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Home My WebLink About2026-08-13 Human Relations Commission Agenda PacketHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, August 13, 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 June 11, 2026, Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Draft Action Minutes. – Action – 5 minutes BUSINESS ITEMS 1.Affordable Senior Housing: Local and Regional Projects, Needs, and Challenges: Presentations from Alta Housing, Eden Housing, and MidPen Housing – Discussion – 45 min 2.Barriers to Senior Services: Perspectives from Seniors including Clients of Avenidas and Alta Housing - Discussion - 45 minutes 3.County Policies and Regional Legislation Affecting Seniors: Presentation from a County policy analyst –Discussion — 15 minutes 4.Property-Tax Qualifications for Affordable Senior Housing Projects: Presentation from the California State Board of Equalization – Discussion — 15 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 B.Senior Housing, Renter Protections, and Access to Human Services 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, June 11, 2026 6:00 PM Commissioners Present: Kraus, Causey, Ansari (Just Cause Remote Participation), Barr, Karnam, Rosenberg, Stimmler Commissioners Absent: Council Liaison: Vice Mayor Stone Staff: Sophie Pigman, Melissa McDonough, Belle Farias I) CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL II) IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT III) AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS IV) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the May 14, 2026, Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Draft Action Minutes. – Action – 5 minutes MOTION: Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Ansari moved approval of the May 14, 2026 Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Minutes. MOTION PASSED: 7-0 V) BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Presentation from the Non-Profit PATMA on Transportation Access and Mobility Support for the Vulnerable Residents of Palo Alto – Discussion NO ACTION TAKEN {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 5 2. Listening Session on Fire Prevention by Palo Alto Fire Department NO ACTION TAKEN 3. HRC Subcommittee Report Out and Work Plan Review – Discussion NO ACTION TAKEN 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 7:28 pm. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 6 Human Relations Commission Staff Report From: Sophie Pigman, Human Services Manager Meeting Date: August 13, 2026 Report #: 2608-6612 TITLE Senior Housing, Renter Protections, and Access to Human Services BACKGROUND The Commission’s workplan includes a priority to continue supporting efforts for increased renter protections and access to affordable housing, with a particular focus on seniors. This priority reflects the ongoing challenges many older adults face in remaining safely and affordably housed in Palo Alto and the broader region. Senior renters may be particularly vulnerable to housing instability due to fixed incomes, rising rents, limited affordable housing options, health or mobility needs, and difficulty relocating if displaced. Affordable senior housing is an important tool for supporting aging in place, preventing displacement, and helping older adults remain connected to their community. The City’s human services work is also closely connected to senior housing stability. Older adults may need access to transportation, case management, food assistance, caregiver support, benefits navigation, social connection, and other services in order to remain independent. Community partners such as Avenidas, affordable housing providers, and the Santa Clara County Office of Aging play a key role in supporting seniors and identifying emerging needs. The agenda items provide Commissioners and the public with an opportunity to better understand local and regional affordable senior housing efforts, barriers seniors face in accessing services, County and regional policies affecting older adults, and property-tax qualifications that may influence affordable senior housing projects. ANALYSIS This discussion is intended to connect senior housing, renter protections, and human services as related components of older adult stability and well-being. The presentations will help Commissioners understand both the structural challenges of creating and preserving affordable B Packet Pg. 7 senior housing and the day-to-day barriers seniors experience when seeking support. Affordable housing providers, including Alta Housing, Eden Housing, and MidPen Housing, will share information on local and regional projects, unmet need, development challenges, funding constraints, waitlists, and supportive service considerations. This information will help frame the broader challenges associated with expanding affordable housing opportunities for seniors. The discussion on barriers to senior services will provide a human services perspective through input from seniors, including clients of Avenidas and Alta Housing. This portion of the agenda may highlight barriers such as transportation, technology access, language access, limited awareness of programs, affordability, eligibility requirements, disability access, and the need for service navigation. The County policy presentation will help Commissioners understand how regional programs, policies, and legislation affect older adults. Since many senior services are shaped by County, regional, State, or federal systems, this context may identify opportunities for coordination, advocacy, or partnership. The presentation from the California State Board of Equalization will provide technical information on property-tax qualifications for affordable senior housing projects. While this topic is more administrative, property-tax treatment can affect project feasibility, operating costs, and the long-term sustainability of affordable housing. Together, these agenda items support the Commission’s workplan by improving understanding of senior housing needs, renter stability, and access to human services. The discussion may also help identify future areas for Commission engagement, including improved outreach, stronger coordination with community partners, and potential recommendations related to senior housing and services. Human Services Connection The City’s human services role includes coordination with community partners, support for older adult services, and liaison work with organizations such as Avenidas and the Santa Clara County Office of Aging. Senior-serving partners help residents access programs, remain connected, and age safely in community. This discussion recognizes that affordable housing is not only a land use or development issue; it is also a human services issue. Stable housing supports health, independence, safety, and dignity for older adults. Discussion Questions Commissioners may wish to consider: What are the most significant housing and service barriers facing seniors? How can the City strengthen coordination with Avenidas, affordable housing providers, and the B Packet Pg. 8 County Office of Aging? Are there gaps in outreach, service navigation, or renter support? What themes should inform future Commission workplan implementation or recommendations? FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT ATTACHMENTS B Packet Pg. 9