HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-11 Human Relations Commission Agenda PacketHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, June 11, 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
person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 76, live on
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
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
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted for up to three minutes
or an amount of time determined by the Chair. In-person comments will be heard at the
beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda. 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 City’s website three days before the meeting.
Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to HRC@PaloAlto.gov at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk
will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity
management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage
of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number of speakers. In-person
comments will be heard at the beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of the May 14, 2026, Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Draft Action
Minutes. – Action – 5 minutes
BUSINESS ITEMS
1.Presentation from the Non-Profit PATMA on Transportation Access and Mobility Support
for the Vulnerable Residents of Palo Alto – Discussion – 30 minutes
2.Listening Session on Fire Prevention by Palo Alto Fire Department
3.HRC Subcommittee Report Out and Work Plan Review – Dicussion – 30 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)
VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number of speakers. In-person
comments will be heard at the beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda.
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.
2.Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference
meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom-based meeting.
Please read the following instructions carefully.
◦You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in- browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
◦You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
◦When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
◦When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3.Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B-E above.
4.Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council.
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
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329-2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@PaloAlto.gov. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING ACTION MINUTES
Thursday, May 14, 2026
6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Kraus, Causey, Ansari, Barr, Karnam, Rosenberg, Stimmler
Commissioners Absent:
Council Liaison: Vice Mayor Stone
Staff: Sophie Pigman, Melissa McDonough, Christine Prior
I)CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
II)IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT -
III)AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS
IV)APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the April 9, 2026, Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Draft Action
Minutes. – Action – 5 minutes
MOTION: Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Ansari moved approval of the April
9, 2026 Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Minutes.
MOTION PASSED: 6-0-1, Rosenberg abstain
V)BUSINESS ITEMS
DRAFT
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2. Presentation on Pride Event by representatives from event planning committee. – Discussion –
60 – minutes
NO ACTION TAKEN
3. Consideration of HRC support of a community Pride Event on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at King
Plaza (250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto). – Action – 15 minutes
MOTION: Commissioner Barr, seconded by Vice Chair Causey, moved that the Human
Relations Commission supports the Pride Event on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at King Plaza. The
HRC be informed of any and all sponsors before the event occurs. The Human Relations
Commission supports the participation of a Commissioner to speak at the event or program. The
HRC is not financially supporting the event at this point in time. It is still to be determined
whether the Pride Event will qualify for an Emerging Needs Grant.
MOTION PASSED/FAILED: 6-0-1, Rosenberg abstain
VI) CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
• Commissioner Reports
• Council Liaison Report
• Staff Liaison Report
VII) COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR
FUTURE MEETING AND AGENDAS
VIII) VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT
IX) ADJOURNMENT
The Human Relations Commission adjourned at 7:07pm.
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reduction in demand for 482
parking spaces around town
2,933,038 fewer vehicle
miles traveled
1,152 fewer tons of
greenhouse gas emissions
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Transportation Demand Mgmt Tools
•Information -maps, Transit app, Caltrain Live System Map
•Incentives -$5/day Bike Love rewards
•Case studies
•Relationships with managers –attract and retain workers
•Workers can make the decision
•Do the benefits outweigh the effort to change?
•Save on gas, repairs, maintenance
•Avoid traffic
•Avoid parking and parking tickets
•Relaxing
•Exercise and fresh air
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Sustainable Transportation Options
Transit pipelines
•Caltrain
•VTA 522/22
•SamTrans ECR
•Dumbarton Express
Active mobility
•Bike
•E-bike
•E-scooter
•Walking
•Ride hail –Palo Alto Link, Lyft, Uber
•Car share –Zip Car
•Car rental –Hertz, Enterprise, Avis
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Alejandra Mier, HR, Coupa Cafe
Through PATMA's support, many of our team members have been
able to leave their cars at home and rely on more sustainable
commuting options. This shift has reduced parking stress, lowered
commuting costs, and improved overall work-life balance. This
program not only supports our staff but also aligns with our
commitment to sustainability and community well-being.
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Opportunities for Growth
Current Programs
•Assisted living workers
•Hourly City of Palo Alto workers
•Workers living in San Jose, East Bay
Expanded programs
•Low-income residents
•Seniors
•People with disabilities
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www.PaloAltoTMA.org
justine@paloaltotma.org
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Human Relations Commission
Staff Report
From: Sophie Pigman, Human Services Manager
Meeting Date: June 11, 2026
Report #: 2606-6448
TITLE
Presentation and Discussion on Community Safety and Fire Abatement
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the presentation on community safety and fire abatement and discuss
opportunities to support public education workshops related to fire prevention and
fire abatement.
BACKGROUND
The Human Relations Commission work plan includes a Community Safety goal that encompasses
learning sessions on current environmental disaster mitigation workshops. The Palo Alto Fire
Department’s work on fire prevention and fire abatement provides relevant subject matter for
the Commission’s Community Safety work plan. A presentation on these topics can help the
Commission better understand current fire risk reduction efforts, ongoing public education
needs, and opportunities to support future workshops or learning sessions for the public.
Staff is bringing this item forward as an informational opportunity for the Commission.
ANALYSIS
The Human Relations Commission’s Community Safety work plan includes public learning
opportunities as a strategy for advancing community well-being. The Palo Alto Fire
Department’s presentation on fire prevention and fire abatement aligns with this objective by
providing foundational information on environmental disaster mitigation and by identifying
opportunities for the Commission to support public awareness and outreach related to
upcoming community workshops.
Fire prevention and fire abatement are forms of environmental disaster mitigation. Topics such
as vegetation management, defensible space, hazard reduction, emergency preparedness, and
public awareness can help residents better understand actions that reduce risk and improve
resilience. The Fire Department’s presentation can therefore help the Commission consider
how it may support public participation in upcoming Fire Department workshops connected to
environmental disaster mitigation.
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The first public workshop is TBD. The Commission may wish to consider how it can help
promote awareness of this and future workshops through outreach, community connections,
and other communication channels that support broad public participation.
Current fire abatement strategies
Prevention priorities
Seasonal or geographic risk considerations
Existing public education and outreach efforts
Upcoming workshop schedule
Areas where additional Commission outreach or community support may be helpful
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
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Human Relations Commission DRAFT – For City Council Review and Approval
2026 Workplan
Staff Liaison: Sophie Pigman, Human Services Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
About the Commission
This updated workplan covers the calendar year 2026 for the Human Relations Commission (HRC). The Commission is
composed of 7 members who are residents of Palo Alto. Terms are for 3 years and commence on November 1 . See Palo
Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Sections 2.16 and 2.22.
Current Commissioners
• Michelle Kraus (Chair)
• Katie Causey (Vice Chair)
• Salwa Ansari
• Don Barr
• Amy Hsieh
• Sridhar Karnam
• Mary Kate Stimmler
Mission Statement
HRC Mission: To promote the just and fair treatment of all people in Palo Alto, particularly our most vulnerable
populations. By promoting awareness of issues and enabling conversations that enhance inclusion, the HRC strives to
create a community where ci vility, respect and responsible actions are the norm.
HRC Jurisdiction: Municipal Code 2.22.050
(a) The Human Relations Commission has the discretion to act with respect to any human relations matter when the
commission finds that any person or group does not benefit fully from public or private opportunities or resources in the
community or is unfai rly or differently treated due to factors of concern to the commission.
(1) Public or private opportunities or resources in the community include, but are not limited to, those associated with
ownership and rental of housing, employment, education and governmental services and benefits.
(2) Factors of concern to the commission include, but are not limited to, socioeconomic class or status, physical
condition or handicap, married or unmarried state, emotional condition, intellectual ability, age, sex, sexual preference,
gender identity, race, cultural characteristics, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship, and religious, conscientious or
philosophical belief.
(b) The commission shall conduct such studies and undertake such responsibilities as the council may direct.
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Prior Year
Accomplishments
Goal #1 – Core Responsibilities : Discussed the findings of the Human Services Needs Assessment and determined the
Priority of Needs for the FY2026 -27 Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP), (October 2024). Reviewed
and made funding recommendations to Council for 21 two -year HSRAP grants totaling $941,735 to fund critical needs in
the community for FY 2026-27 (March and April 2025). A subcommittee of HRC commissioners and city staff served as
the review committee for the Emerging Needs Fund. In Fiscal Year 2025 (July 2024 -June 2025), a total of 6 grants
totaling $50,000 was approved. Reviewed and made funding recommendations to the Finance Committee for 8 grants
totaling $480,000 as part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding program for Fiscal Year 2025 -26
(May 2025). Hosted the Planning and Development Department’s public hearing on the summary of fiscal year 2024 -25
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Accomplishments and review of the draft Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (C APER), (September 2025). Commission members served as liaison to the
following organizations and committees: Palo Alto Police Department, Avenidas, Palo Alto Mediation Program, Project
Safety Net, and the R.V. Dweller Collaborative.
Goal #2 – Inclusion & Belonging: Conducted a Listening Session with local faith leaders to better understand their
needs and the communities they serve (June 2024). Approved HRC support of the Solidarity Celebration Picnic to
Commemorate Juneteenth and Eid -Ul-Adha (June 2024). Made reco mmendations for actions stemming from the 2023
Older Adults Learning Series (September 2024). Reviewed and discussed the City Clerk’s Office proposed 2025 City
Council Regular Meeting Schedule and the draft citywide list of h olidays and dates of significance (October 2024).
Approved support for the Palo Alto Annual Community Ramadan Iftar dinner (February 2025). Adopted a policy on public
requests for HRC support (June 2025). Reviewed the training overview for the religious to lerance training to be offered to
City staff, boards/commissions, and the City Council (July 2025). Reviewed and discussed the City Clerk’s Office
proposed 2026 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule and the citywide dates of significance list (October 2025 ).
Approved support for the Mitchell Park Library “Know Your Rights: Information for the Immigrant Community” program
(November 2025). Approved a procedure for city staff to request HRC support for internal city events (November 2025).
Goal #3 - Public Safety: Conducted the “Creating a Safer Community: Understanding and Defining Hate Crimes” event
for the public (October 2024). Approved a resolution stating that the HRC condemns all hate crimes and hate incidents
(November 2024). Conducted a “Fraud Prevention” event for the public (April 2025). Conducted a luncheon for local faith
leaders to discuss safety concerns and ask questions to the Palo Alto Police Department Chief and Assistant Chief (May
2025).
Goal #4 – Public Health: Provided feedback on the draft Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan from the Office of
Transportation (January 2025).
Goal #5 – Housing, Economic Justice and Development : Hosted the Planning and Development Department’s public
hearing for the initial public discussion of Fair Change Housing Policy approaches regarding use of criminal history
information in Palo Alto rental housing decisions (October 2024). Conducted the “Know Your Rights: Information for Palo
Alto’s Immigrant Community” event for the public (February 2025). Conducted a learning session to hear from Early
Childhood Education (ECE) providers and professional s on the current childcare landscape locally and regionally (May
2025). Presentation by the City Manager’s Office on the Local Housing and Homelessness Services Gap Analysis
Report. Provided input relating to housing and services for the unhoused as feedba ck to the City Council (June 2025).
Conducted a Learning Session on alternative pathways to home ownership (September 2025). Presentation by the
Utilities Department on City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) residential programs and service offerings (October 2025).
Presentation by Amy Everitt, President of the Golden State Opportunity and Sally Lieber, Vice Chair of the California
State Board of Equalization on the Federal and California Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and how it may provide cash
support to qu alifying unhoused, low -income, or seniors (November 2025). Presentation by the Palo Alto Mediation
Program staff and Mediation Board co -chairs on their programs and services (November 2025).
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Goal #6 – Climate Change : Presentation by Heart and Home Collaborative and City staff on City services and resources
for the unhoused during periods of inclement and cold weather, including warming centers (November 2024).
Goal #7 – Learning Sessions (items are also listed under the goals above): Conducted a learning session to hear from
Early Childhood Education (ECE) providers and professionals on the current childcare landscape locally and regionally
(HEJD, May 2025). Conducted a learning session o n alternative pathways to home ownership (HEJD, September 2025).
Goal #8 – Emerging Issues : Received an update on the Public Art Program King Artist Residency (May 2025).
Presentation by the Palo Alto Library staff on library services for the community (September 2025).
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GOAL 1:
Core Responsibilities
Funding Programs - Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
and Emerging Needs Fund. Continue to review and give input to funding decisions. Priority during this workplan cycle includes
assisting staff with the HSRAP application process for the FY28 funding cycle.
Liaison with partner agencies. Each commissioner is assigned to at least one agency to promote learning and engagement.
The partner agencies are Avenidas, Palo Alto Police Department, Project Safety Net, Project Sentinel (Palo Alto Mediation
Program), and the R.V. Dweller Service Provider Meeting.
Rapid Response – Commission will identify emerging issues in the community, prioritize those that need further attention and
elevate any major initiatives, including those that involve significant staff time to the Council for approval. The Commission will
also be responsive to future referrals by the Council.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
The funding programs provide
human services organizations
with essential monetary support
to serve vulnerable and
underserved residents of Palo
Alto.
The HRC has the discretion to
act with respect to any human
relations matter when the
commission 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.
Ongoing Ad hoc HRC subcommittee and
staff time for the funding
decisions.
Moderate level of staff and ad hoc
subcommittee time.
During each applicable funding
cycle, HRC produces funding
recommendations to City
Council for HSRAP, CDBG, and
the Emerging Needs Fund.
Liaisons to a partner agency
provide at least one update
quarterly to the Commission
summarizing engagement with
the assigned agency, including
identified needs, challenges,
and opportunities relevant to the
Commission’s work.
When emergent human
relations concerns arise, HRC
leadership initiates timely
outreach, as appropriate, to
impacted community leaders or
organizations for the purpose of
listening, expressing support,
and understanding community-
identified concerns. Information
gathered is used to inform
Commission awareness and,
when appropriate, future agenda
items or referrals.
N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Provide funding recommendations for HSRAP, CDBG and the Emerging
Needs Fund as needed.
Meet with partner agencies on a regular and ongoing basis.
Respond to emerging issues.
Review and provide feedback on the HSRAP application, award
process, and metrics of success.
N/A
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GOAL 2:
Community Mental Health
Support current efforts to address mental health issues in the community with a focus on youth, LGBTQ+, veterans and
unhoused individuals.
• Learning session on youth mental health and suicide prevention by Project Safety Net, allcove Palo Alto, and other pertinent
agencies.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
Increase community awareness
of the mental health challenges
faced by youth, adults and
veterans; and the services
available to them and their
families. Foster an ongoing
community dialogue on how to
prevent suicides and overdoses.
Spring-Summer 2026 Ad hoc HRC subcommittee and
staff time
Moderate level of staff and ad hoc
subcommittee time.
Coordinate with city
stakeholders and other non-
government organizations to
amplify their workshops,
outreach, and messaging.
N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Conduct the learning session with Project Safety Net, allcove Palo Alto,
and other youth mental health service providers.
Identify objectives to address mental health issues for LGBTQ+,
veterans, and unhoused individuals.
N/A
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GOAL 3:
Community Safety
Explore and implement avenues to decrease incidences of crimes in the community.
• Continue to convene community presentations on fraud prevention.
• Continue to convene faith leader meetings on community safety.
Provide a space for residents to voice their concerns about the safety conditions in their neighborhood, with an emphasis on
areas around schools, and identify ways the HRC can address those concerns.
Explore ways in which climate change may disproportionately affect specific populations in the community.
• Learning session from the Palo Alto Fire Department, and other relevant city departments, about current environmental
disaster mitigation workshops.
• Identify ways to mitigate the impacts of environmental disasters on vulnerable populations.
AI for Belonging - a ‘transparency baseline’ for city-used algorithms, and a ‘Procurement Guardrail’ policy to ensure city
vendors meet our equity standards.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
All individuals who live, work or
worship in Palo Alto have the
right to do so without fear of
verbal or physical abuse or
attack.
Climate awareness and changes
in habits help everyone thrive
and special attention should be
paid to vulnerable populations.
Summer-Fall 2026 Ad hoc subcommittee and staff
time. Space, marketing, and event
budget for educational
programming.
High level of staff and ad hoc
subcommittee time.
Measures may include how
many people attend educational
programming, specific actions
taken by members of the public
to combat hate crimes, and the
increased reporting of hate
crimes.
N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Convene community presentations on fraud prevention.
Convene faith leader meetings on community safety.
Learning session about current environmental disaster mitigation
workshops.
Providing a space for residents to voice concerns about safety
conditions in their neighborhoods.
AI for Belonging
N/A
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GOAL 4:
Community Engagement
Foster a sense of inclusion, belonging, and civic engagement in the community.
● Invite Palo Alto youth advocates to present to the Human Relations Commission regarding their proposed initiative to
lower the voting age to 16 in City of Palo Alto elections.
● Host an LGBTQ+ youth and allies leadership day at City Hall showing LGBTQ+ youth and allies not only different
resources, but different paths in public service they can take.
● Convene one public input/brainstorming session with local LGBTQ+ nonprofits and advocates to assess what type of
pride event the community is interested in, what nonprofits would have capacity to support, what would be needed to
make that a reality.
● Implement an annual community nonprofit service provider convening.
● Identify ways to increase community engagement with the HRC, both during and between meetings.
● Respond to the referral from the Policy and Services Committee (12/9/25) to the HRC for consideration of strategies and
policies to implement the City’s CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women)
ordinance, contingent upon Council’s adoption of the ordinance. The Policy and Services Committee requests both
immediate and long-term recommendations.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
All individuals who live, work or
worship in Palo Alto have the
right to feel included and valued
as members of the community.
By adopting a CEDAW
ordinance, the City provides a
legal framework for the
protection and support of women
in the community.
Summer-Fall
CEDAW: Spring-Summer 2026.
Present recommendations by
November 2026.
Ad hoc subcommittee and staff
time. Space and marketing for
programming.
Moderate level of staff and ad hoc
subcommittee time.
Increased community
awareness and
communications, both online
and offline; increased
workshops, and learning
sessions.
CEDAW: Forward
recommendations to the City
Council.
N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
CEDAW: Develop strategies and policies to present to Council.
Invite Palo Alto youth advocates to present to the Human Relations
Commission regarding their proposed initiative to lower the voting age
to 16 in City of Palo Alto elections.
Host an LGBTQ+ youth and allies leadership day at City Hall showing
LGBTQ+ youth and allies not only different resources, but different
paths in public service they can take.
Convene one public input/brainstorming session with local LGBTQ+
nonprofits and advocates to assess what type of pride event the
community is interested in, what nonprofits would have capacity to
support, what would be needed to make that a reality.
Implement an annual community nonprofit service provider convening.
Identify ways to increase community engagement with the HRC,
both during and between meetings.
CEDAW:
Council-
Directed
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GOAL 5:
Housing, Economic
Recovery and Development
(HERD)
Housing, Economic Recovery and Development
• Continue to identify roles the HRC can play to provide an equity perspective in ongoing housing initiatives such as
meeting housing element goals, Stanford GUP, and the potential shift from the downtown housing advisory group to an
SB79 advisory group.
• Hold a joint meeting with the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) if ADU “condoization” comes forward.
• Continue to support efforts for increased renter protections and access to affordable housing, with a particular focus on
seniors.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
Providing active HRC
participation in actions to
positively affect the lives of
unhoused members of the
community.
During the term covered by this
workplan
Staff and HRC commissioner time
Lower level of staff and adhoc
subcommittee time.
HRC gives input on relevant
housing initiatives that arise.
N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Research and identify housing programs that could best address equity
and access needs in the community (cross sectional senior, families,
low income.).
Continue to support efforts for increase renter protections and access to
affordable housing, with a focus on seniors.
Joint meeting with the Planning and Transportation Commission
(PTC)
N/A
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2026 HRC Liaisons and Subcommittees
Agency Commissioner Commissioner
Avenidas Barr Rosenburg
Palo Alto Mediation Program/Project Sentinel Stimmler Causey
Police Department Causey Kraus
Project Safety Net Ansari Karnam
R.V. Dweller Meeting Kraus Barr
Core Responsibilities Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
HSRAP Ansari Karnam Kraus
CDBG Barr Causey
Emerging Needs Fund Rosenburg Stimmler Kraus
Council Member Commissioner
Burt Ansari
Lauing Stimmler
Lu Karnam
Lythcott-Haims Rosenberg
Reckdahl Barr
Stone, Vice Mayor Causey
Veenker, Mayor Kraus
Subcommittees Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Community Mental Health Karnam Ansari Kraus
Community Safety Kraus Barr Karnam
Community Engagement Ansari Stimmler Rosenberg
Housing, Economic Recovery
and Development (HERD)
Barr Causey Kraus
CEDAW Causey Stimmler
3
Packet Pg. 25