HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2608-6603CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, October 05, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
5.Approval of Letters of Intent with Avenidas and HeartFit for Life for collaboration on a
long-term public-private partnership for expanded services for aging adults 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: October 5, 2026
Report #:2608-6603
TITLE
Approval of Letters of Intent with Avenidas and HeartFit for Life for collaboration on a long-
term public-private partnership for expanded services for aging adults 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 Letters of
Intent (LOIs) with Avenidas (Attachment A) and Cardiac Therapy Foundation / HeartFit for Life
(Attachment B) for collaboration on long-term public-private partnerships for expanded
services for aging adults at the Cubberley site.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City staff and the Cubberley Ad Hoc committee are coordinating with community partners to
advance elements of the Cubberley project using a public private partnership model. A
proposed partnership with Avenidas would expand programming and services for aging adults,
including the Avenidas Chinese Community Center currently located at Cubberley. A
partnership with Cardiac Therapy Foundation, known as HeartFit for Life or HeartFit in the
community, would continue cardiac therapy and rehabilitation programs for adults. Staff
recommend Council approve Letters of Intent with Avenidas (Attachment A) and HeartFit for
Life (Attachment B) to formalize a joint commitment to advance these project components.
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)
1 City Council, May 18, 2026; Agenda Item #13; SR #2512-5750,
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 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. Staff has recommended that the City Council approve a Letter of
Intent with Maker Nexus on September 28, 20267 for development of a community focused
maker space for all ages at the Cubberley site, and a further defined term sheet with the
Friends of the Recreation Wellness Center. A Letter of Intent with Palo Alto Community Child
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&cr=1
4 City Council Resolution No. 10296,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=887259&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
5 City Council, December 2, 2024; Agenda Item #18; SR #2410-3634,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=83117&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
6 City Council, February 9, 2026; Agenda item #11; SR #2512-5774,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=85859&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
7 City Council, September 28, 2026; Agenda Item #5; SR#2607-6546,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=f6d6e0aa-ee64-46d5-bd50-
0c01c18d2011
Care is also being discussed and anticipated to be presented for City Council approval in late
October. These LOIs are intended to demonstrate the City’s intent 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.
ANALYSIS
Avenidas
HeartFit For Life
HeartFit for Life has operated cardiac therapy and rehabilitation programs at Cubberley since
2003, helping adults live longer, healthier lives. The organization serves more than 300
participants annually, with an average participant age of 76. Most participants are age 60 or
older, and more than half are Palo Alto residents. A partnership with HeartFit would provide
dedicated space for HeartFit’s programs while allowing shared spaces to support additional City
and community-based programs and services that promote health and well-being.
Following approval of the LOIs, the City will establish terms for a future agreement with each
organization to include cost sharing, fundraising goals, timelines, management structures, and
other terms.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with approval of this LOI, as it is not a legally binding
agreement. Future agreements to further refine commitments could include fundraising goals,
cost sharing, and operating agreements and would be brought forward to Council for review
and consideration.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Community outreach and stakeholder engagement efforts for the project have been extensive
and remain a central component of the overall process. Engagement with community partners
has been ongoing and is intended to understand which community organizations may have an
interest in contributing financially to development of the site while bringing exciting community
programs and events to Cubberley. Providing space for people of all ages and abilities where
everyone belongs and feels welcome is part of the vision for a new community center at the
Cubberley site.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Council adopted an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Cubberley
Conceptual Master Plan on May 19, 2026 (SCH Number 2026030129).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Letter of Intent between the City of Palo Alto and Avenidas
Attachment B: Letter of Intent between the City of Palo Alto and HeartFit for Life
Attachment C: Background on Cubberley Project
APPROVED BY:
Kristen O'Kane, Community Services Director
Letter of Intent for the Mutual Cooperation between the City of Palo Alto (hereinafter “ the City” or
“CPA” ) and Avenidas, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in the State of
California.
This Letter of Intent establishes the mutual interest of the City of Palo Alto and Avenidas in
advancing a long-term public-private partnership to establish dedicated space for older adult
services at the Cubberley Community Center site.
Advancing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD), the
City is master planning a 15-acre portion of the Cubberley site, dependent on City acquisition of
land from PAUSD. The redevelopment of Cubberley presents a sig nificant opportunity to strengthen
Palo Alto’s community infrastructure and ensure access to essential services for residents across
all life stages, including the City’s growing population of older adults.
Since its founding in 1969 as the Senior Coordinating Council, Avenidas has partnered with the City
of Palo Alto to deliver essential programs and services that support the health, independence, and
well-being of older adults. Through its longstanding agreement with the City at 450 Bryant Street,
Avenidas provides social services, health and wellness programs, caregiver support, enrichment
activities, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement that serve thousands of Palo Alto
residents annually. This partnership exemplifies how municipal collaboration with a nonprofit
service provider can leverage public investment with philanthropic support, volunteer engagement,
and external funding to maximize community benefit.
As Palo Alto’s older adult population continues to grow, there is increasing need for accessible,
appropriately designed, and geographically distributed space to support aging well. While Avenidas
has operated the Avenidas Chinese Community Center at Cubberley since 2018, current facilities
do not fully meet the needs of older adults in Palo Alto due to distance, accessibility, and space
limitations. Establishing dedicated space at Cubberley would significantly improve equitable
access to services, enhance safety and accessibility, and allow expansion of programs that reduce
isolation, improve health outcomes, and support residents in remaining active members of the
community.
The City and Avenidas now wish to collaborate and negotiate a long-term partnership to establish a
dedicated older adult services hub at the Cubberley site by achieving the following strategic
objectives:
1. Establish Dedicated Senior Services Space
Develop and construct or renovate facilities at Cubberley to create dedicated space for Avenidas
programs and services, including social services offices, program rooms, gathering spaces, and
administrative functions designed to meet the needs of older adults.
2. Explore a Long-Term Use and Management Model
Explore a management and occupancy model in which Avenidas would have primary and
dedicated use of designated space to operate senior services, while collaborating with the City and
other partners to utilize shared community amenities such as wellness facilities, fitness spaces,
and multi-purpose rooms.
3. Develop Project Plans and Program Specifications
Collaborate in developing architectural plans, program specifications, and operational
requirements necessary to support expanded senior services, including opportunities for
integration with complementary community uses.
4. Explore Capital Funding and Fundraising Partnership
Explore a funding model in which the City and Avenidas jointly support the capital development of
the facility. Avenidas may initiate and lead fundraising efforts to raise a substantial portion of
capital costs through philanthropy, grants, and other external funding sources to supplement City
investment.
5. Define Operational and Program Coordination
Coordinate with other City departments and community partners to ensure effective utilization of
the facility.
6. Advance Equitable Access and Community Impact
Expand access to services for older adults throughout Palo Alto, and strengthen the City’s capacity
to support healthy aging, social connection, and community engagement.
The City and Avenidas are interested in undertaking and completing this project at Cubberley in
accordance with one or more future agreements subject to mutually acceptable terms and
conditions. The City and Avenidas will endeavor to negotiate potential agreement(s) over the next
six (6) to twelve (12) months, as practicable.
Elements to be included in future agreement(s) may include:
1. Terms and conditions of the agreement
2. Capital funding commitments, timelines, and fundraising goals
3. Roles and responsibilities related to planning, construction, and occupancy
4. Community engagement and outreach planning
5. Project schedule and planning milestones
6. Coordination with City departments and regulatory processes
7. Options for modification or termination of the joint planning process
This Letter of Intent is not a binding contract between the City and Avenidas and does not establish
a legal partnership or obligation. It is intended to facilitate discussion and planning toward future
agreements that advance the shared goal of supporting Palo Alto’s older adults through expanded,
accessible, and dedicated community space.
Signed by Kristina Lugo, President and CEO, Avenidas
________________________________________________
Date:
________________________________________________
Signed by Ed Shikada, City Manager, City of Palo Alto
________________________________________________
Date:
________________________________________________
September 21, 2026
Attachment C
1
2
4
6
8
The Cubberley Site
1
2
3
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
and staff to evaluate as the project moves forward into future phases of planning and
design. Below are the approved motions:
Attachment C
1
2
4
6
8
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 C
1
2
4
6
8
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.