TAKEN
3. San Antonio Road Area Plan Land Use and Transportation Alternatives Study Session.
CEQA Status: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262. - Discussion
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ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to access
City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with government code
NO ACTION TAKEN
4. Review and approve the subcommittee and liaisons commissioner assignments. – Action
MOTION: Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Vice Chair Causey, to approve the
subcommittee and liaison commissioner assignments with the changes as discussed.
Addition of the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women) subcommittee.
MOTION PASSED: 6-0-1 (Karnam absent)
VI) REPORTS FROM OFFICIALS
VII) ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
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Human Relations Commission
Staff Report
From: Leif Christiansen, Planning and Development Services
Department
Meeting Date: April 9, 2026
Report #: 2601-5868
TITLE
Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant Funding
Allocations and Review of the Draft Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Action Plan
RECOMMENDATION
Staff and the Human Relations Commission Selection Committee recommend that the
Human Relations Commission (HRC):
1. Provide funding recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Program;
2. Provide direction on a funding contingency plan if the City CDBG Program allocation
amount is less than or greater than the staff estimated amount; and
3. Recommend City Council approve the draft Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Action Plan.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The CDBG Entitlement Program provides grants to entitled cities and counties to develop
viable urban communities for low- and moderate-income persons. The U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires entitlement jurisdictions to prepare an
Annual Action Plan to allocate funding to specific projects within the fiscal year timeframe
(FY 2026-27).
The City released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in November 2025, requesting
applications for the FY2026-27 funding cycle. During this application cycle, the NOFA
specified that the City would be accepting applications for projects in the CDBG Economic
Development, Public Services, Public Facilities and Improvements, and Housing
Rehabilitation categories. The City received a total of eleven (11) CDBG applications.
On March 12, the HRC Selection Committee developed funding recommendations for the
CDBG Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 funding cycle. Additionally, the Selection Committee
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recommended a contingency plan to accommodate the actual CDBG allocation amount in
the event the actual allocation falls short of or exceeds the staff estimated amount. The
City is anticipating receiving formal notification from HUD of the City’s CDBG funding
allocations in mid-May.
Allocate all available CDBG program funds;
Are consistent with the City’s CDBG Consolidated Plan (ConPlan);
Are consistent with the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element goals and programs as
they pertain to CDBG, and
Would result in funding key services and projects that benefit many low and very
low-income Palo Alto residents.
BACKGROUND
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Annual Action Plan
If more funds are received than estimated:
Ensure funding caps are met for Public Services and Planning &
Administration categories;
With remaining funds, increase funding proportionate to the current share
of recommended funding for all other Public Services application that are
not fully funded; and
Allocate any remaining un-capped funds to Affordable Housing project(s)
and/or ADA curb ramps.
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If less funds are received than estimated:
Ensure funding caps are met for Public Services and Planning &
Administration categories;
Decrease funding across each of the Public Services applications
proportionate to the overall decrease in funding; If possible, maintain full
funding for Housing Rehabilitation and Economic Development projects;
and
Decrease un-capped funds from the Public Facilities project(s).
If possible, maintain full funding for Housing Rehabilitation and Economic
Development projects; and
Decrease un-capped funds from the Public Facilities project(s).
ANALYSIS
This section provides a description of the CDBG funds available for allocation and
recommendations for the FY2026-27 funding cycle. It also describes the AAP development
process.
Draft FY2026-27 Annual Action Plan
Per HUD requirements, the City is required to prepare an AAP every year (Attachment B). The
AAP describes awarded projects, proposed goals and how projects will address needs
identified in the goals outlined in the approved Consolidated Plan (Attachment E).
Funds Available for Allocation in FY2026-27
HUD has not yet determined the final CDBG federal appropriations for FY2026-27. For
budgeting purposes for the allocation process, staff estimated that the City would receive
$500,000 based on the most recent entitlement in FY2025-26. The City anticipates being
notified of its HUD entitlement grant amount in May 2026 and is actively monitoring federal
activities related to the program.
Program Income
Program Income (PI) comes from loan repayments on properties acquired or rehabilitated
with CDBG funds. Cities are required to estimate anticipated program income for the activity
budget for the upcoming year. Based on past years, PI for FY2026-27 is estimated to be
$100,000.
CDBG Funds Available Available for Funding
FY2026-27 Entitlement Grant (Estimated)$500,000.00
Program Income in FY2026-27 (Estimated)$100,000.00
Estimated Total CDBG Funds Available for Allocation $600,000.00
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CDBG Funding Categories and Funding Caps
Public Services (15% Cap) - The amount of any CDBG funds that may be obligated
toward Public Services during a program year is capped at 15% of the sum of the
grant allocation plus the total amount of program income received during the
program year.
Planning & Administration (20% Cap) - The amount of any CDBG funds that may
be obligated toward Planning & Administration during a program year is capped
at 20% of the sum of the grant allocation plus the total amount of program income
received during the program year.
Table 2. FY2026-27 Breakdown of Capped/Un-Capped Estimated Funds
CDBG Amount
15% x [anticipated grant allocation ($500,000) + FY2026-27 program
income ($100,000)]
20% x [estimated grant allocation ($500,000) + FY2025-26 program income
($100,000)]
Estimated Total Available for CDBG Allocation $600,000.00
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Public Service (15% Cap)
1.LifeMoves – Recommend: $31,000.
LifeMoves proposes to continue and expand case management and supportive
day services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Palo Alto at the
Opportunity Services Center (OSC), in alignment with the City of Palo Alto’s
Consolidated Plan and funding priorities. The project will provide intensive, client-
centered case management to support participants in accessing permanent
housing, increasing income and benefits, and achieving long-term self-sufficiency.
In addition, the OSC will offer essential day services including food, clothing,
shower(s), and laundry (dryer) that address immediate basic needs, reduce
barriers to engagement, and provide a stable point of access to housing-focused
services for unsheltered and highly vulnerable residents. Goal: assist 350
individuals.
2.Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) – Recommend: $16,000.
The Housing Assistance and Emergency Services for Persons with Disabilities
program assists very low-income Palo Alto residents with disabilities or chronic
health conditions and their families in their housing search for affordable,
accessible housing. The program provides education and training on all aspects of
how to conduct a housing search to transition from homelessness, health care
facilities or unstable, temporary housing into safe, long-term community-based
housing. It includes group workshops, one-on-one service training and access to
IL (Independent Living) services, including emergency food assistance, security
deposits/rent (as available funding allows), information and referral, to ensure
long-term sustainability of housing. Goal: assist 24 individuals.
3.Project Sentinel – Recommend: $16,500.
Project Sentinel will provide comprehensive fair housing services, including:
investigation, counseling and legal referrals for victims of housing discrimination;
community education and outreach regarding fair housing law; and analyses for
City staff and officials regarding fair housing practices and trends. Project Sentinel
provides proactive fair housing education to housing providers in an effort to
avoid costly violations and reactive enforcement investigations when violations
are alleged. Goal: assist 12 individuals
4.Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence – Recommend: $6,500.
Assist Palo Alto residents identifying as victims/survivors of domestic/intimate
partner violence (DV) will receive client-centered services through Community
Support Advocacy: crisis intervention counseling, risk assessment, safety planning,
legal advocacy and attorneys, restraining order assistance, case management,
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other support services through walk-in or virtual; Support Groups; Emergency
Shelter and 24/7 Crisis Hotline. Goal: assist 20 individuals.
5.Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County – Recommend: $6,500.
Catholic Charities’ Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) project activities
include regular contact with Palo Alto Residential Care Facilities to observe and
monitor conditions of care and handle and resolve issues regarding residents’ rights,
unmet needs, allegations of abuse, and complaints effectively, thus promoting
resident well-being. Goal: assist 50 individuals.
6.RotaCare Bay Area – Recommend: $4,500.
This project provides free, accessible medical services to under and uninsured
individuals to reduce barriers to essential care. Services will be delivered through
the RotaCare Rotary Mobile Medical Clinic, with follow up care available at the
San Jose clinic when the unit is not deployed within the Palo Alto area to ensure
continuity of care. Project activities include adult primary care such as evaluation
of acute medical concerns and preventative health services, along with
prescription refills and laboratory testing at Quest Diagnostics. The project will
also provide referrals for imaging studies, specialist consultations, diabetic retinal
screening, and connections to additional community resources. Diabetic patients
will have access to diabetic self-management classes to support long term health
outcomes. Goal: assist 100 individuals.
7.YWCA – Recommend: $4,500.
YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley (YWCA GGSV) provides essential domestic
violence (DV) services, including a 24-hour English & Spanish Support Line (250+
additional languages through interpretation service), crisis counseling and support
groups for adults and children, emergency shelter and housing services, over the
phone response to law enforcement calls, personal advocacy, individual therapy,
transportation, criminal justice and social services advocacy, temporary
restraining orders, court accompaniment, household establishment assistance,
children’s programming, and workforce development services. Services are
survivor-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and coordinated.
Goal: assist 40 individuals.
8. La Comida – Recommend: $4,500
La Comida provides health meals, resources and a warm environment for seniors
each weekday. They also engage and energize Palo Alto residents to support and
volunteer for senior needs, causes and projects. Goal: assist 40 individuals.
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Economic Development (No Cap)
9.Upwards – Recommend: $72,000.
WeeCare/Upwards is a for-profit organization. Project activities would support
their specific BOOST program for low-income Family Child Care Home (FCCH)
providers in Palo Alto. The BOOST program provides specialized technical
assistance and business support for income qualifying FCCH’s. Training includes
the utilization of the Child Management System (CCMS), aimed at helping
providers create work plans, set goals, enhance capacity, and generate revenue to
achieve service and operational objectives. The BOOST program addresses various
aspects such as family matching, children's program enrollment, tuition collection,
weekly curriculum, licensing regulations, program expansion, and staff
recruitment. The intent is to assist small businesses in implementing best practices
for organizational growth and sustainability, ultimately supporting low to
moderate-income families served by FCCH. Goal: assist 9 microenterprises (FCCH
providers).
Housing Rehabilitation (No Cap)
10.Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP) – Recommendation: $73,585.
RTP project activities include the provision of critical health and safety-related home
repair needs for low-income Palo Alto homeowners. Goal: assist 5 households.
Public Facilities and Improvements (No Cap)
11.Peninsula Healthcare Connection– Facility Rehabilitation – Recommend: $79,970.
This project will refurbish and transform PHC’s newly acquired house at 51 Encina
Avenue into a dedicated facility for behavioral health, therapy, and addiction
treatment services. This historic property, located in the heart of Palo Alto,
presents an opportunity to expand essential healthcare services for unhoused and
low-income residents. Funding requested here is focused on pre-construction
phase activities.
12.Public Works – ADA Curbs/TBD Capital Improvement – Recommend: $164,445.
This Public Works project will provide ADA curb ramps within the City for the
benefit of severely disabled adult residents.
Planning & Administration (20% Cap)
13.City of Palo Alto for CDBG Administration – Recommend: $120,000
The City currently contracts with Michael Baker International for CDBG program
administration, with oversight by staff from Long Range Planning team of the
Planning and Development Services Department. With the use of consultants, a
sufficient CDBG budget must be set aside to cover the program administration,
and therefore, all available Planning & Administration funds are recommended to
be allocated to the City for CDBG Administration.
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Table 3: FY2026-27 CDBG Budget
Applicant Agency Requested Funding Recommended
Allocation
CDBG Applicants
Public Services (15% Cap = $90,000)
LifeMoves – Case Management at Opportunity
Center $75,000 $31,000
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) –
Case Management Services $21,419 $16,000
Project Sentinel – Fair Housing Services $25,000 $16,500
Next Door Solution to Domestic Violence $10,000 $6,500
La Comida – Food Assistance $28,000 $4,500
RotaCare Bay Area – Health Care Services $16,000 $4,500
YWCA – Domestic Violence Support $24,500 $4,500
Catholic Charities Long Term Care Ombudsman
Program $14,910 $6,500
Subtotal $90,000
Economic Development (No Cap)
WeeCare / Upwards – Training for Family Child
Care Home $72,000 $72,000
Subtotal $72,000
Housing Rehabilitation (No Cap)
Rebuilding Together Peninsula – Safe at Home $73,585 $73,585
Subtotal $73,585
Public Facilities & Improvements (No Cap)
Peninsula Healthcare Connection – Facility
Rehabilitation
N/A $79,970
ADA Curbs/TBD Capital Project N/A $164,445
Subtotal $244,425
Planning & Administration (20% Cap = $120,000)
City of Palo Alto Administration N/A $120,000
Subtotal $120,000
Grand Total for CDBG Budget $600,000.00
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Contingency Plan
TIMELINE
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
ATTACHMENTS
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Awarded PENDING
2025
Awarded
2026
Recommendation
2026
Beneficiaries
Recommended
Past Performance (FY 2024-25 or most recent fiscal year)
Individuals
LifeMoves
LifeMoves proposes to continue and expand case management and supportive day services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Palo Alto at
the Opportunity Services Center (OSC), in alignment with the City of Palo Alto’s Consolidated Plan and funding priorities. The project will provide
intensive, client-centered case management to support participants in accessing permanent housing, increasing income and benefits, and achieving
long-term self-sufficiency. In addition, the OSC will offer essential day services including food, clothing, shower(s), and laundry (dryer) that address
immediate basic needs, reduce barriers to engagement, and provide a stable point of access to housing-focused services for unsheltered and highly
vulnerable residents.
39,154.64$ 31,000.00$ 350
LifeMoves exceeded their FY 2024-25 goal of 32 LMI and or homeless individuals.LifeMoves case
management services at their Opportunity Services Center included assistance with housing and
job searches, referrals,and mentoring to 47 homeless and/or very low-income Palo Alto residents.
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC)
The Housing Assistance and Emergency Services for Persons with Disabilities program assists very low-income Palo Alto residents with disabilities or
chronic health conditions and their families in their housing search for affordable, accessible housing. The program provides education and training on
all aspects of how to conduct a housing search to transition from homelessness, health care facilities or unstable, temporary housing into safe, long-term
community-based housing. It includes group workshops, one-on-one service training and access to IL (Independent Living) services, including
emergency food assistance, security deposits/rent (as available funding allows), information and referral, to ensure long-term sustainability of housing.
20,067.43$ 16,000.00$ 24 SVILC fell just short of their FY 2023-24 goal of 24 LMI individuals. SVILC's case management
and housing search education and training efforts assisted 21 Palo Alto residents.
Project Sentinel
Project Sentinel will provide comprehensive fair housing services of: investigation, counseling and legal referrals for victims of housing discrimination;
community education and outreach regarding fair housing law; and analyses for City staff and officials regarding fair housing practices and trends. We
provide proactive fair housing education to housing providers to avoid costly violations and reactive enforcement investigations when violations are
alleged.
$ 22,005.33 16,500.00$ 12 Project Sentinel nearly met their FY 2024-25 goal of 10 LMI individuals. Case managers actually
served 7 LMI individuals.
Next Door Solution to Domestic Violence
Assist Palo Alto residents identifying as victims/survivors of domestic/intimate partner violence (DV) will receive client-centered services through
Community Support Advocacy: crisis intervention counseling, risk assessment, safety planning, legal advocacy and attorneys, restraining order
assistance, case management, other support services through walk-in or virtual; Support Groups; Emergency Shelter and 24/7 Crisis Hotline.
$ 7,200.00 6,500.00$ 20 Next Door Solution to Domestic Violence has been successfully reporting and drawing funds in FY
2025-26
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara
Catholic Charities’ Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) project activities include regular contact with Palo Alto Residential Care Facilities to
observe and monitor conditions of care and handle and resolve issues regarding residents’ rights, unmet needs, allegations of abuse, and complaints
effectively, thus promoting resident well-being.
$ 8,500.00 6,500.00$ 50 In FY 2025-26 Catholic Charities did not apply for CDBG funds. In FY 2023-24 Catholic Charities
met its goal of assisting 50 persons.
RotaCare Bay Area
This project provides free, accessible medical services to under and uninsured individuals to reduce barriers to essential care. Services will be delivered
through our RotaCare Rotary Mobile Medical Clinic, with follow up care available at our San Jose clinic when the unit is not deployed within the Palo Alto
area to ensure continuity of care. Project activities include adult primary care such as evaluation of acute medical concerns and preventative health
services, along with prescription refills and laboratory testing at Quest Diagnostics. The project will also provide referrals for imaging studies, specialist
consultations, diabetic retinal screening, and connections to additional community resources. Diabetic patients will have access to diabetic self-
management classes to support long term health outcomes.
n/a 4,500.00$ 100 RotaCare has not previous been awarded CDBG funds by the City.
YWCA
Golden Gate Silicon Valley (YWCA GGSV) provides essential domestic violence (DV) services, including a
24-hour English & Spanish Support Line (250+ additional languages through interpretation service), crisis
counseling and support groups for adults and children, emergency shelter and housing services, over the
phone response to law enforcement calls, personal advocacy, individual therapy, transportation, criminal
justice and social services advocacy, temporary restraining orders, court accompaniment, household
establishment assistance, children’s programming, and workforce development services. Our services are
survivor-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and coordinated.
n/a 4,500.00$ 40 YWCA has not previous been awarded CDBG funds by the City.
La Comida
La Comida provides healthy meals, resources, and a warm environment each weekday. We will also engage and energize Palo Alto residents to support
and volunteer for senior needs, causes, and projects. This project will support the needs of the growing population of seniors who are now accessing the
services of La Comida.
n/a 4,500.00$ 40 La Comida has not previous been awarded CDBG funds by the City.
Subtotal 96,927.42$ 90,000.00$ 471
City of Palo Alto
FY 2026-27 CDGB Funding Allocation Recommendations
Funding Applications Received (FY 2026-27) - Project Descriptions, Estimated Goals, Recommendations and Risks
Public Services
Agency/Organization Project Description
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M!croenterprlses
WeeCare / Upwards
WeeCare/Upwards is a for-profit organization. Project activities would support their specific BOOST program for low-income Family Child Care Home
(FCCH) providers in Palo Alto. The BOOST program provides specialized technical assistance and business support for income qualifying FCCH’s.
Training includes the utilization of the Child Management System (CCMS), aimed at helping providers create work plans, set goals, enhance capacity,
and generate revenue to achieve service and operational objectives. The BOOST program addresses various aspects such as family matching,
children's program enrollment, tuition collection, weekly curriculum, licensing regulations, program expansion, and staff recruitment. The intent is to
assist small businesses in implementing best practices for organizational growth and sustainability, ultimately supporting low to moderate-income
families served by FCCH.
$ 90,000.00 $ 72,000.00 9
Low-Med Risk. This economic development activity offers business improvement services to
childcare microenterprises. Funding is for program staff administration. WeeCare's FY 2024-25
goal of 15 was met through serving 15 childcare microenterprises.
Subtotal 90,000.00$ 72,000.00$ 9
Households
Rebuilding Together Peninsula The project activities include the provision of critical health and safety-related home repair needs for low-income Palo Alto homeowners. Funding
would include covering the costs of home repair, such as construction materials and payment of subcontractors.73,585.00$ 73,585.00$ 15
Low-Medium Risk. RTP did not reach their contracted FY 2024-25 goal of 5 LMI owner-occupied
housing rehab cases, only serving 2 households. It should be noted, in previous program years
RTP has struggled to spend their annual allocation because of the lack of program participation.
However, RTP is currently working on several cases currently.
Subtotal 73,585.00$ 73,585.00$
Peninsula Healthcare Connection
This project will refurbish and transform PHC’s newly acquired house at 51 Encina Avenue into a dedicated facility for behavioral health, therapy, and
addiction treatment services. This historic property, located in the heart of Palo Alto, presents an opportunity to expand essential healthcare services for
our unhoused, low-income, and undocumented neighbors. Funding requested here is focused on pre-construction phase activities.
n/a 79,970.00$ TBD City has previously funded public services actvities for PHC with CDBG with success.
ADA Curb Ramp Improvements This Public Works project will provide ADA curb ramps within the City for the benefit of severely disabled adult residents. n/a 164,445.00$ TBD
The City is exploring project options with the various City departments needing funding for vital
public facilities projects. ADA Curb ramps within the City will benefit severly disabled adults. City
successfully completed FY 2023-24 ADA Curb Improvements with Public Works in FY 2024-25
benefitting an estimated 6,600 severely disabled adults living in Palo Alto.
Subtotal 244,415.00$
City Administration Funding for the City's CDBG program planning and administration needs for CDBG projects.
120,000.00$ 120,000.00$
120,000.00$ 120,000.00$
600,000.00$
Program Income (Pl) anticipated for (PY 2026-27)100,000.00$
HUD Allocation anticipated for (PY 2026-27) 1 $500,000.00
CDBG Total Estimated Funds 600,000.00$
CDBG Funding Categories CDBG Total Allocations
Public Services (15% cap) PS 90,000.00$
Economic Development 72,000.00$
Housing Rehabilitation 73,585.00$
Public Facilities & Improvements 244,415.00$
Planning and Administration (20% cap) PA 120,000.00$
CDBG Total Funds Allocated 600,000.00$
Subtotal
Economic Development
Housing Rehabilitation
Public Facilities & Improvements
Planning and Administration
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City of Palo Alto
Draft FY 2026–2027 Annual
Action Plan Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Prepared by: City of Palo Alto Planning & Development Services Department Draft for Public Review
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Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary - 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
The City of Palo Alto (City) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 draft Annual Action Plan (AAP) contains the City’s
plan to carry out housing and community development activities funded by Federal formula grant funds
received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This AAP covers the second year of the City’s five-year
2025-2030 Consolidated Plan, which was adopted by the Palo Alto City Council on June 9, 2025. The
Planning and Development Services Department is the lead agency for the Consolidated Plan and
subsequent 5 Annual Action Plans for the City’s CDBG program.
The City’s FY 2026-27 AAP covers the time-period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The FY 2026-27
AAP contains the accomplishments the City expects to achieve in FY 2026-27. All the projects, programs,
and activities in FY 2026-27 AAP reflect the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan goals. CDBG-funded programs
and activities principally benefit City residents that have extremely low, low, and moderate- incomes
and/or populations that have special needs, such as the elderly, disabled, and homeless.
Entitlement community grantees may use CDBG funds for a range of eligible activities, including public
services, public facility and infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitation, downpayment
assistance, tenant-based rental assistance, and job creation or retention efforts. These activities are
primarily intended to benefit HUD-defined low- and moderate-income (LMI) households. LMI households
are those with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), adjusted for household size.
Census block groups are generally considered eligible when at least 51% of households are LMI.
The City hasn’t received its official federal award grant allocation for FY 2026-2027 – therefore the
funding allocations in the draft AAP are based on estimates. The City anticipates HUD releasing the
official federal award grant amount by the end of April – at which point the draft AAP will be updated
accordingly.
Primary Needs
The City of Palo Alto is a small Bay Area community known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley’s high-tech
industry. It is home to major companies and research institutions such as VMware and Hewlett-Packard,
and it also hosts Stanford University. According to the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year
estimates, the City has a population of approximately 67,237 and covers roughly 25 square miles, making
it less densely populated than many peer entitlement jurisdictions.
Palo Alto is located within a region characterized by significant income diversity, including some of the
highest-earning households in the nation. The regional economy relies on a broad workforce that spans a
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wide range of income levels, including many lower-wage earners who support essential services and
industries. Lower-income residents face substantial challenges related to housing affordability, driven by
a highly competitive market and strong demand from higher-income households. Of the City’s 25,486
households, 43% of renters and 24% of homeowners experience housing cost burden—defined as paying
more than 30% of gross income toward housing—with some paying more than 50%.
Throughout the consultation process for this plan, stakeholders consistently emphasized the negative
impacts of high housing costs on the ability to recruit and retain workers in critical roles, including public
safety, education, and essential service positions across the region.
2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan
This could be a restatement of items or a table listed elsewhere in the plan or a reference to
another location. It may also contain any essential items from the housing and homeless needs
assessment, the housing market analysis or the strategic plan.
Priority needs identified in this Annual Action Plan (AAP) include:
• Housing: Increasing the supply of affordable housing and improving the condition of existing units.
• Homelessness: Stabilizing people at-risk of and experiencing homelessness through housing
solutions, and facilitation of supportive services including mental health and addiction recovery
services.
• Community development: Enhance neighborhood safety and quality through cleanups, improved
street lighting and park improvements, bolster/create public space for senior activities, and food
pantries.
• Economic Development: Provide more opportunities for resident workforce development and/or
build outreach campaign for existing programs, create community partnerships to address
childcare access as a component of workforce participation.
• Fair Housing: Improve navigation and case management services for residents needing housing,
legal services (related to housing), and basic services documentation assistance.
Palo Alto has therefore identified the following goals for the FY2026-27 AAP through extensive data
analysis and community outreach:
1. Increase the supply and improve the condition of affordable housing for households with incomes
ranging from 0-80% AMI.
2. Respond to homelessness and risk of homelessness through housing stabilization, supportive
services, mental health services, and economic resiliency programs.
3. Strengthen neighborhoods through investing in infrastructure and public facility improvements
that prioritize safety, accessibility, and community building.
4. Support projects that increase opportunities for workforce development.
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5. Provide supportive services to low-income households through bolstering case management and
navigation of services including legal assistance and tenant/landlord resolution.
3. Evaluation of past performance
The City is responsible for ensuring full compliance with all rules and regulations governing the CDBG
entitlement grant program. The City’s Annual Action Plans and CAPERs have documented the goals,
projects, and programs completed over the past five years. A review of past CAPERs demonstrates a
robust performance record in the use of CDBG funds. Palo Alto has been strategic in leveraging federal
dollars and cultivating community partnerships to maximize program impact. For example, an analysis of
the 2020–2024 CAPERs show:
• LMI elderly assisted: 711
• Residents who received counseling services: 672
• Homeless individuals who received shelter or assistance: 863
• Individuals that received housing complaint services: 82
• Persons with disabilities that received assistance: 6,771
• LMI homeowners that received home improvements: 19
• Workforce development program assistance: 51
4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process
[Palo Alto held a Human Relations Commission public meeting on 4/9/26 to review proposed CDBG
awardees in FY2026-27. The 30-day comment period notice was posted in the Daily Post on 3/27/26 to
inform residents of the AAP public comment period that will run from 5/1 to 5/31. City Council will hold
a public hearing to adopt the FY2026-27 AAP on 6/1/26.]
5. Summary of public comments
[Any comments received during 30-day comment period will be summarized here]
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
[Not applicable. All comments were accepted. The City attempted to incorporate feedback received from
outreach efforts throughout the process.]
7. Summary
This 2026–2027 AAP reflects resident feedback, demographic analysis, community stakeholder input, and
an assessment of City resources, goals, and relevant plans and policies.
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PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b)
1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan
The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant
program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department / Agency
Table 1 – Responsible Agencies
Narrative
The City of Palo Alto serves as the Lead and Responsible Agency for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) entitlement
programs within the City.
The Department of Planning and Development Services administers the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. In addition,
the City joined the HOME Consortium in 2015 and receives federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds through Santa Clara
County.
Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
Leif Christiansen, Senior Housing Specialist
City of Palo Alto Department of Planning and Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue, 5th Floor
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: (650) 329-2195
Email: leif.christiansen@paloalto.gov
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AP-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
1. 1. Introduction
Public participation plays a vital role in the development of the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans.
Palo Alto coordinated closely with Santa Clara County and other entitlement jurisdictions in stakeholder
consultation and resident engagement to leverage opportunities and minimize duplication. Community
outreach for this planning period included the following:
• A Consolidated Plan website—www.letstalkhousingscc.org—with information about the Planning
process including a short video and presentation; a link to the resident survey and activities to
prioritize housing and community development needs; and community resources. The website
contains a translation feature for easy conversion into multiple languages.
• A community survey, available between October and December 2024, and promoted through
supportive service and public agencies that work with low- and moderate-income residents, city
social media, and the Consolidated Plan website. A summary of survey findings is below.
• Two virtual regional workshops open for all residents living in and stakeholders serving residents
in the county. The workshops included a brief overview about the Planning process, simple
activities to express priority needs, and in-depth discussions about needs in breakout rooms.
Interpretation was available in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin.
• Three focus groups with stakeholders in housing, supportive services, and community
development serving residents throughout the county. After a brief presentation about the
Consolidated Plan process—including information on how to circulate the survey and
letstalkhousingscc.org website to client-stakeholders participated in in-depth discussion about
priority needs and solutions to needs. Attendees represented affordable housing developers,
nonprofit housing rehabilitation providers, unhoused service providers, community organizations
and advocates for special needs populations, people with lived experience, legal advocates,
childcare service providers, and public housing staff.
• One-on-one interviews with the Continuum of Care and coordination with the City of San Jose,
who receives HOPWA and ESG funding and distributes that funding to the County’s public service
departments.
• A complete survey analysis and overview of engagement is provided in the appendix of this plan.
Engagement Promotion.
City Staff promoted the Consolidated Plan engagement opportunities through a multi-channel outreach
strategy. This included targeted email announcements, updates posted on the City’s website and official
social media platforms, and in-person outreach at community events such as local festivals and farmers’
markets.
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Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between
public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and
service agencies (91.215(l)).
During the development of its Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans—and as part of its ongoing
practices—the City coordinated with a wide range of housing, public health, mental health, and social
service agencies to discuss community needs. These discussions provided opportunities for agencies to
network, share information about their programs, and identify areas of collaboration. Their collective
feedback was especially valuable in shaping the priorities of this Plan, particularly regarding special needs
populations and general and mental health services within the City and Santa Clara County.
The City also participates in the County’s quarterly CDBG Coordinators Group meetings, where
entitlement jurisdictions across the region convene to discuss proposed uses of federal funds for the
upcoming program year.
In addition, the City takes part in the County’s Regional Housing Working Group, a forum for both
entitlement and non-entitlement jurisdictions to coordinate responses to regional housing challenges.
The City is represented on the Continuum of Care (CoC) by its Human Services Manager. The CoC is a
broad coalition of stakeholders committed to preventing and ending homelessness in Santa Clara County.
Its key responsibilities include ensuring community-wide implementation of strategies to address
homelessness and monitoring both programmatic and system-level effectiveness.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of
homeless people (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with
children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and people at risk of homelessness.
The Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing serves as the administrator of the regional
Continuum of Care (CoC). The City maintains ongoing coordination with the County CoC to support efforts
to prevent and end homelessness, and City staff participate in monthly CoC meetings. The Santa Clara
County CoC includes a broad range of stakeholders, including governmental agencies, homeless service
and shelter providers, individuals with lived experience of homelessness, housing advocates, affordable
housing developers, and representatives from the private and philanthropic sectors.
The City’s Human Services Manager represents Palo Alto on the CoC Board. The CoC meets monthly to
plan programs, identify gaps in the homeless services system, establish funding priorities, and advance a
coordinated, systems-level approach to addressing homelessness. City staff also meet and consult
regularly with County CoC staff and peers from other jurisdictions through the quarterly countywide CDBG
Coordinators Group meetings, with additional communication occurring as needed by email or phone.
The CoC is governed by the CoC Board, which uses a system-change framework to guide regional
strategies to prevent and end homelessness. The Board is composed of the same members who serve on
the Destination: Home Leadership Board. Destination: Home, a public-private partnership focused on
collective-impact strategies to end chronic homelessness, serves as the governing body for the CoC and is
responsible for implementing its bylaws and operational protocols.
Regional CoC efforts include the development of the Community Plan to End Homelessness, which
outlines strategies to address the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness—including
chronically homeless households, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youths as well as
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those at risk of homelessness. The CoC is currently updating its five-year strategic plan, and the City will
participate in this regional planning process.
During the development of the Consolidated Plan, the City consulted with the CoC and the County Office
of Supportive Housing to help identify community needs. The City also invited service providers and
organizations serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to participate in Consolidated Plan
and Annual Action Plan engagement meetings. These organizations included Abode Services, which
administers tenant-based rental assistance; Destination: Home, which leads regional homelessness
prevention and policy efforts; and LifeMoves, a shelter and homeless services provider operating in San
José and Palo Alto. Destination: Home also provided input through a phone interview to help identify
needs among homeless and at-risk populations.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction’s area in
determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate
outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and
procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS
The Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing serves as the administrator of the regional Homeless
Management Information System (HMIS). The County and its consultant, Bitfocus, jointly operate and
oversee the HMIS, with Bitfocus providing both the software platform and system administration. HMIS
in Santa Clara County is funded by HUD, the County of Santa Clara, and the City of San José. The system is
used by many service providers throughout the region, including those serving Palo Alto, to record client
information and report program outcomes.
2. Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and
consultations
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1 Agency/Group/Organization Abode
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
areas for improved coordination?
A representative from Abode Housing Development participated in the
December 11th Stakeholder Workshop. Another representative of
Abode Services was consulted in a Stakeholder Workshop on December
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative of Affirmed Housing Group was consulted in a
Stakeholder Workshop on December 5th, 2024.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Services - Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Alta Housing was consulted in a Stakeholder
Workshop on December 17th, 2024.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
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How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Bay Area Legal Aid participated in a Stakeholder
Workshop on December 3rd, 2024.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Health Agency
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health
Services Department's Harm ReduQion Project participated in a
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Services-Children
Services-homeless
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
Representatives from the Bill Wilson Center participated in a
Stakeholder Workshop on December 17th, 2024.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from BRIDGE Housing participated in the December
17th Stakeholder Workshop.
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8 Agency/Group/Organization Caminar
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Children
Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
Services-Health
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
Representatives from Caminar attended Stakeholder Workshops on
December 11th and 17th, 2025.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from CARAS was consulted on December 17th, 2024
at the Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from CASA was consulted on December 11th, 2024 at
the Stakeholder Workshop.
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11 Agency/Group/Organization Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Services-Children
Services-Elderly Persons
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-homeless
Services-Health
Services-Employment
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
participated in the December 17th, 2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A staff member from the City of Los Altos gave feedback on December
11th, 2024 at Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Services-Employment
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from CityTeam provided feedback in a December 5th
focus group.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
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How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from the Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs
was consulted in the December 5th Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Homelessness Needs - Veterans
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Destination: Home participated in the December
11th, 2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Downtown Streets Team participated in the
December 11th, 2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
An Eden Housing staff member participated in the December 5th, 2024
Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
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How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from GSMOL participated in a December 11th, 2024
Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Services - Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Housing Trust Silicon Valley gave feedback on
the December 11th, 2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Services - Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Jamboree Housing Corporation was consulted
on December 17th, 2024 at the Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Homelessness Needs - Veterans
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative of the Lived Experience Advisory Board of Silicon
Valley participated in the December 17th, 2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
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22 Agency/Group/Organization LifeMoves
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
Services-Children
Services-Health
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from LifeMoves participated in the December 17th,
2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce
participated in an individual stakeholder interview during the planning
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence
participated in the December 5th, 2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Services - Housing
Services-homeless
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What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment
Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Homelessness Needs - Veterans
Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from PATH Ventures participated in the December
5th, 2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Project Sentinel participated in a Stakeholder
Workshop on December 11th, 2024.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Service-Fair Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Project Sentinel participated in a Stakeholder
Workshop on December 11th, 2024.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from “Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley” participated
in the December 5th, 2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
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29 Agency/Group/Organization RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Resources for Community Development
participated in a Stakeholder Workshop on December 11th, 2024.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from the San Andreas Regional Center provided
feedback in the December 11th, 2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
32 Satellite Affordable Housing Associates
Housing
Services - Housing
Housing Need Assessment
Public Housing Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Satellite Affordable Housing Associates provided
feedback in a Stakeholder Workshop on December 17th, 2024.
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33 Agency/Group/Organization Senior Adults Legal Assistance
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Elderly Persons
Service-Fair Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A Senior Adults Legal Assistance representative gave feedback on
December 5th, 2024 at the Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Services-Elderly Persons
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A Silicon Valley Independent Living Center representative gave
feedback on December 5th, 2024 at the Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Civic Leaders
Community advocacy
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from SOMOS Mayfair provided feedback in a
December 17th Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
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What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
Two representatives from Sourcewise provided feedback in a
Stakeholder Workshop on December 17th, 2024.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from The Youth Space attended a Stakeholder
Workshop on December 11th, 2024.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Services-homeless
Services-Education
Services-Employment
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from United Way Bay Area provided feedback on
December 11th, 2024 at the Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Upwards attended the December 11th, 2024
Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
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What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A Vista Center representative provided feedback on December 5th,
2024 at the Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley gave feedback
on December 11th, 2024 at the Stakeholder Workshop.
Agency/Group/Organization
Agency/Group/Organization Type
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and
what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or
A representative from Rebuilding Together participated in the
December 5th, 2024 Stakeholder Workshop.
Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated
Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting
Not applicable. No agency types were intentionally left out of the consultation process. Over 20 agency types were contacted during the
consultation process.
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Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan
Continuum of Care Regional Continuum of
Care Council,
Destination: Home
experiencing homelessness.
End Homelessness governmental actors, nonprofits, and other community members as they make decisions
about funding, programs, priorities and needs. This effort aligns with the Strategic Plan's
goal to support activities to end homelessness.
Work Annual Plan Housing Authority vouchers.
Table 3 - Other local / regional / federal planning efforts
Describe cooperation and coordination with other public entities, including the State and any adjacent units of general local
government, in the implementation of the Consolidated Plan (91.215(l))
The Consolidated Plan was developed in close coordination with jurisdictional partners throughout Santa Clara County. The Santa Clara County
Office of Supportive Housing (OSH) initiated this collaborative effort in spring 2024 by convening all entitlement jurisdictions. Together, the
jurisdictions issued a joint RFP to select a consultant team to prepare the plans. Participating in entitlement jurisdictions included Cupertino, Gilroy,
Milpitas, Mountain View, Palo Alto, the City of Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and the Urban County.
Collaboration on stakeholder engagement and resident participation began with a joint meeting to review the proposed engagement strategy.
Each jurisdiction contributed lists of priority stakeholders and organizations to streamline outreach and avoid duplication. Regional engagement
activities included two virtual evening open houses for residents and stakeholders, three stakeholder consultation workshops held on different
days and times in December, and a joint community survey that was widely promoted across jurisdictions.
The jurisdictions also collaborated on a regional housing market assessment, which included jurisdiction-level data to support consistent
comparisons of housing needs and ensure uniform market information across all plans.
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) was invited to participate in a meeting focused on regional housing and community development
needs. ABAG provided relevant reports and data for incorporation into the Consolidated Plans.
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In addition, the County hosts regular CDBG Coordinators Group and Regional Housing Working Group meetings, which jurisdictions attend. These
meetings provide a forum to discuss projects serving homeless and special-needs populations, pending legislation, and local initiatives affecting
affordable housing and services for lower-income households. Jurisdiction staff also support the countywide biennial Homeless Census, which
identifies homeless populations across the region and informs strategies and service priorities to address their needs.
Narrative
N/A
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AP-12 Participation - 91.401, 91.105, 91.200(c)
1. 1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation
Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal setting
Engagement that was done in coordination with the County and was targeted to residents included:
• A Consolidated Plan website—www.letstalkhousingscc.org—with information about the Planning process including a short video and
presentation; a link to the resident survey and activities to prioritize housing and community development needs; and community
resources. The website contains a translation feature for easy conversion into multiple languages.
• A community survey, available between October and December 2024, and promoted through supportive service and public agencies
that work with low- and moderate-income residents, city social media, and the Consolidated Plan website.
• Two virtual regional workshops open to all residents living in Santa Clara County and stakeholders serving residents in the county. The
workshops included a brief overview about the Planning process, simple activities to express priority needs, and in-depth discussions
about needs in breakout rooms. Interpretation was available in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin.
• Public hearings: Two public hearings were held to solicit community feedback and review funding recommendations and plan content.
One hearing was conducted with the City’s Human Relations Commission, and the second with the Palo Alto City Council.
• Public comment on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan was open from May 5, 2025 through June 4, 2025. A link to the Consolidated Plan
draft document was provided on the Letstalkhousingscc.org website and on the City of Palo Alto website.
A full survey analysis and summary of resident engagement activities is included in the appendix of this plan. The survey was distributed by all
participating entitlement jurisdictions and made available on the Let’s Talk Housing website, individual city websites, and in printed form—
offered in both English and Spanish—at community events.
From the North County area, 876 residents completed the survey, including 79 respondents who also identified as stakeholders working in
various housing and community development roles.
Survey respondents were asked to identify their priority housing, community development, and economic development outcomes. The results
below reflect responses from Palo Alto residents only, ranked by frequency of selection:
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• The top housing outcomes were more affordable rental housing and supportive housing for the unhoused (both at 35%), followed by
more affordable homeownership (29%), increased shelter capacity (26%), and security deposit assistance for low to moderate income
renter households (24%);
• The top community development outcome in Palo Alto was affordable childcare (41%), followed by supportive services for the unhoused
(38%), access to reliable public transit (35%), supportive services for low-income residents, people living with disabilities (32%), and
mental health services (26%);
• The top economic development outcome selected by respondents in Palo Alto was job training programs (62%), followed by
revitalization of neighborhood businesses/commercial areas (47%), improved transportation to areas with job opportunities (41%), more
opportunities for small or start-up businesses 41%), and center for seasonal and day laborers (35%).
Citizen Participation Outreach
1 Public
Meeting targeted/broad
community
of Human Relations
Commission to
review proposed
received] received]
Ad targeted/broad
community
period notice posts
5/1, for 5/1 to 6/1
received] received]
Outreach targeted/broad
community
Action Plan available
for public review
received] received]
Public
Hearing
targeted/broad
community
Council held a public
hearing to adopt 26-
27 Annual Action
received] received]
Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach
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Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources - 91.420(b), 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
In FY 2026-27, the City will allocate a total of [$600,000.00] CDBG funds to eligible activities that address the needs identified in the Consolidated
Plan. These CDBG funds reflect the sum of a [$500,00.00] FY2026-27 Entitlement Grant and $100,000 Program Income (estimated) to be
receipted in FY 2026-27. The City acknowledges that program income receipts may vary and endeavors to forecast future income while
implementing necessary adjustments to the ongoing program budget. It should be noted that while the HUD CDBG allocations are critical, the
allocations are not sufficient to overcome barriers and address all needs that low- income individuals and families face in attaining self-
sufficiency. The City efforts include leveraging local county, regional, state, and federal funds estimating $5.3 million, that align with goals
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outlined in the Consolidated Plan.
Anticipated Resources
of
Funds Amount
Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
Allocation:
$ Income: $ Resources:
$ $
CDBG public -
federal Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvements
Public Services 500,000.00 100,000.00 0.00 600,000.00 100,000.00
creation and preservation of
affordable rental units,
improvements in low-income
neighborhoods, and public services
that benefit low-income and
special needs households.
Table 5 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how
matching requirements will be satisfied
Other State and Federal Grant Programs
Additional federal programs that fund community development and affordable housing activities include:
• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program;
• Section 202;
• Section 811; and
• Affordable Housing Program (AHP) through the Federal Home Loan Bank.
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These programs would not be provided to the City but rather to the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) and affordable housing
developers.
County and Local Housing and Community Development Sources
HOME funds can be used to fund eligible affordable housing projects for acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation. The City joined the Santa
Clara County HOME Consortium in 2015 and does not receive federal HOME funds on an entitlement basis from HUD. The HOME Consortia
consists of the cities of Cupertino, Gilroy, Palo Alto, and the Urban County. Developers of affordable housing projects are eligible to
competitively apply through an annual request for proposal process directly to the County for HOME funds to help subsidize affordable housing
projects in Palo Alto. If the City receives HOME dollars from this process, the City is required to provide a 25 percent match, which will be
provided by the City’s Affordable Housing Fund. Certain non-profit organizations known as Community Housing Development Organizations
(CHDOs) may also apply for funding from the State Department of Housing and Community Development for housing projects located within
Palo Alto.
Other local resources that support housing and community development programs include:
• Palo Alto Commercial Housing Fund, which is for the development of workforce units and paid by mitigation fees on commercial and
industrial projects; and
• Palo Alto Residential Housing Fund, which is for the development of below market rate (BMR) housing units and paid by miscellaneous
funding sources.
The City will continue to seek opportunities for projects that meet local bond requirements in order to bring additional resources to help the
City’s affordable housing shortage.
If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs
identified in the plan
The City of Palo Alto's 2023–2031 Housing Element includes a strategic initiative to redevelop city-owned surface parking lots, particularly in the
downtown area, to support affordable housing development. This approach aims to utilize underutilized public land to meet the city's housing
goals. The City plans to issue requests for information (RFIs) to explore public-private partnerships for redevelopment, conduct parking studies
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to assess current usage, and evaluate opportunities for reconfiguring or replacing parking as needed. A schedule of actions will be developed to
guide implementation, with clear milestones to ensure accountability and progress toward the City's RHNA goals.
Discussion
HUD allocations are critical to overcoming barriers; however, they are not sufficient to address all the needs of LMI households. Therefore, the
City will continue to leverage other funding sources to provide services to populations in need.
Currently, the City is not eligible to receive direct funding under the HOME Investment Partnership Act, Emergency Solutions Grant, or Housing
Opportunities for Persons with AIDS.
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Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives - 91.420, 91.220(c)(3)&(e)
Goals Summary Information
Affordable housing
supply and
condition
Housing Housing $73,585.00 rehabilitated: 5 units
2
Homelessness and
Risk of
Homelessness
$35,500.00 other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit:
450 Persons Assisted
3
Neighborhoods Special Needs
Non-Housing
Community
Development
Services and
Public
Improvements
$386,915.00 other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit: 74
Persons Assisted
Public Facility or
Infrastructure Activities
other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit:
6,681 Persons Assisted
Other: 2 Other
4
Opportunities for
Workforce
Development
Community
Development
Development $72,000.00 businesses
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Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
5 Supportive Services
for Low Income
Households
Special Needs
Non-Housing
Community
Development
Services and
Public
Improvements
Tenant Assistance
Services
$32,000.00 other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit:
112 Persons Assisted
Table 6 – Goals Summary
Goal Descriptions
1 Goal Name Affordable housing supply and condition
Goal
Description
Assist in the creation and preservation of affordable housing for low-income and special needs households.
2 Goal Name Respond to Homelessness and Risk of Homelessness
Goal
Description
Prevent and end homelessness, such as funding affordable housing opportunities, resource centers for homeless
individuals, and support for tenants of single-room occupancy units.
3 Goal Name Strengthen Neighborhoods
Goal
Description
Provide community services and public improvements to benefit low-income and special needs households. This includes
assisting those with disabilities to transition from unstable housing to permanent housing, supporting residents of long-
term care facilities, and supporting individuals experiencing domestic violence.
4 Goal Name Increase Opportunities for Workforce Development
Goal
Description
Support economic development activities that promote employment growth and help lower-income people secure and
maintain jobs. This includes funding nonprofits working toward developing the skills of low-income and homeless
individuals.
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5 Goal Name Supportive Services for Low Income Households
Goal
Description
Provide supportive services to low-income households through bolstering case management and navigation of services
including legal assistance and tenant/landlord resolution.
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AP-35 Projects - 91.420, 91.220(d)
Introduction
The Consolidated Plan goals represent high priority needs for the City of Palo Alto and serve as the basis for the strategic actions the City
undertakes to meet these needs.
1 2026 Project Sentinel - Fair Housing Services
2 2026 Upwards
3 2026 Rebuilding Together Peninsula - Safe at Home
4 2026 SVILC Case Management
5 2026 Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence
6 2026 Catholic Charities Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
7 2026 LifeMoves Case Management
8 2026 Rotacare Bay Area Mobile Clinic
9 2026 YWCA
10 2026 Planning and Administration
11 2026 ADA Curbs Ramps
12 2026 Peninsula Healthcare Connection Rehabilitation
13 2026 La Comida Food Assistance
Table 7 – Project Information Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs
The City awards CDBG funding to projects and programs that primarily benefit low-income, homeless, and special needs households. Projects
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are only considered for funding within the Consolidate Plan period if they address the goals discussed.
AP-38 Project Summary
Project Summary Information
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Project Name 2026 Project Sentinel - Fair Housing Services
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Supportive Services for Low Income Households
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $16,500.00
Description Fair Housing Services. Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): O5J, Fair Housing Activities CDBG National
Objective: LMC 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
12 unduplicated low and moderate income individuals will be provided with fair housing services of
complaint counseling, investigation, and where appropriate enforcement referral.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities Project Sentinel will provide comprehensive fair housing services of investigation, counseling, and legal
referrals for victims of housing discrimination; community education and outreach regarding fair
housing law; and analyses for City staff and officials regarding fair housing practices and trends. We
provide proactive fair housing education to housing providers to avoid costly violations and reactive
enforcement investigations when violations are alleged.
2 Project Name 2026 Upwards
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Increase Opportunities for Workforce Development
Needs Addressed Economic Development
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Funding CDBG: $72,000.00
Description WeeCare/Upwards assists Family Childcare Home microenterprise businesses and will provide business
improvement services to such businesses in the City. Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 18C Economic
Development: Micro-Enterprise Assistance. CDBG National Objective LMC
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
9 daycare microenterprises will benefit from this project.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities WeeCare/Upwards is a for-profit organization. Project activities would support their specific BOOST
program for low-income Family Child Care Home (FCCH) providers in Palo Alto. The BOOST program
provides specialized technical assistance and business support for income qualifying FCCH’s. Training
includes the utilization of the Child Management System (CCMS), aimed at helping providers create
work plans, set goals, enhance capacity, and generate revenue to achieve service and operational
objectives. The BOOST program addresses various aspects such as family matching, children's program
enrollment, tuition collection, weekly curriculum, licensing regulations, program expansion, and staff
recruitment. The intent is to assist small businesses in implementing best practices for organizational
growth and sustainability, ultimately supporting low to moderate-income families served by FCCH.
3 Project Name 2026 Rebuilding Together Peninsula - Safe at Home
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Affordable housing supply and condition
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Funding CDBG: $73,585.00
Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 14A, Objective LMH
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Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
5 LMI households will benefit from home improvements.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities RTP project activities preserve affordable housing by transforming homes at no cost to the service
recipient. The majority of the low-income homeowners served will be elderly seniors and/or people
with disabilities, who are physically and/or financially unable to maintain safe living conditions for
themselves and their families. Funding covers the costs of home repair, such as construction materials
and payment of subcontractors.
4 Project Name 2026 SVILC Case Management
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $16,000.00
Description Case Management. Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 05B, Handicapped Service, Objective LMC
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
24 unduplicated Palo Alto residents will benefit from one-on-one housing assistance.
Location Description Citywide
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Planned Activities The Housing Assistance and Emergency Services for Persons with Disabilities program assists very low-
income Palo Alto residents with disabilities or chronic health conditions and their families in their
housing search for affordable, accessible housing. The program provides education and training on all
aspects of how to conduct a housing search to transition from homelessness, health care facilities, or
unstable, temporary housing into safe, long-term community-based housing. It includes group
workshops, one-on-one service training, and access to IL (Independent Living) services, including
emergency food assistance, security deposits/rent (as available funding allows), information, and
referral, to ensure long-term sustainability of housing.
5 Project Name 2026 Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Supportive Services for Low Income Households
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $6,500.00
Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 05G, Services for victims of domestic violence, Objective LMC
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
20 unduplicated Palo Alto residents will benefit from client centered services.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities Assist Palo Alto residents identifying as victims/survivors of domestic/intimate partner violence (DV) will
receive client-centered services through Community Support Advocacy: crisis intervention counseling,
risk assessment, safety planning, legal advocacy and attorneys, restraining order assistance, case
management, other support services through walk-in or virtual; Support Groups; Emergency Shelter and
24/7 Crisis Hotline.
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6 Project Name 2026 Catholic Charities Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $6,500.00
Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 05A, Senior Services, Objective: LMC
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
The program will provide advocacy and complaint investigation for 50 elderly residents of long-term
care facilities in Palo Alto.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities Catholic Charities’ Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) project activities include regular
contact with Palo Alto Residential Care Facilities to observe and monitor conditions of care and handle
and resolve issues regarding residents’ rights, unmet needs, allegations of abuse, and complaints
effectively, thus promoting resident well-being.
7 Project Name 2026 LifeMoves Case Management
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Respond to Homelessness and Risk of Homelessness
Needs Addressed Homelessness
Funding CDBG: $31,000.00
Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 03T, Operating Costs of Homeless/AIDS Patients Programs, Objective
LMC
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Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
350 unduplicated individuals (homeless and/or very low-income individuals per year) will receive case
management services, including assistance with housing/job searches, referrals, and mentoring
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities LifeMoves project activities include continuing and expand case management and supportive day
services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Palo Alto at the Opportunity Services Center
(OSC), in alignment with the City of Palo Alto’s Consolidated Plan and funding priorities. The project will
provide intensive, client-centered case management to support participants in accessing permanent
housing, increasing income and benefits, and achieving long-term self-sufficiency. In addition, the OSC
will offer essential day services including food, clothing, shower(s), and laundry (dryer) that address
immediate basic needs, reduce barriers to engagement, and provide a stable point of access to housing-
focused services for unsheltered and highly vulnerable residents.
8 Project Name 2026 RotaCare Bay Area Mobile Clinic
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Respond to Homelessness and Risk of Homelessness
Needs Addressed Homelessness
Funding CDBG: $4,500.00
Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 03T: Homeless Programs, Objective LMC
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
100 individuals assisted
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Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities This project provides free, accessible medical services to under and uninsured individuals to reduce
barriers to essential care. Services will be delivered through our RotaCare Rotary Mobile Medical Clinic,
with follow up care available at our San Jose clinic when the unit is not deployed within the Palo Alto
area to ensure continuity of care. Project activities include adult primary care such as evaluation of
acute medical concerns and preventative health services, along with prescription refills and laboratory
testing at Quest Diagnostics. The project will also provide referrals for imaging studies, specialist
consultations, diabetic retinal screening, and connections to additional community resources. Diabetic
patients will have access to diabetic self-management classes to support long term health outcomes.
9 Project Name 2026 YWCA
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Supportive Services for Low Income Households
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $4,500.00
Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 05G, Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Objective LMC
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
40 individuals assisted
Location Description Citywide
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Planned Activities YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley (YWCA GGSV) provides essential domestic violence (DV) services,
including a 24-hour English & Spanish Support Line (250+ additional languages through interpretation
service), crisis counseling and support groups for adults and children, emergency shelter and housing
services, over the phone response to law enforcement calls, personal advocacy, individual therapy,
transportation, criminal justice and social services advocacy, temporary restraining orders, court
accompaniment, household establishment assistance, children’s programming, and workforce
development services. Our services are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and
coordinated.
10 Project Name 2026 Planning and Administration
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Homelessness
Community Services and Public Improvements
Tenant Assistance Services
Economic Development
Funding CDBG: $120,000.00
Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 21A, General Program Administration Planning and Administration
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
The City will provide general administrative support to the CDBG program.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities CDBG program administration
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11 Project Name 2026 ADA Curb Ramps
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $164,445.00
Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 03L, Sidewalks, Objective LMC
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
6,681 severely disabled adults assisted
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities This Public Works project will provide ADA curb ramps within the City for the benefit of severely
disabled adult residents.
12 Project Name 2026 Peninsula Healthcare Connection Rehabilitation
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $79,970.00
Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 03E, Neighborhood Facilities, Objective LMC
Target Date 6/30/2027
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Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
TBD once completed
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities This project will refurbish and transform PHC’s newly acquired house at 51 Encina Avenue into a
dedicated facility for behavioral health, therapy, and addiction treatment services. This historic
property, located in the heart of Palo Alto, presents an opportunity to expand essential healthcare
services for our unhoused, low-income, and undocumented neighbors. Funding requested here is
focused on pre-construction phase activities.
13
Project Name 2026 La Comida Food Assistance
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Supportive Services for Low Income Households
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $4,500.00
Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 05W, Food Banks, Objective LMC
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and
type of families that will
benefit from the proposed
activities
40 individuals assisted
Location Description Citywide
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Planned Activities La Comida provides healthy meals, resources, and a warm environment each weekday. We will also
engage and energize Palo Alto residents to support and volunteer for senior needs, causes, and
projects. This project will support the needs of the growing population of seniors who are now
accessing the services of La Comida.
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AP-50 Geographic Distribution - 91.420, 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where
assistance will be directed
The City allocates CDBG funds to benefit low-moderate income (LMI) households and does not have any designated target areas. Instead, the
City focuses CDBG funds on public services, housing preservation, economic development-business assistance, and capital improvements across
the City as a whole.
Geographic Distribution
Citywide 100
Table 8 - Geographic Distribution
Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically
N/A
Discussion
N/A
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AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing -91.420, 91.220(j)
Introduction
The City of Palo Alto is committed to providing equitable opportunities to all residents of Palo Alto in order to expand access to housing and
increase housing mobility. The City will take action to overcome patterns of segregation, address disparities in housing needs and access to
opportunity, and foster inclusive communities. The City’s Housing Element contains a list of actions established to reduce the barriers to
affordable housing, including but not limited to racial inequities, high housing and land costs, regulatory constraints, and public resistance.
Currently the City is experiencing a constrained housing supply market, so when housing developments produce housing units that are
considered “relatively” affordable, higher-income buyers and renters outbid lower-income households. Subsequently, a home’s final sale or
rental price may exceed the projected sales or rental costs. Public subsidies are often needed to guarantee affordable homes for low- and
moderate-income households.
The City wants to ensure adequate planning is undertaken to provide its “fair share” of affordable and market-rate housing, demonstrating a
strategy for removing barriers to increase housing production that addresses today’s housing shortage.
To address the requirements of AB 686, the City participated in the 2025-30 Santa Clara County Consolidated Plan (ConPlan). The County’s
ConPlan identifies five goals for the County and each of its participating jurisdictions, including Palo Alto. Additionally, the ConPlan identifies
regional and local barriers to fair housing around the region, with heavy emphasis on racial and economic disparity, land use and zoning, and
lack of assistance and resources. Programs were identified to reduce barriers in the City, including adjusting zoning amendments to expand
affordable and alternative housing opportunities and increasing accessibility to information.
Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such
as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and
policies affecting the return on residential investment
Palo Alto is addressing the barriers to affordable housing through:- Density Bonus Ordinance: City lowered eligibility requirements, allowing up
to an 80% density bonus and provided more exceptions to applicable zoning and development standards. Notably, if 100% affordable
development is within half a mile of a major transit stop, City cannot impose any density limits and is entitled to a maximum height increase of
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three additional stories or 33 feet.
-Remove Density requirements in certain zoning districts.
-Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Program: 1974 Developers must allocate a percentage of units as BMR housing in approved project of 3 units
or more. The program originally required that for developments on sites of less than 5 acres, the developer must provide 15% of the total
housing units as BMR housing units. If the site was larger than 5 acres, the developer was required to provide 20% of the units as BMR housing.
The City of Palo Alto has historically used in-lieu fees & development impact fees charged on new, market-rate housing and/or commercial
development to finance 100% affordable developments. Updated Commercial and Residential Impact Fee Nexus Studies and adopted two
ordinances making changes to its BMR program and adopted a new fee structure, effective 06/19/2017.
-Fair Housing: Protect tenants from displacement through more robust tenant protections and better access to legal services. City provides
CDBG funding to Project Sentinel, a non-profit entity that provides expertise in fair housing law and tenant-landlord disputes. Program services
include information, referrals, community outreach, and education. Project Sentinel resolves fair housing complaints via investigation,
mediation, education, and outreach to both property owners and tenants about fair housing policies. Increase access to lending opportunities
for residents of historically low-income communities of color.
-Housing Incentive Program (HIP): Effective 05/02/2019, an alternative to the State Density Bonus law and provides development incentives
including no housing density restrictions, increased floor area ratios, and increased lot coverage. HIP is available to specific areas of the City
where higher-density development is encouraged. - Affordable Housing (AH): 2018, City Council adopted Affordable Housing Combining District
to provide flexible development standards beyond the State Density Bonus Law to allow 100% affordable housing projects located in a
commercially zoned area.
-Workforce Housing (WH): 2018, Encourages housing near rail transit by modifying development standards by modifying flexible development
standards for the public facilities (PF) zoning district. The average Palo Alto home, as of 02/01/2023, costs about 8 times the national average
home price, and the monthly rent is about 2.5 times the national average.
-Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units: City amended its Ordinance Title 18, which included “the development of a
single-family home, ADU, and/or a JADU on a lot that allows for single-family development shall not be considered a multifamily development,
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nor shall they require Architectural Review pursuant to other sections of Chapter 18.
-City Amended Chapter 9.68 (Rental Housing Stabilization) of the Municipal Code to expand just cause eviction protections to renters, including
reducing the minimum time period required for renters to qualify for just cause eviction protections.
Discussion
NA
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AP-85 Other Actions - 91.420, 91.220(k)
Introduction
The following provides a description of today's obstacles and or barriers to meeting LMI or underserved
populations, including vulnerable populations, housing preservation needs, lead-paint issues, increased
earning capacity for LMI households, city delivery structure for supporting needed services, and regional
approaches to serving and helping the homeless populations.
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs
The City collaborative works with social service providers, affordable housing developers, housing
preservation entities, fair housing, and homeless assistance agencies to address obstacles to permanent
housing for all residents. To address this, the City supplements its CDBG funding with other resources
and funds, such as: To address this, the City supplements its CDBG funding with other resources and
funds, such as:
• Support social services entities including RotaCare and Catholic Charities that provide needed
supportive services for extremely low-income and or elderly residents.
• In FY 2025-26, the City’s Human Service Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) provided about
$600,000 from the General Fund in support of human services. The HSRAP funds, in conjunction
with the CDBG public service funds, are distributed to local non-profit agencies.
• Support low income persons with disabilities. Provide CDBG funds to Silicon Valley Independent
Living Center (SVILC) with case management needs.
• Support the city’s homeless population through CDBG awards and other funding sources to
LifeMoves Shelter
• The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara (HACSC) administers the federal Section 8
program countywide. The program provides rental subsidies and develops affordable housing
for low-income households, seniors and persons with disabilities living within the County.
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing
The City will foster and maintain affordable housing by continuing the following programs and
ordinances:
• Support low income homeowners through annual CDBG allocations for housing rehabilitation.
Provide CDBG funds to Rebuilding Together Peninsula to preserve existing affordable housing
stock. The City is also planning an affordable housing rehabilitation and replacement project,
Buena Vista Mobile Home Park that will benefit approximately 270 residents.
• Annual CDBG allocations to Rebuilding Together Peninsula to preserve existing affordable
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housing stock.
• The Below Market Rate Emergency Fund, which provides funding on an ongoing basis for loans
to BMR owners for special assessment loans and for rehabilitation and preservation of the City’s
stock of BMR ownership units.
• Apply to both the State of California HOME program, and the County’s HOME Consortium to
fund supported affordable housing projects.
• The Commercial Housing Fund and Residential Housing Fund are used by the City to assist new
housing development or the acquisition, rehabilitation, or the preservation of existing housing
for affordable housing.
• The Density Bonus Ordinance regulations allow for bonuses of 20 to 35 percent, depending on
the amount and type of affordable housing provided.
• The City is collaborated with Santa Clara County and Eden Housing in the development of
Michell Park Place, a new affordable housing development project providing 50 affordable units
located in one of the City’s LMI census tracts. This development opened in winter of 2025.
• The City awarded $5M to Charities Housing in 2025 to support the development of a 100%
affordable housing development (130-units) serving low-income households.
• The City’s participation in the County's HOME Consortium will allow developers of affordable
housing projects to be eligible to competitively apply through an annual RFP process directly to
the County for HOME funds to help subsidize affordable housing projects in Palo Alto, including
acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The City’s housing and CDBG staff provides technical assistance, information, and referrals to property
owners, developers, and non-profit organizations rehabilitating older housing about lead-based paint
(LBP) hazards. Any house to be rehabilitated with City financial assistance is required to be inspected for
the existence of LBP and LBP hazards. The City will provide financial assistance for the abatement of LBP
hazards in units rehabilitated with City funding. The City also requires that contractors be trained and
certified in an effort to decrease the risk of potential use of LBP in new units. All development and
rehabilitation projects must be evaluated according to HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule 24 CFR Part 35.
Rebuilding Together Peninsula, through its housing rehabilitation program, ensures each rehab includes
lead-based paint assessment and mitigation on impacted areas for each housing case.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families
The City, in its continuing effort to reduce poverty, will prioritize funding agencies that provide direct
assistance to the homeless and those in danger of becoming homeless. In FY 2026-27, all CDBG
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programs will work at reducing the number of poverty-level families in Palo Alto.
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The administration of the City’s CDBG program requires collaboration between several departments
including the finance department, administration, Human Services, and Planning and Development
Services Department staff. The Planning and Development Services Department assigns critical staff to
manage project development, subrecipient contracting and technical assistance, consultant
management, collaboration with public works department staff, and fund draws and activity spending.
The Finance Department assists in the process by reconciling CDBG and City budget accounts and
drawdown approvals. The Human Relations Commission and Council hold public hearings and
recommend recommendations and final approvals of annual CDBG project activities and projects.
The City strives to improve intergovernmental and private sector cooperation to synergize efforts and
resources and develop new revenues for community service needs and affordable housing production.
Collaborative efforts include:
• Regular meetings between entitlement jurisdictions at the CDBG Housing Coordinators meetings
and Regional Housing Working Group.
• Joint jurisdiction Request for Proposals and project review committees.
• Collaborations between the City’s housing and public works departments.
• Coordination on project management for projects funded by multiple jurisdictions.
• HOME Consortium meetings between member jurisdictions for affordable housing projects.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social
service agencies
City will continue participation in HOME consortium meetings with County, consortium members, and
other local service and housing providers to discuss housing and community development topics.
Discussion
NA
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Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements - 91.420, 91.220(l)(1,2,4)
Introduction
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the
Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in
projects to be completed.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the
Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in
projects to be carried out.
program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 0
address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0
been included in a prior statement or plan 0
Total Program Income:0
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities 0
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that
benefit persons of low and moderate income. Overall Benefit - A consecutive
period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum
overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and
moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 100.00%
Discussion
NA
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ATTACHMENT C – Criteria for Funding Consideration
Criteria for Funding Consideration
Is the program/ project a HUD eligible activity?
Does it meet CDBG regulatory requirements?
Does it serve low-income or presumed benefit population (seniors, homeless,
disabled, abused, etc.)?
Does it demonstrate project or program readiness?
Does the agency have the administrative capacity to carry out the proposal?
Is it consistent with the funding priorities, goals and strategies of the 2020-2024
Consolidated Plan?
How many Palo Alto residents will be served?
Does the proposal increase the services provided or the number of clients served?
Are the services duplicated by other agencies?
What is the agency’s previous performance experience and what is the anticipated
performance?
Are other funding sources available? Could the program/ project be achieved with
less funding?
Is there collaboration with other local agencies?
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT (CDBG)
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
Administered by Planning and Development Services
Adopted by City Council on September 12, 2022
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Introduction
Pursuant to the requirements of 24 CFR 91.105, the City of Palo Alto hereby issues the following
plan to provide for and encourage citizens to participate in the development of the City’s
Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, any substantial amendments to the Consolidated Plan
or Annual Action Plan, and the Performance reports (CAPER).
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
The City of Palo Alto receives an annual allocation of Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The
CDBG program addresses the creation of viable urban communities by providing decent housing,
a suitable living environment, and the ability to expand economic opportunities, principally for
persons of low and moderate income.
Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and Performance Report
In order to receive CDBG funding, Title I of the National Affordable Housing Act mandates the
preparation of a strategic five-year Consolidated Plan that identifies priority housing and
community development needs and sets forth a strategy to address those needs. An Annual
Action Plan is prepared annually to identify specific projects to be funded to implement the goals
and objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan. A Comprehensive Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report (CAPER) is prepared at the end of each program year to evaluate and report
on the goals and objectives achieved with the annual grant allocations.
Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH)/Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice
The preparation of an AFH/AI is required every five (5) years. The AFH/AI is an analysis of fair
housing issues in a program participant’s jurisdiction and region that results in goals that the
program participant sets forth to achieve over the program participant’s coming Consolidated
Plan planning cycle. If required by HUD, the City must prepare, adopt, and submit its initial AFH
for HUD review no later than 270 calendar days prior to the start of the following program year.
Subsequent AFHs must be submitted 195 days prior to the start of the following program year.
This schedule will allow the City to consider any fair housing issues when developing the City’s
Consolidated Plan.
Citizen Participation Objectives
A primary objective of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 is the provision
of adequate opportunities for citizens, non-profit organizations, and other interested parties to
review and comment on the planning, implementation, and assessment of the CDBG program.
It is the intention of the City of Palo Alto to adopt and follow a detailed Citizen Participation Plan
in order to encourage meaningful citizen involvement, public examination, and appraisal of the
process, as well as to enhance program accountability.
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The Citizen Participation Plan includes the following objectives:
1. To adhere to the provisions of the Community Development Act of 1987, as amended, and
all other federal regulations.
2. To encourage the participation of citizens in the planning, implementation, and assessment
of the CDBG program, especially those of low and very low income, members of minority
groups, residents of areas where funds will be expended, persons with limited English
proficiency, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and other neighborhood, non-profit or
civic groups.
3. To make information about the CDBG program and process available to the public through
reasonable and timely access to information including publications in local newspapers,
public hearings, public meetings, the City’s website, and the provision of technical
assistance.
Citizen Participation Plan
The sections below describe the roles and responsibilities of the City Council, public, staff, and
Human Relations Commission. Additionally, there are process-related clarifications for
substantial amendments, anti-displacement requirements, and state of emergency conditions.
Part 1: The City Council
1. The City Council sets policy, priorities, and approves the overall Community Development
Block Grant allocations.
2. The City Council will conduct a minimum of one public hearing per fiscal year for the
purpose of obtaining citizens’ views and formulating or responding to proposals and
questions. The purpose of the public hearing is to address community development and
housing needs, development of proposed activities, proposed strategies and actions for
affirmatively furthering fair housing, and program performance.
3. All public hearings will be held at times and locations convenient to potential and actual
program beneficiaries, with reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
Generally, public hearings will be held at City Hall in the evenings because the facility is
centrally located, accessible by public transportation, and has disabled access.
4. Translation services will be provided when a significant number of non-English speaking
residents can be reasonably expected to participate, or when a reasonable request for
such an accommodation is made.
5. Actions of the City Council will direct the implementation of CDBG funded projects.
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Part 2. The General Public
1. The general public is encouraged to participate in the various stages of the CDBG program
by attending and commenting at the noticed public hearings. They are also encouraged to
express their views and comments directly to the City’s CDBG Coordinator
2. At any time, citizens may submit views concerning Palo Alto’s CDBG program performance
to the HUD Region IX Office at One Sansome Street, Suite 1200, San Francisco, CA 94104.
3. The City’s website (https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/cdbg) contains either the draft or
adopted Consolidated Plan, draft or adopted versions of the Annual Action Plans and
Performance Reports, the CDBG annual program timeline, and other pertinent program
records, documents, and information. Interested citizens are encouraged to review the
material online, download files, and provide comments or suggestions via letter or e-mail
to the CDBG Coordinator.
4. Consistent with accessibility and reasonable accommodation requirements, in accordance
with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the regulations at 24 CFR part 8; and
the Americans with Disabilities Act and the regulations at 28 CFR parts 35 and 36, as
applicable, upon request, materials and information will be made available in a format
accessible to persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids
or services in using City facilities, services or programs, or who would like information on
the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, may contact City of Palo Alto’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329-
2550 (Voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Public hearings will be held in the
Council Chambers or other accessible locations. Requests for assistance or
accommodations should be submitted as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours in
advance of a scheduled meeting, program, or service.
Part 3. City Staff
1. The Planning and Development Services department has the primary responsibility for the
administration and coordination of the CDBG program.
2. The planning process for the CDBG program is conducted on a two-year cycle and is
coordinated with the City’s Human Service Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP). At the
beginning of each fiscal year, staff will provide the general public, public agencies,
interested citizens, and the Human Relations Commission (HRC) with the following
information:
(a) The amount of grant funds and program income expected to be made available during
the next fiscal/program year for proposed community development and housing
activities;
(b) The range of activities that may be undertaken, including the estimated amount
proposed to be used for activities that will benefit persons of low and moderate income;
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(c) The proposed CDBG activities which will likely result in relocation, and the City’s intent
to minimize the necessity for relocation of persons as a result of assisted activities; and
(d) The types and levels of assistance the City will make available (or require others to
make available) to persons who are eligible for relocation assistance as a result of CDBG
assisted activities.
Additionally, staff will provide the HRC with updates on relevant changes to the CDBG
funding allocations that occur after the HRC’s formal review the draft Annual Action Plan.
3. Planning staff will publish a summary of the proposed Consolidated Plan/Annual Action
Plan in newspaper of local circulation and on the City of Palo Alto’s CDBG webpage. The
summary will describe the contents and purpose of the Consolidated Plan and include a list
of the locations where copies of the draft Consolidated Plan may be examined, and
where it is available on the City’s website. In the summary, the City will make available to
residents, public agencies, and other interested parties’ information that includes the
amount of assistance the City expects to receive (including grant funds and program
income) and the range of activities that may be undertaken, including the estimated
amount that will benefit persons of low- and moderate-income.
4. A reasonable number of free copies of the Draft Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan will
be provided to citizens and groups that request it. Draft copies will be available at the
Downtown Library, City Hall/Planning and Development Services, and the Development
Center. The draft documents will also be available on the City’s CDBG webpage. Citizens
may submit comments on the Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan during a public review
period of no less than 30 calendar days.
5. Planning staff will maintain a mailing list of interested parties, who will be mailed or e-
mailed information regarding public hearings or meetings, the availability of draft plans,
substantial amendments, public comment periods, and other announcements. Members of
the City’s Human Relations Commission will also receive this information.
6. To encourage a wider range of citizen participation during the development of the
Consolidated Plan, the list of interested parties will be extended to include local and
regional institutions and other organizations such as businesses, developers, community,
and faith- based organizations, residents of public and assisted housing developments,
persons receiving tenant-based rental assistance, the Housing Authority of Santa Clara
County, and neighboring jurisdictions. In addition, the City will encourage participation of
both public and private organizations, including broadband internet service providers,
organizations engaged in narrowing the digital divide (e.g., schools, digital literacy
organizations), and agencies whose primary responsibilities include the management of
flood prone areas, public land or water resources, and emergency management agencies
(81 Fed. Reg.91011, Dec. 16, 2016).
7. Staff will provide adequate, timely notification of hearings and meetings so that citizens
and other interested parties may attend and comment. Where feasible, a minimum of 14-
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day notice will be provided for all public hearings regarding the CDBG Program. When
possible, an ad will be placed in a local newspaper. All meetings and hearings will be
noticed on the City of Palo Alto’s CDBG webpage.
8. Upon completion of the draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
(CAPER), Planning staff will publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation and on
the City of Palo Alto’s CDBG webpage announcing the availability of the draft performance
report, the locations where it may be reviewed, and a 15-day period for submitting public
comments prior to its submission to HUD. Any comments or views of citizens received in
writing or at public meetings in preparing the performance report shall be considered,
summarized, and attached to the performance report.
9. The Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plans as adopted, any substantial amendments, the
performance reports and the Citizen Participation Plan will be available to the public on
the City’s CDBG webpage, and upon request. Reasonable accommodations will be provided
for requests for materials or information by persons with disabilities.
10. Planning staff will arrange for reasonable and timely access to public records related to the
Citizens’ Participation Plan, the Consolidated Plan, the Annual Action Plans, Consolidated
Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), any amendments thereto, and the
City’s use of CDBG funds during the preceding five years. Access to public records will be
provided to citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties upon written or verbal
request. An appointment may be required to view records, and a fee may be charged for
copies to recover costs. Documents are available for public review in the Planning Division
during advertised working hours.
11. Upon request, staff will provide technical assistance to community groups and groups
representing individuals of low- and moderate-income in developing funding proposals for
assistance under the Consolidated Plan. Staff will endeavor to provide assistance in the
form of general information, relevant demographic or socio-economic data, interpretation
of HUD rules and regulations, explanation of City policies and procedures affecting the
CDBG program, or advice regarding funding proposals or alternative funding sources for
projects which are ineligible under the CDBG program.
12. Planning staff will arrange for information to be presented in a bilingual fashion at public
hearings whenever a significant number of non-English speaking residents can be expected
to participate, or when a reasonable request is made for such a service.
13. Where practicable, planning staff will provide a timely, substantive written response to all
written complaints and grievances regarding the CDBG program within 15 working days of
receipt of such complaint or grievance.
14. Planning staff will schedule and notice all required public hearings. Notice of the date, time,
place, and agenda of the public hearings will be advertised at least 14 days prior to the
hearing in a newspaper of local circulation and on the City’s CDBG webpage.
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Part 4. The Human Relations Commission
1. The City’s Human Relations Commission (HRC) is charged with the discretion to act with
respect to any human relations matter when the HRC finds that any person or group does
not benefit fully from public or private opportunities or resources in the community or is
unfairly or differently treated due to factors of concern to the Commission.
2. In order to coordinate the City’s Human Service Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) with
the CDBG allocation process, the HRC will hold at least one public hearing annually to
review and comment on the proposed CDBG funding allocations.
3. The HRC will hold a public hearing annually to review and comment on the draft
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
Part 5. Substantial Amendments
1. Prior to the submission of any substantial change in the Consolidated Plan or Annual
Action Plan, residents of the community and interested citizens will be notified and
provided a minimum of 30 calendar days to comment on the proposed changes before
the amendment is implemented. The City Council will hold noticed public hearings on
substantial changes where interested persons may comment. All views and comments
submitted in writing, or orally at public hearings will be considered in preparing the
substantial amendment. A summary of these comments, and a summary of any comments
or views not accepted and the reasons, therefore, will be attached to the substantial
amendment.
2. Substantial amendments are defined as:
(a) A change in the use of CDBG funds from one eligible activity to another;
(b) The implementation of an activity not previously identified in sufficient detail to
provide affected citizens an opportunity to submit comments; or
(c) A change in an activity’s program budget which exceeds ten percent (10%) of the
City’s latest annual entitlement grant.
3. Minor Amendments are changes to a previously adopted Consolidated Plan or Annual
Action Plan that do not meet the thresholds to qualify as a Substantial Amendment. Minor
amendments are typically processed at a staff level.
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Part 6. Summary of Review Procedures
Task Required
Comment Public Meeting
Annual Action Plan (AAP) 30 days X Action
Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report (CAPER)
15 days X Information
Report
Substantial Amendments 30 days - Consent
Consolidated Plan (Con Plan) 30 days X Action
Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH)/ Analysis of
Impediments (AI)
30 days X Action
Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) 15 days X Consent
Part 7. Anti-Displacement Policy
1. The City of Palo Alto will comply with all federal regulations governing residential anti-
displacement and relocation assistance as they pertain to the CDBG program.
2. It is the City’s policy to avoid, to the greatest extend feasible, the involuntary displacement
of any persons, property, or businesses as a result of a federally funded CDBG activity such
as acquisition, demolition, or rehabilitation.
3. The City will take all reasonable steps to minimize involuntary displacement as a result of
CDBG activity by approving and designing activities in such a way that displacement is
avoided whenever possible. In extraordinary circumstances where no feasible alternatives
to displacement are available if the City’s community development objectives are to be met,
the City will (or will require others to) properly notice and inform residents or tenants of
their rights and potential eligibility for relocation benefits.
4. When there is no alternative to displacement, relocation benefits will be provided to all
eligible persons in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA) and the requirements of 24 CFR
570.606(b) and 24 CFR 570.606(c) governing the Residential Anti-displacement and
Relocation Assistance Plan under Section 104(d) of the HUD Act.
Part 8. Citizen Participation Requirements in State of Emergency
The City shall comply with all HUD memorandums and notices that direct citizen participation
requirements in the event of a local, state, or national emergency or disaster. These
requirements shall supersede any conflicting provisions of the Citizen Participation Plan.
Following the HUD standards will allow the City to respond in the most expeditious manner to
secure and access new HUD funding and/or re-allocate existing funding.
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ATTACHMENT E – 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan Goals Summary
City of Palo Alto 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan Goals Summary
Goal No. 1: Affordable Housing Supply and Condition
Assist in the creation and preservation of affordable housing for low income and special
needs households.
Goal No. 2: Respond to Homelessness and Risk of Homelessness
Prevent and end homelessness, such as funding affordable housing opportunities,
resource centers for homeless individuals, and support for tenants of single-room
occupancy units.
Goal No. 3: Strengthen Neighborhoods
Provide community services and public improvements to benefit low-income and special
needs households. This includes assisting those with disabilities to transition from
unstable housing to permanent housing, supporting residents of long-term care
facilities, and supporting individuals experiencing domestic violence.
Goal No. 4: Increase Opportunities for Workforce Development
Support economic development activities that promote employment growth and help
lower-income people secure and maintain jobs. This includes funding nonprofits
working toward developing the skills of low-income and homeless individuals.
Goal No. 5: Supportive Services for Low-Income Households
Provide supportive services to low-income households through bolstering case
management and navigation of services including legal assistance, and
tenant/landlord resolution,
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From:Jimena Cuevas
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:Request to Share Child Welfare Survey with Social Workers
Date:Wednesday, March 11, 2026 10:37:58 AM
Attachments:Child Welfare Survey.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Hello ,
I am a policy intern at Bob Gnaizda Youth Leadership (BGYL) conducting research for a policy proposal on child
welfare, focusing on caseloads, workforce support, and racial equity.
I would greatly appreciate your help in sharing a short, voluntary, and anonymous survey with practicing child
welfare social workers. If you have any contacts—such as alumni, partner agencies, or colleagues—who work in
the field, forwarding the survey to them would be incredibly helpful. Their insights are invaluable for informing
policies that support the child welfare workforce.
Survey link: https://forms.gle/QLw3iSX86rfWYaxQ7
I have attached a brief flyer with more information about the survey. If possible, I would greatly appreciate
responses within the next two weeks (sooner if possible).
Thank you very much for your time and support in helping connect with professionals who can contribute.
Best regards,
Jimena Cuevas
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From:Tanacea, Kendra@CalCivilRights
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:RE: Introduction to California Community Conflict Unit
Date:Thursday, March 19, 2026 6:06:05 AM
Attachments:June 2026 CCRU Convening Overview.pdf
CCRU June 2026 Pre-meeting Inquiry Form - 1-14-2026 fillable.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Hello! I’m writing to let you know about CCRU’s June 8, 2026 convening of peacemakers in Los
Angeles. I’m attaching an overview of the event and a pre-meeting inquiry form if the City of
Palo Alto’s HRC is interested in attending. Happy to have a Zoom meeting to answer your
questions and provide more information.
Hope to talk soon!
Best, Kendra
From: Tanacea, Kendra@CalCivilRights
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:41 PM
To: hrc@cityofpaloalto.org
Subject: Introduction to California Community Conflict Unit
Hello! I’m Kendra Tanacea, a senior mediator with the California Community Conflict Resolution
Unit. I’m writing to provide information about our services and make personal contact with your
organization, the City of Palo Alto Human Relations Commission and explore the possibility for
collaboration.
By way of background, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit (CCRU) within the California Civil
Rights Department (CRD) works with communities and local and state public bodies to
constructively manage or resolve conflict and minimize or eliminate the potential for hate-
motivated violence impacting communities. All CCRU services are free.
We provide assistance when requested or accepted due to a hate- or discrimination-related
community dispute, disagreement, or difficulty. Such community issues may impair the rights of
persons in those communities under the Constitutions and laws of the United States or California
or may appear to threaten peaceful relations among the persons of the community involved.
We provide free customized services to address community disputes, disagreements, or
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difficulties:
Design conflict resolution processes;
Facilitate processes to ensure meaningful community engagement;
Mediate conflict (problem-solving conversations managed by a neutral third party);
Provide education and training; and
Provide consultations (answering specific questions and providing information about how to
reduce community conflict related to discrimination and hate).
While we are part of CRD, our services are unique because we are neutral and impartial, which
means we do not assign fault or blame to anyone involved in our services, refer requests to
government agencies for enforcement, or bring any complaints to the court system. Our services
are voluntary, meaning communities and state and local public bodies must decide and agree, on
their own, to participate in our services; neither CCRU nor CRD can force anyone to participate in
CCRU services. Our work and services are also confidential. We do not report the identity of
people participating in our services or other information about a conflict that is shared with us with
the expectation that it will remain confidential unless we receive permission to share it.
We recognize that to meaningfully support public safety and resilience in communities, we must
look beyond the existing criminal and civil legal systems and ensure that communities
experiencing discrimination lead and are centered in working toward solutions. When there is
tension in a community around discrimination—whether it is in the aftermath of a police shooting,
a hate crime or hate incident, or an employment or housing civil rights issue—we may be able to
assist. We recognize that conflict also offers opportunities to help communities address long term
issues, systemic forms of discrimination, develop community-focused solutions and restorative
practices, and enhance communities’ capacity to independently prevent and resolve future
conflict. (For more information, please see Community Conflict Resolution Unit | CRD.)
I would very much like to set up a virtual meeting so that we may discuss the issues facing your
organization and to discuss any assistance CCRU may be able to provide now or in the future. I
look forward to hearing from you.
Best, Kendra
Kendra Tanacea
(she/her)
Sr. Attorney Mediator | Community Conflict Resolution Unit
California Civil Rights Department
Mobile: (213) 505-0378
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