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Home My WebLink AboutStaff Report 2607-6592CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Monday, October 05, 2026 Council Chambers & Hybrid 5:30 PM Agenda Item 10.Approval of FY 2027 Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Commission, and Utilities Advisory Commission Work Plans; CEQA Status – Not a Project City Council Staff Report From: City Manager Report Type: ACTION ITEMS Lead Department: City Clerk Meeting Date: October 5, 2026 Report #:2607-6592 TITLE Approval of FY 2027 Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Commission, and Utilities Advisory Commission Work Plans; CEQA Status – Not a Project RECOMMENDATION The Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Commission, and Utilities Advisory Commission recommend approval of their respective Fiscal Year 2027 Work Plans. BACKGROUND On November 30, 2020, the City Council adopted the Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCC) Handbook,1 which implemented annual review and approval of BCC work plans. Each BCC is required to prepare an annual work plan for Council’s review and approval. The annual report should include the results of the prior year’s work plan and should consist of up to three priorities. When applicable, the City Council would like to see metrics of community involvement and participation in meetings and activities included in the work plan. Work plans should include if there is an intent to use Ad Hoc committees to assist in the BCC’s work for the year ahead. Council may refer additional items to the BCC in response to new developments. If the BCC would like to add an issue for review after an annual work plan has been approved, a prompt request by the BCC Chair to the City Council is required and the item will then be addressed by the City Council as a whole. 1 Boards, Commissions, Committees Handbook: https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/5/city-clerk/bcc- handbook.pdf At its December 2, 2024 meeting,3 the City Council approved dividing BCC recruitments and work plan approvals into fall and spring cycles. Per the adopted schedule, work plans for the Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Commission, and Utilities Advisory Commission are before the City Council for consideration. City Council will consider work plans for the remaining BCCs (Human Relations Commission, Public Art Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Storm Water Management Oversight Committee) in the spring. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW ATTACHMENTS APPROVED BY: 3 City Council, December 2, 2024; Agenda Item #14; SR # 2409-3480 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=83110&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto&searchid=247938e 8-43ef-425b-b6cc-432d7cc553e0 Architectural Review Board 2026-2027 Workplan Staff Liaison: Steven Switzer, Senior Planner Lead Department: Current Planning, Planning and Development Services Division About the Board The Architectural Review Board is composed of five members, at least three of whom are architects, landscape architects, building designers or other design professionals. Current Commissioners Mousam Adcock (Chair), Yingxi Chen, David Hirsch, Kendra Rosenberg (Vice Chair), Marton Jojarth Mission Statement The Palo Alto Architectural Review Board aims to maintain and enhance the aesthetic of planned, built, and landscaped environment of Palo Alto. Prior Year See attached summary for more information. Architectural Review Board 2026-2027 Workplan Staff Liaison: Steven Switzer, Senior Planner Lead Department: Current Planning, Planning and Development Services Division The Architectural Review Board reviews and makes recommendations to the Planning Director on the building design, site planning, landscape planning, massing and facades, material selection, lighting, signage and other related issues for most major new construction including additions and renovations that alter the exterior PURPOSE STATEMENT: The ARB Scope of Review is fully noted in Title 18 of the Municipal Code, Chapter 18.76 under Section 18.76.020, Chapter 18.77 under Section 18.77.073, and 8.38. PROJECT/GOAL 1:Review Planning applications for conformance with ARB Findings and Objective Standards STATE MANDATED / LOCALBENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS Planning staff prepare staff reports, packets and presentations. They ensure This is the Board's main mission and serves to ensure Issuance of recommendations on On-Going Yes COUNCIL-DIRECTEDHIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY N/A PROJECT/GOAL 2:Provide feedback to staff and Council on the creation of new guidelines, ordinances, and/or streetscapes, as directed by Council STATE MANDATED / LOCALBENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS The ARB has unique feedback to provide as a On-Going Staff time.Council Approval Yes COUNCIL-DIRECTEDHIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY •Housing generation, feasibility and design quality. •Design guidance for major growth areas Yes Assist the City as it considers modifications to Objective Standards; Provide feedback based on research from projects as they goPROJECT/GOAL 3: STATE MANDATED / LOCALBENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS Streamline the objective standard review process and Additional staff at Planning so that theFY 2026-27 with major code and policy milestones Council Approval No COUNCIL-DIRECTEDHIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY •Modifications to South of Forest Area Coordinated Area Plan (SOFA) subjective development standards with Yes Discuss specific Coordinated Area Plans/ streetscape improvements and provide comments that the ARB would recommendPROJECT/GOAL 4: STATE MANDATED / LOCALBENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS Planning staff to help research policies andThis project would enhance implementation of the City's Increased adherence to ComprehensiveOn-going Yes COUNCIL-DIRECTEDHIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY •San Antonio Road Area Plan •University Avenue streetscape improvements Yes PROJECT/GOAL 5:Improve Coordination between the Architectural Review Board and other boards, commissions, and Council. STATE MANDATED / LOCALBENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS •Have staff continue to provide updates Improved coordination between boards/commissions and On-going Staff time No COUNCIL-DIRECTEDHIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY No ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD ANNUAL REPORT PRIOR YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS FISCAL YEAR 2026 ITEMS OF NOTE •The ARB provided valuable feedback to assist Council with respect to the San Antionio Road Area Plan, Cubberley Master Plan, and California Avenue •The ARB designated board members as representatives to attend Council and Planning and Transportation Commission meeting to provide feedback •The ARB reviewed around 17 projects, including multi-family housing with below-market units, mixed-use developments, master sign programs, and APPLICATION REVIEW The ARB prides itself on its collaborative review process, where board member’s diverse perspectives enhance proposed projects and improve Palo ADDRESS/PROJECT DESCRIPTION Commercial Office Renovation, Façade modification Tenant improvement (Cedar and Sage Restaurant) Multifamily residential development Mixed Use and Housing 975 Page Mill Road Façade 180 El Camino Real Tenant improvement (Ralph Lauren) 2100-2400 Geng Road Builder’s Remedy (145 For Sale Townhomes) 3606 El Camino Real Builder’s Remedy (321 Rental units) 450 Lytton Avenue (Lot T)Streamlined Housing Development (72 Rental units) ADDRESS/PROJECT 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley Community Center) San Antiono Road Area Plan DESCRIPTION Cubberley Master Plan San Antiono Road Area Plan Cal Avenue Pre-Approved Parklets Pre-approved parklets for car-free streets RENDERINGS Below are renderings of approved projects, showcasing the evolution from their initial proposal to designs with the incorporated ARB feedback. A 2100-2400 Geng Road Initial Proposal:Final Design: Incorporated Feedback: •Incorporated a third duplex building typology to the project. •Tiered retaining walls and landscaping on Geng Road and entry drive 3606 El Camino Real Initial Proposal:Final Design: Incorporated Feedback: •Continued the fin design motif to both building corners 3781 El Camino Real Initial Proposal:Final Design: Incorporated Feedback: •Expanded the podium level patios to maximize usable outdoor space and strengthened the connection between the building and the street. Historic Resources Board 2026-2027 Workplan Staff Liaison: Steven Switzer, Senior Planner Lead Department: Planning and Development Services The City is a Certified Local Government (CLG) responsible for historic preservation - to identify, evaluate, register, and preserve historic properties within its jurisdictions and promote the integration of local preservation interests and concerns into local planning and decision-making processes. Staff prepares an annual report of the activities About the Commission Current Commissioners Alisa Eagleston-Cieslewicz, Geddes Ulinskas, Caroline Willis (Vice Chair), Samantha Rohman(Chair), Per Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 2.27 Historic Resources Board, Section 2.27.040 Duties, HRB purview is: (b) Inform the ARB of the historical and/or architectural significance of historic commercial and multiple-family structures in the downtown area and any such buildings Mission Statement (c) Recommend to the Council the designation of additional buildings and districts as historic. Research available information and add historical information to the inventory • Reviewed nine (9) applications including historic category upgrades, rehabilitation projects, accessibility upgrades, adaptive reuse, and transfer of development right • Created the City’s first Historic Preservation Awards program that will occur every 5 years. The HRB reviewed over 100 projects in the past 10 years and selected 10 award Prior Year • Reviewed the Certified Local Government annual report and continued implementation of the City’s historic preservation program. Historic Resources Board 2026-2027 Workplan Staff Liaison: Steven Switzer, Senior Planner Lead Department: Planning and Development Services The Board Commission's goals and purposes (purview) are set in Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 2.27 Historic Resources Board, Section 2.27.040 Duties. These duties include reviewing alterations to historic resources and providing recommendations on nominations to the local historic resources PURPOSE STATEMENT: PROJECT/GOAL 1:Review Planning applications for conformance with Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Structures. STATE MANDATED / LOCALBENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS Planning staff prepare staff reports,Protects and preserves the City’s historic Issuance of recommendations on Ongoing Yes COUNCIL-DIRECTEDHIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Yes Limited modification to PAMC 16.49, historic preservation, providing clarifications regarding the HRB’s role. The HRB could discuss language PROJECT/GOAL 2: STATE MANDATED / LOCALBENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS City Council direction and accommodation Council may provide direction to modify assists the public's understanding and PAMC 16.49; CLG in the PDS department workplan would be Well-written ordinance language that The benefits are providing clarification of the Subject to Council direction.cities maintain historic about governmental overreach COUNCIL-DIRECTEDHIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Council may provide Lower priority: Goal item (c) - listed historic resources placed on the City's Priority is high to enable greater understanding of the HRB's role and address property inventory in the late 1970s and 1980s have not been reviewed to determine whether PAMC 16.49; CLG local historic resource category.preservation Education and Creating New User-Friendly Resources/Communication Regarding Historic Preservation. (a) find new ways to promote PROJECT/GOAL 3: STATE MANDATED / LOCALBENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS The benefits would be to improve To begin in the first quarter and continue Website contains links to informationStaff of PDS would be tasked as well as an N/A COUNCIL-DIRECTEDHIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Item (a) a table of existing zoning code incentives and another table of historic building code provisions and Item (b) improvements to types of communications used to promote Items (c) and (d)N/A Prepare an updated Local Inventory Resource list that incorporates the recently designated properties from the 2023 Historic Reconnaissance SurveyPROJECT/GOAL 4: STATE MANDATED / LOCALBENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS Continuing efforts from last 25/26 FY Website contains links to updatedProviding the public with updated Staff of PDS would be tasked as well as an No COUNCIL-DIRECTEDHIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Properties that have been demolished remove from local inventory Properties that have lost integrity over time that may need a category change No Additional preservation incentives (a) discuss and recommend additional zoning code incentives to continue the community engagement process that PROJECT/GOAL 5: BENEFICIAL IMPACTS STATE MANDATED / LOCALTIMELINERESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED More historic properties are preservedBenefit will be for all property owners who do PDS staff and CAO staff. City Council Yes COUNCIL-DIRECTEDHIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY • Review the Floor Area Bonus and Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) incentives • Expand incentives to other Category 1 and 2 historic resources such as the text • Evaluate additional financial incentives, including potential Mills Act or similar tools.N/A • Develop guidance tools for property owners and applicants. 2026 HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD AWARDS For the inaugural Historic Resources Board (HRB) Awards Program, the HRB reviewed 159 preservaꢀon projects completed over the collecꢀve preservaꢀon eﬀorts and a special award honoring all residenꢀal properꢀes that voluntarily completed seismic retroﬁts ꢀon of this award program implements Comprehensive Plan Program L7.6, which encourages awards ꢀon for exemplary historic preservaꢀon projects. 215 Fulton Avenue| Residenꢀal Preservaꢀon 501 Kingsley Avenue | Residenꢀal Rehabilitaꢀon Listed Category 3 Resource. Work idenꢀﬁed from a 2016 permit including porch repair, reroof, and window replacement. This is one of three remaining Mission Revival Houses built in the city from 1908-1909. Listed Category 2 Resource built in 1897. idenꢀﬁed from a 2022 permit including addiꢀons from ꢀon of the 2026 HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD AWARDS 1100 Block of Ramona Street Professorville Historic District | Board Choice Award As one of Palo Alto's oldest residenꢀal neighborhoods, the Professorville Historic District reﬂects the unique background of ꢀes to the founding of Stanford. Collecꢀvely the homes on the 1100 Block of Ramona Street ꢀnue to exemplify the cohesive character and architectural signiﬁcance of the 2026 HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD AWARDS 2510 Waverley Street | Residenꢀal Rehabilitaꢀon 1143 Bryant Street | Residenꢀal Restoraꢀon Listed Category 2 Resource built in 1937. Early idenꢀﬁed from a parꢀal reroof with interior modiﬁcaꢀons. Located in the Professorville Historic District. idenꢀﬁed from a 2016 permit following ﬁre that destroyed the residence’s interior. ꢀon of the basement, ﬁrst, and second ﬂoors. 2026 HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD AWARDS 900 High Street (Peninsula Creamery) | ꢀon 165 Channing Avenue (Watercourse Way) | ꢀon Listed Category 2 resource and a family-owned idenꢀﬁed from a 2021 permit for voluntary Listed Category 4 resource built in 1931. Work idenꢀﬁed from a 2019 permit for voluntary 2026 HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD AWARDS 450 Bryant Street (Avenidas) | Commercial Adapꢀve Voluntary Seismic Retroﬁts | Residenꢀal ꢀon Over the past 10 years, 14 residenꢀal properꢀes have ﬁts. Listed Category 2 resource built in 1927. Originally ꢀon. The work idenꢀﬁed here is from a modiﬁcaꢀons to accommodate the ꢀzen Center use. Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) 2026-27 Work Plan Date Re commended by PTC August 12 , 202 6 Staff Liaison: Jennifer Armer, Assistant Director, Planning and Development Services (PDS) Lead Department: Planning and Development Services (PDS); Office of Transportation (OOT) About the Commission The seven-member Planning & Transportation Commission adopted its 2025-26 work plan on July 8, 2026. The members and chairs are listed below. Members serve 4-year terms. See Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) webpage link: http://www.paloalto.gov/gov/boards/ptc/default.asp Current Commissioners • Allen Akin • Bryna Chang (Chair) • Bart Hechtman • Todd James • Kevin Ji (Vice Chair) • Cari Templeton Mission Statement The Planning & Transportation Commission advises the City Council, Planning Director, and Chief Transportation Official on land use and transportation matters, including the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, transportation programs, and related matters. The Commission's primary responsibilities include: • Preparing and making recommendations to the City Council on the City's Comprehensive Plan and applying the Comprehensive Plan to proposed development, public facilities, and transportation in Palo Alto; • Considering and making recommendations to the City Council on zoning map and zoning ordinance changes; any changes to Title 18 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code must be reviewed by the PTC and the City Council; • Reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council on subdivisions and Site and Design Reviews, on appeals on variances and use permits; • Considering other policies and programs affecting development and land use in Palo Alto for final City Council action; • Reviewing and making recommendations on individual projects as described in the Municipal Code, and Open Space development; • Reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council on transportation, parking, and other related mobility issues; and • Ensuring robust community engagement and dialogue regarding planning, land use, and transportation ; and providing recommendations to the City Council regarding these matters and incorporating the public discussion. The PTC hearings provide a forum for public comment and public interaction. Prior Year Work Plan On February 2, 2026, the City Council accepted the July 9, 2025, PTC recommended 2025-26 Work Plan: https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/ptc/council-approved-ptc- 2025-26-work-plan.pdf Prior Year Accomplishments During the period of the PTC 2025-26 Work Plan: • The PTC's transportation efforts included study sessions and/or recommendations on: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update; Crescent Park Traffic Calming; South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity; SamTrans Grand Boulevard Initiative; and Palo Alto Link. • The PTC's work on implementing the Comprehensive Plan, Housing Element, and Council Priorities included study sessions and/or recommendations on: Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan; Retail Code Amendments; Stream Corridor Protections; Bird Friendly Design Ordinance; Annual Review of Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element progress report; Housing Element Implementation including Program 6.5; Prohousing Designation application review; San Antonio Road Area Plan; Code Amendments for Special Setback, De Minimis Exceptions, and the “Shrink Wrap Rule”; and ADU regulations. • The PTC's work on development projects included review and recommendations on four Tentative Maps; two Conditional Use Permits; two Site and Design applications; a Planned Community (PC) amendment; and three Planned Home Zone (PHZ) applications. PROJECT/GOAL 1: Area Planning: This goal carries forward the prior year goal for neighborhood planning approaches and overall effectiveness of various approaches to neighborhood planning including both land use and mobility. The staff and PTC will consider new neighborhoods that result from the 6th cycle Housing Element sites and demand for public facilities/services. This goal includes continued work on both the Downtown Housing Plan and the San Antonio Road Area Plan. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Development policy recommendations and preferred alternatives for the new area plans enable City Council to provide direction to guide the City's future development. By June 2027 Staff time to research and prepare staff reports and conduct project coordination. Consultant budgets have already been allocated. Successful conversation and recommendations of policies and preferred alternatives to City Council, and initiation of environmental review. Yes – Council assigned. High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update Council directed work toward future area plans. N/A Yes PROJECT/GOAL 2: Housing Program Implementation: The Housing Element was adopted by City Council on April 15, 2024, and certified by California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on August 20, 2024. PTC will continue work on Housing Element implementation programs as scheduled within the Housing Element. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Complying with the requirements of the adopted Housing Element to encourage housing development and comply with State Law. PTC and Council review of a number of programs will proceed over the work plan year, as required by the Housing Element. Staff and consultant resources employed. Implementation of programs by target dates. Yes - State Mandated High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update Program 3.9 (incentivizing multi-family as an alternative to commercial development); Program 4.2 (short term rentals); Program 6.3 (SB 9 unit standards); and Program 6.5 (supporting innovative housing types). SOFA objective standards Yes PROJECT/GOAL 3: State Law Implementation – Laws with Prior Effective Dates and any new 2026 Laws to Become Effective in 2027: The State adopts new laws every year, some like Senate Bill (SB) 79, required quick action through an interim ordinance during the last fiscal year, that will then require consideration and recommendation from PTC of a permanent ordinance, others will require modifications to maintain consistency with State law and Housing Element goals. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Provide clarity to property owners and potential developers. Ordinance Recommendation during 2026-27 work plan term. Staff and consultant assistance. Adoption of ordinance amendments. Yes - State High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update Implementing State laws and discuss policy considerations. N/A Possibly PROJECT/GOAL 4: Parking Programs: The PTC will receive periodic updates regarding options for improving the City’s parking programs. Updates may include parking program activities, recent parking data, and upcoming parking policy efforts and program changes. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Improved parking operations. Ongoing. Staff resources. Feedback from PTC and continued engagement from the public. Yes High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update The staff work behind the project continues; proposed updates help advance the work. Additionally, the PTC welcomes opportunities to engage w/the public on this topic. This project represents a large body of ongoing work to manage parking supply and parking policy. Yes PROJECT/GOAL 5: Comprehensive Plan Policy Implementation: This includes changes in Title 18 and other Comp Plan policies that lead to Title 18 revisions. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Comprehensive Plan policies and programs to completion. As directed by Council. Staff and consultant assistance – particularly when staff resources will be focused on implementation of the Housing Element. Adopted ordinances to amend Title 18. No High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update N/A N/A Yes – Comprehensive Plan PROJECT/GOAL 6: Title 18 Updates: Considering and making recommendations to the City Council on any changes to Title 18 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code as directed by City Council, for example updates to the City’s Wireless Communications Facilities Ordinance. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Development of code recommendations to support City Council updates. As directed by Council. Staff and consultant resources would be identified based on specific projects. Wireless Ordinance update is currently unresourced. Adopted ordinances to amend Title 18. No High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update N/A N/A Yes PROJECT/GOAL 7: Project Review: The PTC will provide review as part of their regular ongoing responsibility for recommendations to City Council and staff on quasi-judicial development projects and transportation projects. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Public review of planning and transportation projects. Ongoing. Staff resources. Feedback from PTC and continued engagement from the public. Yes High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update N/A N/A Yes PROJECT/GOAL 8: Comprehensive Plan Updates: The PTC will advise on updates of the Comprehensive Plan. This may include updates to individual Elements as required by State law and/or small updates that have been surfaced by the PTC. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Improved consistency between the Comprehensive Plan and current City priorities, like reducing fire risk in the urban wildland interface. As directed by Council. Staff and consultant resources would be identified based on specific updates. These are currently unresourced. Determine extent to which plan needs to be updated, timeline, and activities for completion. Yes High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update Safety Element Natural Environment Element, Initiate Comprehensive Plan Update Yes PROJECT/GOAL 9: Improve PTC Processes and Scope: Investigate and implement improvements in PTC processes, including but not limited to technology use and communication with Council, other boards, staff, and the public. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Faster applicant progress through PTC reviews, reduced load on Council and staff. As directed by Council. Staff resources and budget would be identified based on specific efforts. These are currently unresourced. Reduction in average amount of time per project review or agenda item, in total over PTC and Council (for items involving PTC). No High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update N/A N/A No Utility Advisory Commission Annual Workplan - FY 2027 City Council Priorities 2026: UAC Purpose & Duties: The purpose of the utilities advisory commission shall be to advise the city council on present and prospective long -range planning and policy and major program and project matters relating to the electric utility, gas utility, water utility, wastewater collection utility, fiber optics utility and recycled water matters, excluding daily operations. See PAMC UAC Purpose & Duties 2.23.050 Item # UAC Workplan FY 2027 Objectives – By Category Referred by City Council 4 Review and advise on reserve policies changes informed by the Baker Tilly Utility Reserve Assessment that balance the need to be attractive to private markets and rates that are affordable to residents and competitive to businesses, for inclusion in the FY 2028 rate setting. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b ).(4)) 13 Review materials that inform upcoming action items on the BAWSCA agenda regarding SFPUC water policies and provide advice to Council on a policy stance toward BAWSCA and SFPUC. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(1).(B)) Affecting Multiple Utilities 2 Review and recommend reliability, resiliency, emergency response, and preparedness metrics and goals related to the local supplies and distribution of water and power. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(2)) 5 Recommend FY 2028 and five -year capital improvement program, timing of the projects, pace of infrastructure replacements, and use of financing mechanisms vs pay -go to ensure affordability across the five -year rate projections and financial plans with a special focus on the electric and wastewater utilities. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(4)) 3 Review and recommend to City Council FY 2028 rate changes to Water (including advise on a new Cost of Service Study), Gas, Electric, Wastewater Collection, Recycled Water, and Fiber Optic Services with priority on affordability. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(4)) Electric Utility 15 Electric Utility Business Strategy: Develop a flexible scenario -based business strategy that incorporates impacts on CPAU of increased and highly uncertain demand from data centers and other loads, both within CPAU territory and throughout CAISO. 7 Develop policies and fee and rate structures specifically for large electric load growth including but not limited to a financial charge for the reservation of electric system capacity, expansion of the large non -residential electric rate (E-7) or new rate structure for large commercial loads within Palo Alto. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(1) and 2.23.050.(b).(4)) 8 Review and evaluate preliminary results of the E-1 T Electric Utility time -of-use rate pilot, changes in energy usage patterns and financial impacts to customers and utility to inform further implementation to the full Palo Alto community. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(2) and 2.23.050.(b).(4)) 9 Review and recommend approval of new Power Purchase Agreements or other supplies to ensure electric supply contracts are cost-effective and aligned with the City's long -term electric portfolio strategy and the integrated resources plan. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(2)) 14 Electric Grid Modernization: Review load projections and strategy for City -wide grid upgrades, design standards and technologies, timing of investment and work, and customer impacts. Fiber Utility 6 Review Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) pilot results including use of key performance indicators (KPI) and recommend next steps. (Examples of KPIs include: take rate, customer satisfaction, cost per passing, revised long-term financial model, and capital expenditure estimates ) (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(5)) Gas Utility 1 The UAC will review progress towards a gas transition study that addresses the political, economic, legal, environmental, regulatory, and operational elements of a potential gas decommissioning. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(1).(A) & 2.23.050.(b).(4)) Key Priorities or Ongoing 10 Advise on funding and financing strategies for S/CAP for City Council consideration (see S/CAP 2026 -2027 Work Plan Item CA13) and advise on revision to current Carbon Neutral and Cap and Invest (C&I) funding City Council spending resolutions to clarify use s balancing S/CAP strategies, long-term affordability, and decarbonization incentives. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(5) 11 Review and recommend advisory positions on legislative proposals at the local, state, and federal level impacting any of the five utilities through new laws, regulations, or ordinances. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(3)) 12 Review customer survey results, communication methods, and new initiatives for the year (e.g., implementation of leak notifications), including review of effectiveness of engagements to inform continued iterative changes. (PAMC 2.23.050.(b).(5).(c)) The Utilities Advisory Commission reviewed the Commission accomplishments and draft workplan at its June 3, 2026 meeting Agenda item #3. FY 2026 UAC accomplishments can be found in the staff report. The agenda packet for Item 3 can be found here beginning on page 11: https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=896997&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto.