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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2609-6803CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Monday, September 28, 2026 Council Chambers & Hybrid 5:30 PM     Agenda Item     2.Review Applications and Select Candidates to Interview for the Human Relations Commission (HRC), Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC), and Stormwater Management Oversight Committee (SWMOC) Vacancies; CEQA Status – Not a Project City Council Staff Report Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY Lead Department: City Clerk Meeting Date: September 28, 2026 Report #:2609-6803 TITLE Review Applications and Select Candidates to Interview for the Human Relations Commission (HRC), Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC), and Stormwater Management Oversight Committee (SWMOC) Vacancies; CEQA Status – Not a Project RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council review applications and select the following number of candidates to interview: Up to 8 candidates for HRC Up to 6 candidates for PTC Up to 6 candidates for SWMOC BACKGROUND City Council’s review and selection of candidates to interview for HRC, PTC, and SWMOC was deferred from the September 14, 2026 meeting to manage meeting capacity and extend HRC recruitment. Applications were published as part of the September 14, 2026 City Council agenda packet and are available online and linked in Attachment A. An HRC member resigned effective immediately on 9/8/26. Staff re-opened HRC recruitment through September 16 to publicize the unscheduled vacancy and solicit additional applications. The City Council will consider appointing a total of 3 HRC commissioners (2 full-term vacancies and 1 partial-term vacancy). Three additional applications were received and are included in Attachment B. The City Council has established a process to select which applicants to interview for BCC vacancies, but has the discretion to adjust the selection method if it chooses. Councilmembers vote on candidates to interview, with each Councilmember allotted twice as many votes as vacancies. Candidates must receive at least two votes to be interviewed, and candidates receiving the top number of votes are interviewed. The number of candidates interviewed is based on the number of vacancies as follows: Interview all candidates if there are 6 or fewer applicants Interview up to 6 candidates when there are 1-2 vacancies Interview up to 8 candidates when there are 3 vacancies Interview up to 10 candidates when there are 4 vacancies ANALYSIS A summary of the openings, eligibility requirements, and term lengths for each vacancy are included below. In addition to the eligibility requirements below, no commissioners may be Councilmembers, officers, or employees of the City. Human Relations Commission (HRC) Number of Vacancies and Term Dates 2 Full Term Vacancies (11/1/2026 – 10/31/2029) 1 Partial Term Vacancy (11/1/2025 – 10/31/2028) Seat Numbers 1, 4 ,7 Number of Applicants 12 Total (9 in regular recruitment, 3 additional in extended) Number of Candidates to Interview Up to 8 Number of Votes per Councilmember 6 Eligibility Requirements1 Palo Alto residency Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) Number of Vacancies and Term Dates 1 Partial Term Vacancy (4/1/2026 – 3/31/2030) Seat Number 4 Number of Applicants 9 Number of Candidates to Interview Up to 6 Number of Votes per Councilmember 2 Eligibility Requirements2 Palo Alto residency 1 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.22.010 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0- 0-0-61320 2 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.20.010 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0- 0-0-61282 Stormwater Management Oversight Committee (SWMOC) Number of Vacancies and Term Dates 2 Full Term Vacancies (11/1/2026 - 10/31/2030) Seat Number 2, 3 Number of Applicants 7 Number of Candidates to Interview Up to 6 Number of Votes per Councilmember 4 Eligibility Requirements5 Each Committee member shall be a resident of Palo Alto, an employee of a business located in Palo Alto or an owner of real property within the City. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT None. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT City staff publicized the recruitment through the following methods: Electronic distribution via the City’s Uplift Local community newsletter, City Clerk’s Office newsletter, City’s website, and City’s social media channels; Physical posting and flyer distribution at City facilities, including libraries, community centers, and City Hall; Print and online ads in the Palo Alto Daily Post and Palo Alto Weekly; and Outreach to previous applicants, community-based organizations and groups related to the commissions’ purview. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Council action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5). ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: BCC Applications Published on 9/14/26 Attachment B: HRC Extended Recruitment Applications APPROVED BY: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk 5 Resolution 10310 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=897189&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto Attachment A HRC Applications PRC Applications PTC Applications PAC Applications SWMOC Applications Human Relations Commission Application Submitted on 16 September 2026, 1:07am Receipt number 94 Related form version 17 Personal Information Name Aji Oliyide Cell Phone Number Home Phone Number Email Address Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes Address City Palo Alto Postal Code 94303 Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members? No Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for? Yes Fair Political Practices California state law requires board/commission members to file a disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest, Form 700).  Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto which you believe is likely to:  1. Engage in business with the City; 2. Provide products or services for City projects; or 3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission? No 1 of 4 Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto? No How did you learn about the vacancy on the Human Relations Commission? Other: Commissioner Katie Causey Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website. Personal and Job Experience Occupation Director of AI Strategy and Operations at Sam's Club Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration. If describing work experience, please include company/employer name and occupation.   I want to thank City Council as this is my second time applying to the Human Relations Commission, and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to interview during my 2025 application. I hold a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. I also completed MIT Professional Education’s Chief Operating Officer Program in 2025. Professionally, I am Director of AI Strategy and Operations at Sam’s Club. Previously, I spent 10 years at Google, most recently as a Senior Technical Engineering Program Manager leading work in Cloud and AI, and earlier as an M&A Finance Integration Manager. Prior to Google, I held consulting and management roles at Deloitte and Accenture. My career has given me extensive experience in strategic planning, operations, technology, finance, program management, and cross-functional leadership. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. My community involvement has focused on education, youth, the arts, and expanding opportunities for underserved communities. I currently serve on the Board of the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo (2025–present) and on the Board of Trustees of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley (2025–present). I previously served as Vice Chair of Global Glimpse (2022–2025), an organization that provides leadership and international learning opportunities for high school students from diverse backgrounds, and on the Board of Directors of San Francisco CASA (2017–2021), which advocates for children and youth in foster care. My volunteer service also includes work with a grassroots organization in Ghana through Globe Aware (2017) and a fundraising trek in Nepal supporting Voluntary Service Overseas (2011). Application Questions 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Human Relations Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? Having followed HRC and very familiar with the meetings I recognize the HRC is in a period where there are a majority of new commissioners. Having served extensively on nonprofit boards, including as a Vice Chair, I bring experience helping boards operate effectively—following Rosenberg's Rules keeping 2 of 4 meetings focused, organized, and productive while ensuring different perspectives on sensitive issues feel heard. My family has a deep love of Palo Alto, (my mother has resided here as well for 1.5+ year and I have a child in Palo Verde and one entering preschool soon). I understand that the commissioner who recently stepped down played an important role in the HRC’s ongoing discussions about youth mental health and the experiences of families. As a parent of children in Palo Alto schools, I would bring a valuable firsthand perspective on the needs, challenges, and experiences of families. 2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center. Like many Palo Altans, I am caring across generations: I have an aging mother and children in our local schools. I was particularly interested in the CEDAW Subcommittee’s recent audit of Palo Alto’s caregiving infrastructure, including childcare and adult care, and the HRC’s listening session on seniors and affordable housing. I am encouraged that the CEDAW work is already informing how the City considers unpaid caregiving and captures the experiences of caregivers in assessing community needs. I would be especially interested in helping translate the Commission’s findings into pragmatic policy recommendations. For example the two areas highlighted in the senior housing listening session were exploring renter protections for those in their 70s or older who have been longtime residents and exploring what HOA fees could be reduced for seniors in BMR units. 3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Human Relations Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? My goal would be to help ensure effective implementation of the JED report recommendations. As someone with extensive board experience, I am confident I can step into the Commissioner role quickly and contribute from the outset. I understand how effective boards operate, work within established procedures, and keep discussions organized, inclusive, and focused on actionable outcomes. I also bring significant nonprofit experience serving vulnerable young people. For four years, I served on the Board of Directors of San Francisco CASA, which advocates for children and youth in foster care and helps ensure they have consistent, trusted adults in their lives. That experience directly connects to themes in the JED report: creating pathways to trusted adults, helping families navigate systems of support, empowering youth, and ensuring young people's voices meaningfully inform decisions that affect them. 4. Human Relations Commission Members work with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection. Human Services Needs Assessment (2024) Muni Code 9.72 – Mandatory Response Program Community Services Element of the Comprehensive Plan (2017) While I have not yet worked directly with these specific City documents, their focus aligns closely with skills I have developed throughout my professional and nonprofit leadership experience. My work at Sam’s Club, Google, Deloitte, and Accenture has required me to analyze complex data and policies, identify gaps and priorities, and translate findings into actionable recommendations. My nonprofit board service has similarly required thoughtful review of community needs, organizational policies, and strategic plans. If appointed, I would bring that analytical and governance experience to understanding the Human Services Needs Assessment, Mandatory Response Program, and Community Services Element, and to applying them thoughtfully in the HRC’s recommendations to the City Council. 3 of 4 If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below. Please confirm that you have read the Boards and Commissions Handbook. View the Boards and Commissions Handbook. Yes Signature Name of signatory: Aji Oliyide Link to signature Date Completed 09/16/2026 4 of 4 Human Relations Commission Application Submitted on 16 September 2026, 4:12pm Receipt number 95 Related form version 17 Personal Information Name Sunny Dykwel Cell Phone Number 6504006960 Home Phone Number Email Address sunny.dykwel@gmail.com Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes Address 480 Gary Ct City Palo Alto Postal Code 94306 Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members? No Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for? Yes Fair Political Practices California state law requires board/commission members to file a disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest, Form 700).  Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto which you believe is likely to:  1. Engage in business with the City; 2. Provide products or services for City projects; or 3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission? No 1 of 3 Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto? No How did you learn about the vacancy on the Human Relations Commission? Community Group Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact. I have read and understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk. Personal and Job Experience Occupation Realtor with Compass; Principal-Brokers By Design; Community volunteer Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration. If describing work experience, please include company/employer name and occupation.   SJSU B.S. Degree, Business Admin. Former Commissioner, PA Parks and Recreation; served on PA Parks & Rec Foiundation. 2- term Director, League of Women Voters. 2-term Director, PA Chamber of Commerce. Founding. Director for the PA Downtown Business Improvement District. 2-term Director, PA Family YMCA. Currently serving PA Neighborhoods Block Preparedness Emergency Response Team. Board/Steering Committee member, Midtown Residents Assn. CA Dept of Real Estate licensee 30 yrs. Former Director, Cal Assn of Realtors (CAR) also served as CAR Arbitrator, Served on several committees for PA District Board of Realtors, Southern. Alameda Board, and Silicon Valley Assn of Realtors including Legislative and Professional Standards. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. Extensive community involvement includes membership to Palo Alto Rotary Club and other non-proifts. Former Director, Palo Alto-University Rotary Club. Served on PAUSD PTA Council Exec Board and. Paly PTSA Board. While serving on the board of PAUSD All Schools Fund, (ASF), helped merge ASF and Palo Alto Foundation for Education (PAFE) into Partners In Education. Helped establish Project Safety Net with the City, PAUSD, Stanford Hospital and affiliates and a coalition of organizations focused on youth suicide prevention, adolescent mental issues, improved access to mental health services and community education. Director for Filipino Women's Network supporting women and helping end the cycle of abuse. Worked with Rubicon Childrens Center group homes to raise awareness and funding for abused and neglected children in Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Application Questions 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Human Relations Commission and what experience would you I have always dedicated my life to helping others. Serving on the Human Relations. Commission is an extension of the impact I can 2 of 3 bring to the position?bring for the betterment of our community. My breath of work experience related to housing, arbitration, and legislation, as well as my long-history of civic engagement would be helpful on issues and projects that come before the commission. Being a parent of an active PAUSD student and. having lived in Palo Alto for 30 years will also. come in handy. 2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center. At the moment, I am engaged in housing issues for the League and the needs of our unhoused population, which also is a matter of importance to the Commission. Measure J is another issue that I would like to pass in November as Cubberley Community Center provides opportunities for affordable childcare and our treasured community resources and services; it is home to several agencies and art organizations that.help make our community thrive. 3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Human Relations Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? See above. 4. Human Relations Commission Members work with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection. Human Services Needs Assessment (2024) Muni Code 9.72 – Mandatory Response Program Community Services Element of the Comprehensive Plan (2017) I have read the. handbooks and have an understanding of the goals and responsibilities and the work plan of the Human Relations Commission. I am somewhat familiar with the Community Services Element of the Comprehensive Pan, having served on the Parks and Recreation Commission. If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below. Please confirm that you have read the Boards and Commissions Handbook. View the Boards and Commissions Handbook. Yes Signature Name of signatory: Sunny Dykwel Link to signature Date Completed 09/16/2026 3 of 3 Subject: Human Relations Commission Application – Becky Wolf Dear Mayor Veenker and Members of the Palo Alto City Council, I am submitting my application for appointment to the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission. I am applying because I believe I could bring a perspective to the Commission that is not always represented in government decision-making: the perspective of someone who has experienced systems from both sides of the table. My life has included domestic violence beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood, a long-term marriage affected by abuse, legal and financial abuse, disability, housing instability, supportive housing, and now homelessness. I have also spent the last year advocating for other people navigating many of those same systems. Those experiences changed the way I look at public policy. I have learned that a policy can sound excellent on paper and still fail the person it was created to protect. That is why I care so deeply about bringing policy and lived experience into the same room. As founder of The Opportunity Center Single Side Tenant Union and as an advocate, I have worked with residents, veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, survivors, and people who are unhoused or housing insecure. I have learned to review public records, Housing Authority materials, voucher requirements, ADA procedures, HAP contracts, CDBG funding, complaint processes, City documents, planning materials, and reports such as SPUR. I am comfortable asking: Who is responsible? Who is monitoring? Where does the funding come from? What protections exist? Were they followed? And what actually happened to the person at the end of the process? I do not believe accountability has to mean hostility or blame. I believe accountability means making sure that when an organization or government body accepts responsibility for monitoring, funding, protecting, or serving people, that responsibility has meaning. I also believe deeply that people who rarely enter government meeting rooms deserve representation inside them. If appointed, I would especially hope to help strengthen the connection between the HRC and Palo Alto residents who are unhoused, living in supportive housing, disabled, elderly, survivors of violence, or otherwise struggling to make themselves heard. One thing about me is very simple: once I learn that something is wrong, I cannot unknow it. I want to understand why it happened, what can be changed, and how we can keep the next person from falling into the same gap. I am currently unhoused, while actively working to secure permanent full-time housing again in Palo Alto. I hope my current housing circumstances will not prevent me from serving the community I care so deeply about. In many ways, this experience has made the importance of representation even clearer to me. I am attaching my application and supporting materials for your consideration. Please let me know if there is any additional information, documentation, or material that would be helpful. Thank you for considering my application and for the opportunity to participate in Palo Alto civic life. Warmly, Becky Wolf Advocate Founder, The Opportunity Center Single Side Tenant Union #SilenceIsNotSurvivable