HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2609-6757CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, September 28, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
7.Approval of a Term Sheet with Friends of the Recreation Wellness Center to Advance a
Public-Private Partnership for a New Recreation Wellness Center at the Cubberley Site;
CEQA status – Mitigated Negative Declaration Approved on May 19, 2026.
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Community Services
Meeting Date: September 28, 2026
Report #:2609-6757
TITLE
Approval of a Term Sheet with Friends of the Recreation Wellness Center to Advance a Public-
Private Partnership for a New Recreation Wellness Center at the Cubberley Site; CEQA status –
Mitigated Negative Declaration Approved on May 19, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Term
Sheet (Attachment A) with the Friends of the Recreation Wellness Center to advance a public-
private partnership for a new Recreation Wellness Center at the Cubberley site.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City staff and the Cubberley Ad Hoc committee are coordinating with community partners to
advance certain elements of the Cubberley project using a public-private partnership model. A
Letter of Intent with the Friends of the Recreation Wellness Center was approved by the City
Council in December 2024 to demonstrate the City’s commitment to provide the land for a new
Recreation Wellness Center and the Friends’ commitment to raise donor funds for its
construction. Staff is recommending that the City Council approve a Term Sheet (Attachment A)
with the Friends to further advance this commitment at the Cubberley site.
BACKGROUND
The City is advancing a plan to redevelop a 15-acre portion of Cubberley, guided by the
Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan and associated CEQA environmental document adopted by
the City Council on May 18, 20261. The City and the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD)
have a memorandum of understanding that would enable the City to purchase seven acres to
support a reimagined community center and fund school improvements. The City currently
owns eight acres at Cubberley; acquiring an additional seven acres would create an opportunity
1 City Council, May 18, 2026; Agenda Item #13; SR #2512-5750,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=88082&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
to update the aging facility for the benefit of the community. Funding the land purchase and
site improvements could be possible through a combination of funding sources including a
ballot measure, nonprofit partnerships, philanthropy, grants, and fees from new development.
3, the City Council voted to place a ½ cent (0.50%) Sales Tax (Transactions and
Use Tax) measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot. A simple majority (50% plus 1) vote is
required to pass. The Council also adopted advisory spending guidelines for proceeds of the
Transactions and Use Tax. Resolution No. 102964 states the Council plans to allocate the
proceeds to purchase the seven acres and implement part of the first phase of the Cubberley
Conceptual Master Plan to modernize aging buildings, expand the amount of green space, and
invest in spaces that provide recreation and culture. The City plans to leverage other funding
sources, including investments from community partnerships and fees from new development
along with this new revenue to advance the project. It is likely that the City will issue
certificates of participation (COPs) or similar financing mechanisms to advance funds for land
acquisition and to enable construction to proceed within the first few years after passage of the
measure.
5 and with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley for a performing arts complex,
February 9, 20266. Additionally, Staff will be recommending that Council approve Letters of
Intent with Avenidas, HeartFit for Life, and Palo Alto Community Child Care in October. These
LOIs are intended to demonstrate the City’s commitment to advance certain elements of the
Cubberley project through partnering with organizations that provide a community benefit and
share in project costs. Additional agreements will be necessary to establish the City’s and
partners’ commitments as plans develop.
3 City Council, June 8, 2026; Agenda Item #14; SR #2603-6081,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=887096&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
4 City Council Resolution No. 10296,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=887259&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
5City Council, December 2, 2024; Agenda Item #18; SR #2410-3634,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=83117&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
6City Council, February 9, 2026; Agenda Item #11; SR #2512-5774,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=85859&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
ANALYSIS
A Letter of Intent with the Friends of the Recreation Wellness Center (Friends) was approved
by the City Council on December 2, 2024 to demonstrate the City’s commitment to provide the
land for a new Recreation Wellness Center and the Friends’ commitment to raise donor funds
for its construction. The Recreation Wellness Center was incorporated into the Cubberley
Conceptual Master Plan adopted by the City Council in May 202611. The Recreation Wellness
Center would be located on the portion of Cubberley owned by the City and would consist of
indoor recreation and wellness program space for community use. The Term Sheet (Attachment
A) builds upon the LOI previously approved by Council, identifies Cubberley as the location for
the Recreation Wellness Center, and details further terms necessary to engage donors and
advance this element of the Cubberley project. Key terms include:
The City will provide approximately one (1) acre of City-owned land at the Cubberley
site for a Recreation Wellness Center.
The Friends will fundraise 100% of the costs to design and construct the Recreation
Wellness Center, which is estimated to be $40 million. If the project exceeds that
amount, or if the Friends are unable to raise the funds within two years, the parties shall
meet to discuss next steps, including alternate funding sources.
The Friends capital campaign will be conducted in a timely manner and be independent
of other fundraising efforts for the Cubberley project except partnering with other
health, wellness and recreational focused organizations.
The Friends will engage licensed and qualified contractors and other necessary
consultants in compliance with City procurement and contracting procedures, as
applicable.
The Friends design team will coordinate with other parties engaged in work adjacent
to the Recreation Wellness Center.
The City and the Friends will negotiate and execute a long-term Operating Agreement
governing the use, operation, and maintenance of the Project prior to the
commencement of construction.
Additional agreements will be required as the project timeline progresses and could include a
Mutual Cooperation and Support Agreement or similar, Option to Lease Agreement,
Construction Agreement, and Services Agreement. These are examples and the actual
agreement type(s) necessary will be determined by the City and the Friends and will require
City Council approval.
There is no fiscal impact associated with approval of this Term Sheet, as it is not a legally
binding agreement. Future agreements would be brought forward to Council for review and
11 City Council, May 18, 2026; Agenda Item #13; SR# 2512-5750,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=88082&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
consideration as the project develops. Implementation of the terms described would have a
significant beneficial fiscal impact for the City, enabling the development of a major new
recreational asset for the community.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
Non-binding Term Sheet between the City of Palo Alto (hereinafter “the City” and the
Friends of the Palo Alto Recreation Wellness Center (hereinafter “the Friends” or
“FPARWC”), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in the state of
California.
4. Design and Construction Team
a. The Friends will engage licensed and qualified contractors and other
necessary consultants in compliance with City procurement and contracting
procedures, as applicable.
b. The Friends design team will coordinate with other parties engaged in work
adjacent to the Recreation Wellness Center.
c. The Friends will engage Vance Brown Builders to manage construction of the
Project, subject to City oversight, with the scope and manner of such to be
negotiated and documented by both parties.
d. A Construction Liaison Team will be established to facilitate efficient
communication between the parties throughout project design and
construction.
5. Construction Access
a. Prior to commencement of construction, the City and the Friends will
negotiate and execute a construction access lease or license agreement
granting the Friends site access for the duration of construction.
6. Permitting and Approvals
a. The City will use its reasonable and best efforts to issue all required permits,
entitlements, and approvals necessary for the Project in a timely manner so
as not to cause significant project delays.
b. The City will pay for all permit fees.
7. Existing Structures and Infrastructure
a. The City will be responsible for and shall fund the demolition of existing
buildings at the Cubberley site.
b. The City will relocate City of Palo Alto utilities necessary to accommodate
construction and operation of the new Recreation Wellness Center.
8. Existing Tenants
a. The Friends will not be responsible for relocating tenants displaced by
Project demolition and construction including any related expenses.
9. Scope of Costs
a. All costs referenced in this Term Sheet include both soft and hard costs,
including but not limited to:
i. Design and engineering
ii. Permitting and approvals
iii. Construction and site work
10.Operating Agreement
a. The City and the Friends will negotiate and execute a long-term Operating
Agreement governing the use, operation, and maintenance of the Project
prior to the commencement of construction.
11.Non-Binding Effect
a. Except as may be expressly agreed in writing, these terms are non-binding
and are intended solely to guide the preparation of definitive agreements.
Attachment B
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The Cubberley Site
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Memorandum of Understanding with PAUSD
4 both the City Council and Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD or
District) Board of Education approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related
to the future of the Cubberley site. The MOU outlines key terms and conditions for the
purchase and future planning of Cubberley. The land purchase, which would transfer
ownership of seven acres from PAUSD to the City, is contingent on voter approval of a
bond measure in November 2026. This condensed timeframe requires development of
a master plan for the site by March 2026, conduct stakeholder and community
engagement and outreach, polling, financial analysis, CEQA analysis, and other critical
tasks. The addition of the seven acres, plus the eight acres already owned by the City of
1 City Council, December 2, 2024: https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=112707&repo=r-
704298fc&searchid=c3e3ed6f-6cda-4dd3-ba35-5d8d4be5579e
2 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-manager/communications-office/cubberley-
community-center_mappdf.pdf
3 Cubberley Concept Plan 2019: https://www.pausd.org/about-us/committees-task-forces/archived-
committees/cubberley-master-plan
4 City Council, October 7, 2024; Agenda Item AA1; SR #2409-3500,
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=98415&repo=r-704298fc&searchid=e199f724-22ab-
472b8ad8-ca162c4dcf8a
Attachment B
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Palo Alto provides an opportunity to develop a new community center and other
improvements on a combined 15 acres at the Cubberley site to provide a range of City
programs, including health, wellness, and recreational opportunities for residents.
Master Plan Update and Pursuit of a Local Ballot Measure
9 related to the future of the Cubberley site. These actions included
approval of a contract with Concordia, LLC, and associated budget actions for
development of a revised Master Plan for the Cubberley Community Center site,
building on the previous master plan completed in 2019 by Concordia and guided by
significant community input. Additionally, the Council approved a Letter of Intent with
the Friends of the Palo Alto Recreation Wellness Center for the purpose of fundraising
for a recreation wellness center (gymnasium) at the Cubberley site, and a workplan for
pursuit of a November 2026 local ballot measure to fund the purchase of land and
development of a new community center at the Cubberley site.
10 to
continue the current use of the property, including playing fields, approval of a
professional services agreement with Rincon for CEQA analysis,11 and approval of
professional service agreements with Lew Edwards Group and Fairbank, Maslin, Metz
& Associates12 for ballot measure strategy advisement and community polling.
Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee
9 City Council, December 2, 2024; Agenda Item 18, SR #2410-3634,
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=112713&repo=r-704298fc
10 City Council, December 2, 2024; Agenda Item 12; SR #2410-3651,
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=112707&repo=r-704298fc
11 City Council, December 16, 2024; Agenda Item 12; SR #2411-3813,
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=117742&repo=r-704298fc&searchid=96e9506b-
f1bd-485e-a4cb-fc804b5893d1
12 City Council, February 24, 2025; Agenda Item 4; SR #2501-4039,
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=143364&repo=r-704298fc&searchid=fef509a6-
4d34-4060-bc7a-6ab87db7a0ae
Attachment B
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operating and financial models, and decisions on what should be placed on the
November 2026 ballot.
April 21, 2025 City Council Meeting
17 City Council meeting, staff presented outcomes from the first
community meeting held on March 19, an update on the Cubberley Master Plan Project
workplan and sought Council authorization to initiate the first community poll.
18 .
17 City Council, April 21, 2025; Agenda Item 11; SR #2503-4310,
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=166428&repo=r-704298fc
18 Staff Presentation, April 21, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=71ade3d7-a57a-4195-a59b-
c410d90832ea
Attachment B
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Theater/Performance Space, Greenspace, Makerspace, and Senior/Multigenerational
Programs.
21. The poll themes and questions were developed
with input from the Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee and will inform critical upcoming
milestones in the project. The Council did not take an action but supported proceeding
with the poll.
April 22,2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
22 staff presented an informational update to the Parks and
Recreation Commission, offering a comprehensive overview of the project's overall
workplan and timeline. The presentation included a detailed summary of Community
Meeting #1, highlighting key themes and priorities that emerged from the community’s
feedback. Staff also introduced Poll #1, which was launched at the end of April, and
encouraged Commissioners to help promote the survey to ensure broad community
participation. In addition, the presentation outlined several ways the Commission can
remain engaged and support the project, including serving as ambassadors within the
community, helping to share information, and providing feedback. The creation of a
PRC Cubberley ad-hoc committee was discussed and it was decided that this topic will
be further considered during the upcoming workplan revisions scheduled for the coming
months.
June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting
23 staff presented to City Council the results of the first community poll,
community engagement milestones coming up and updates to the workplan. The focus
of the first poll was to survey voter input on the goals and future of the community
center and possible support for a tax or bond measure. Staff also shared community
engagement. Overall, the poll found broad majority support for improvement at the
Cubberley site. Surveyed voters place highest priority on bringing the facility up to
modern standards for electrical, plumbing, safety, and accessibility early childhood
21 FM3 Presentation, April 21, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=83ec6422-b6e4-4e83-9ca3-
ca746a5971a0
22 Staff Presentation, April 22, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=dae0543c-e007-4fc1-9a69-
fd08b156ee94
23 City Council, June 9, 2025, Agenda Item 2; SR#2503-4313,
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=182790&repo=r-704298fc&searchid=57dac2b5-
5c42-4ef0-978a-be940766f395
Attachment B
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education; affordability and efficient use of taxpayer dollars; and overall repairs for the
facility. Lastly, staff shared with the City Council the community revised Vision
Statement for the future of the Community Center.
June 12, 2025 Second Cubberley Master Plan Community Meeting
A vibrant, beloved,
and adaptable destination that promotes learning, connections, joy, and wellbeing
where all cultures and generations belong. Following this, staff provided an overview
presentation to orient attendees to the three 3-D concept plans being presented. Each
conceptual design includes an A, B, and C variations exploring different configurations
of building placement, new construction vs renovation, green space, bike and
pedestrian circulation, and parking—both above and below ground.
27.
27 Community Meeting #2 Summary, www.paloalto.gov/files/4280f185-ca1d-4965-940f-1e4fcaf6cb11/M2-
Summary-Report-Final.pdf
Attachment B
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June 19, 2025 Public Art Commission Meeting
On June 19, 2025,29 City staff presented to the Public Art Commission and discussed
potential opportunities to support the City’s Strategic Activation Plan for the Cubberley
site, which was developed by staff in coordination with the City Council’s Cubberley Ad
Hoc Committee. The plan outlined phased enhancements and activations aligned with
the broader master planning process, community engagement efforts, and the
anticipated November 2026 ballot initiative. As part of the discussion, Commissioners
explored how the ArtLift grant program—previously identified at their January retreat as
a potential tool—could be leveraged to support temporary public art installations at
Cubberley and other key locations. Ideas included murals, ground art, freestanding
sculptures, and performance-based activations to help generate community excitement
and reinforce the role of the arts in creating vibrant, inclusive public spaces.
June 24, 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
On June 24, 2025,30 City staff provided the Parks and Recreation Commission with an
informational update on the Cubberley Community Center Master Plan. The
presentation included a recap of the second community meeting held on June 12,
where Concordia unveiled three concept designs for the site and invited community
feedback. Staff also presented the results of the first community poll, released in late
April, and shared a list of proposed near-term activation ideas for the Cubberley site,
inviting the Commission’s input. In addition, staff sought feedback from the Commission
on the three concept designs. The newly formed PRC Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee will
continue to refine the activation plans in July.
July 9, 2025 Planning and Transportation Commission Meeting
On July 9, 2025,31 the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) received an
update on the Cubberley Master Plan and was asked to provide input to help inform the
next phase of the planning process. Staff requested feedback on several key aspects
recently reviewed by the community, including arrival and parking, pedestrian
circulation, building scale and space organization, greenspace layout, the balance of
29 Staff Presentation, June 19, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=a036e199-31cd-4d94-8214-
7fb0170e39ac
30 Staff Presentation, June 24, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=ac29aa36-1b3a-4403-b8b2-
cc403685865d
31 Staff Presentation, June 9, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=49fc32cf-caa1-4dd9-97f9-
5d5d02150256
Attachment B
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built and open space, and how the site can be a good neighbor. Additional PTC
feedback emphasized the importance of clear cost comparisons between renovation
and new construction, interest in public-private funding models, and support for a future
bond measure and donor engagement. Commissioners favored partial underground
parking and better integration with transit and surrounding neighborhoods. There was
broad interest in maintaining flexible green space for events, ensuring safe and
separate bike/pedestrian circulation, and preserving multigenerational, inclusive
programming. Suggestions also included clearer diagrams, more tangible use
examples, and consideration of impacts from surrounding development.
July 17, 2025 Architectural Review Board Meeting
35, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) received a presentation on
the Cubberley Master Plan and provided early feedback to help shape the next phase of
planning. The Board expressed strong support for phased development and
emphasized minimizing disruption to existing tenants and programs. Members praised
pedestrian and bike circulation, supported the proposed balance of buildings and green
space, and encouraged improvements to vehicle access and mobility hubs. There was
general support for new construction over renovation and interest in enhancing the site's
identity through public art and flexible community spaces. The ARB also encouraged a
welcoming design that reflects Cubberley’s civic and cultural significance while being a
good neighbor to the surrounding community.
September 17, 2025 Third Cubberley Master Plan Community Meeting
35 Staff Presentation, July 17, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=2a9a7988-768f-465b-bcf9-
68166ff9af6f
Attachment B
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Phase 1 consists of two parts: a Recreation Wellness Center and a Performing Arts
Center. Phase 1 also includes renovation of remaining buildings so the full site
continues to be operational until phases 2 and 3 can be completed. Community
members were invited to assess the Phase 1 concept designs for the recreation
wellness and performing arts area and were asked to reflect on three key questions:
37.
September 23, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
38, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) received a
presentation on the refined Cubberley Community Center Master Plan concept following
the third and final community meeting held on September 17, 2025. Commissioners
reviewed updates on program placement, phasing, and site circulation, and were asked
37 Community Meeting #3 Summary; www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/community-
services/cubberley-project/2025.11.11_m3-summary.pdf
38 Staff Presentation, September 23, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=efbb1418-4bbe-49b2-b786-
165e29017ca3
Attachment B
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to provide input on the same questions posed to the community: what is working well,
what could be improved, and what creative ideas could enhance the campus
experience.
October 20, 2025 City Council Meeting
41 with an emphasis on the first phase of site
development showing a combination of renovated and new building construction. The
focus on the first phase recognizes that funding will likely be a limiting factor in full site
redevelopment. At this meeting, staff shared objectives and themes for the second
community poll to determine voter support for a bond or tax measure to finance the land
purchase, and the extent of how much voters are willing to pay annually. Following the
October 20 meeting the second poll was conducted.
December 15, 2025 City Council Meeting
42,
including results from the second community poll and discussed next steps. Council
discussed key findings from Poll #2, which indicate broad voter support for the City
acquiring the Cubberley property and willingness to invest in limited funding focused on
basic repairs, safety upgrades, and accessibility improvements. Results showed
relatively higher support for parcel tax and sales tax funding mechanisms, with a $250
average annual parcel tax testing above 50% support and a 0.5% sales tax increase
capable of supporting significantly greater capital financing, pending state authorization.
41 City Council, October 20,2025; Agenda Item #1; SR #2503-4353,
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=231071&repo=r-704298fc
42 City Council, December 15, 2025; Agenda Item #3; SR #2503-4355,
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=246305&repo=r-704298fc
Attachment B
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Council expressed alignment with staff and the Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendation to
continue refining ballot measure options and to launch a third poll in January 2026 to
further test potential parcel tax and sales tax scenarios.
February 9, 2026 City Council Meeting
45,
including results from the third community poll and progress on public-private
partnerships to advance key components of the project. Staff shared that, in anticipation
of possible Council consideration of a November 2026 ballot measure to fund the
purchase of seven acres from PAUSD and advance all or portions of the project, three
of four planned community polls have been completed. Results show both parcel tax
and sales tax funding options testing at approximately 48% support—an improvement
from the prior poll, though still below the thresholds required for approval (two-thirds for
a parcel tax and a simple majority for a general-purpose sales tax). Despite these
challenges, Councilmembers remained optimistic, noting that support levels are
approaching viability, particularly for a sales tax option, and that emerging public-private
partnerships could strengthen the overall funding strategy.
45 City Council, February 9, 2026; Agenda Item #11; SR#2512-5774,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=fd6f9939-83a3-4ea7-817a-
e7719c9194a4
Attachment B
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expressed interest in exploring partnership opportunities with the City at the Cubberley
site.
March 11, 2026 Planning and Transportation Commission and Architectural
Review Board Special Joint Meeting
47 on the proposed
Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan and the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration (IS/MND) prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Staff presented the City’s long-term vision to redevelop approximately 15 acres of the
Cubberley campus, including the potential purchase of seven acres from the Palo Alto
Unified School District (PAUSD) for $65.5 million. Staff noted that the purchase and
implementation of the plan will depend on identifying funding sources, which may
include a potential sales tax ballot measure in November 2026, development impact
fees, grants, philanthropic contributions, and public-private partnerships.
47 Staff Presentation, March 11, 2026;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=c9289f37-122b-455b-959c-
febb294cc3c1
Attachment B
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and staff to evaluate as the project moves forward into future phases of planning and
design. Below are the approved motions:
Attachment B
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March 24, 2026 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
The Parks and Recreation Commission received a presentation from staff49 on the
proposed Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan and the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration (IS/MND) prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), and results of the second and third community polls. Staff presented the City’s
long-term vision to redevelop approximately 15 acres of the Cubberley campus,
including the potential purchase of seven acres from the Palo Alto Unified School
District (PAUSD) for $65.5 million. Staff noted that the purchase and implementation of
the plan will depend on identifying funding sources, which may include a potential parcel
or sales tax ballot measure in November 2026, development impact fees, grants,
philanthropic contributions, and public-private partnerships.
Staff requested that the commission review and consider the Draft IS/MND and provide
a recommendation to the City Council regarding adoption of the Conceptual Master
Plan. City Council is scheduled to consider adoption of the plan in April 2026, while staff
continue advancing environmental review, partnership discussions, and funding and
financing strategies.
Commissioners expressed strong appreciation for the work completed to date and
shared overall excitement about the vision and direction of the project. Discussion
included the use of a Mitigated Negative Declaration under CEQA and the level of detail
at the conceptual stage, particularly related to architectural and landscape design,
including tree preservation and future planting strategies. The Commission also
considered key program elements such as recreation amenities and amphitheater
capacity, as well as project phasing, funding flexibility, and timelines tied to land
acquisition and partnership opportunities. Commissioners also discussed construction
impacts on existing operations and opportunities to support the project through grants,
partnerships, and continued community engagement and activation efforts. Following
discussion and public comment, Commissioner Smith made a motion to recommend the
City Council adopt the Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan, it was seconded by Vice
Chair Wei, and the vote passed (5–0) with 1 commissioner choosing to abstain.
Staff presented the Draft Conceptual Master Plan, Mitigated Negative Declaration, and
results of the fourth community poll to the City Council. Staff’s recommendation to
49 Staff Presentation, March 24, 2026;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=247caade-d1e4-47ca-b8e1-
bc3f8694739e
Attachment B
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adopt a Resolution adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Cubberley
Conceptual Master Plan was approved by Council unanimously. Staff also
recommended the Council provide direction on next steps to advance the project.
Following a presentation on the fourth-round polling results, the Council directed staff to
pursue a ½ cent sales tax measure on the November 2026 ballot.